Credit: Ebru Yildiz

It’s been 18 years since listeners have heard a new song from 90s indie rockers The Wrens. Back in 2003, The Wrens’ third album The Meadowlands was released to widespread acclaim, and then the waiting began. Almost 20 years of it. Well, for bassist/vocalist Kevin Whelan that was far too long. 

Over the years, a fourth Wrens album was in the works, but after countless delays and a loss of patience, Whelan took his songs from the album and left to start something new. Having announced his solo project Aeon Station earlier this year, Whelan is finally giving Wrens’ fans their due. On his new album Observatory, out now, Whelan has married his reclaimed Wrens’ songs with some new originals to create a truly unique album. We spoke with Whelan about this process, the wait and the future…

Allston Pudding: Can you give me a little background behind the name Aeon Station?

Kevin Whelan: I had always been in a “The” band, which go in and out of Vogue. This is tongue-in-cheek, as it’s taken me “aeon”s trying to get to this station in life. Not only a good joke, but sadly the truth.

AP: The song “Queens” has a triumphant feel to it. Could you speak a little to the feeling of releasing music after such a long wait?

KW: I am super happy with [“Queens”]. We played it at a Wrens’ anniversary show back in 2010. It’s been around. Songwise it’s bigger. Usually we had quick chords, sort of punk rock, but “Queens” has very long, moving chords. That brings an air of exuberance… back to your question [laughs]. As humble as I can be, I am so proud of the record. At the end of the day it’s just the music, and the joy of making it. 

 

AP: What was the process like taking the Wrens’ songs under your wing and releasing them? What were the main challenges?

KW: The songs that were going to be on the Wrens’ record I had done myself, except for the drums. The part that had to be well thought out was how do you marry the two pieces of music? How do they look next to each other? Does it make sense? We can’t suddenly have a digital dance song.

AP: Oh, he’s really gone mainstream on us… [laughs] Just throw a dubstep track in there for fun.

KW: *groans* Imagine how hated that would be?

AP: “Queens” is inspired by ABBA’s “The Winner Takes It All”, and coincidentally you and ABBA have both returned this year. Is there another artist/band that you would like to see return?

KW: Pavement coming back, that’s pretty cool. I was super lucky to see when they played in New Jersey right before Slanted & Enchanted and it was a “moment” for sure.

AP: You had said “Leaves” is about leaving negativity behind, what are some ways that you remain positive?

KW: Just living life helps you stay positive. You had struggles from a few years ago, but now you strain to even understand what you were worried about. All of us get knocked off our feet over and over again. In the end you come to grips with it and how to get through. Clocks and calendars… they’re relentless. 

Observatory Artwork

AP: I was curious which song on Observatory was written first? 

KW: The slow-chugger “Air” was probably written first, in the early 2000s. It’s interesting because I am never going to do this again. I’ll never have a record wait 17, 18 years. It’s an odd occurrence…

AP: Did the songs change at all over the years?

KW: No. The five songs, it’s kind of like a vault. If we went back and released them, they would be the same.

AP: You and Taylor Swift, just yanking songs out of the vault.

KW: First person to compare me to Taylor Swift. She might be very offended [laughs].

AP: You have SXSW confirmed already for next year, do you have plans for a proper tour?

KW: I am very lucky to still work with Ryan Craven, my booking agent. We will be set up on some tours. 

AP: What are you most looking forward to?

KW: Connecting with people, doing it for people. But even now with these COVID variants, people are concerned so it remains to be seen moving forward. 

AP: You’ve said this album is “the best you’ve ever done and may do.” With the release finally here, what does the future look like for you?

KW: All artists are excited about their work that they consistently do, but there are moments where artists have to realize they’ve done some of their best work. “Leaves” could be the best song that I ever do. But, I have a whole bunch of new songs and I’ll see where that takes me. For now, I’m just going to enjoy the moment because I’m super proud. 

Observatory by Aeon Station is available now! For more follow Aeon Station on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!