The new album, Riverside Battle Songs. Where did the name came from? "After we had completed the record, we realized there were common themes that ran through the record. The songs were all 'battle songs' in their own way. Some were dealing with war, some were dealing with loss, and some were about getting through the day." How would you describe the album?
 | | Amy Helm |
"Our first record was a project which focused on re-working American folk and gospel music but on Riverside Battle Songs, there are more original compositions and the approach reflects our first two years on the road as a band." You've reworked a few songs on the album, including the classic High On a Mountain. What made you choose that one? "It's one of our favourite Ola Belle Reed songs and the melody lent itself to a nice re-harmonization. Ola Belle Reed was a great songwriter and you can't go wrong with any of her songs." People often speak of difficult second albums. How did you find the making of Riverside Battle Songs? "The process of making of this record was easier as we had found our core as a band on the road. The tricky part for us, and many working bands today, was trying to find our way through the current collapse of the recording industry." Your t-shirts have the slogan 'Study war no more'. What do you mean?
 | | Amy performs with bandmate Fiona McBain |
"This is from the song Down By the Riverside, which we cover on Riverside Battle Songs. The song is a timeless anti-war message and we sing it to protest the war in Iraq." Considering his fame, is it difficult going into the same profession as your father? "Not at all. I am so grateful to have him as a mentor. My father taught me, through his integrity and his intelligence, the irrelevance of fame. His musical depth and knowledge has been the greatest gift and the greatest teacher I could ever have asked for." What does he think of your music? | "I am so grateful to have him as a mentor. My father taught me, through his integrity and his intelligence, the irrelevance of fame." | | Amy on her father, the legendary Levon Helm |
"He's really proud of everybody in the group and he loves the music that we make. Actually, he thinks we rock and we should get paid more." This is a distinctly American sound, how is it going down internationally? "We're having a wonderful time. Great food. Great audiences. It's a real thrill for us to play here." Ollabelle play Kro Bar on Thursday 3 May. Tickets are 拢6 | 
