Interview with The Subs for Hennessy Artistry
Patrick Benjamin chats with Papillon, the frontman of electro-rave-punk trio The Subs, before they play their debut gig here as part of the Hennessy Artistry revelry.
Which three records have had the greatest influence on you?
Lovesexy by Prince because it was the first record I bought with my own money. I was really young then. I didn't always understand the music, but I played it so often that it grew on me. Tabula Rasa by Arvo Part, because it got me through the most dark and difficult period of my life. Homework by Daft Punk—one of the main reasons why I make music.
What first sparked your desire to make music?
It was when I discovered I could take nearly any instrument (well, not the violin of course) and get something out of it that could be called music.
Describe the feeling of being onstage.
Being onstage can feel awkward at first but I got used to it. Now I absolutely love the stage. Not because it puts me on a stand, but because it's a place where I can share my love for music with others, where I feel free from daily shit. It's also a very sexy feeling and it’s like making love to the audience. Music is very physical and a good concert can make me very horny.
What advice do you have for folks who want to start their own band?
Always listen to your intuition, never listen to the market.
Biggest non-musical influence?
Andy Warhol's philosophy has helped me a lot. Things like, "if you can't get it exactly right, exactly wrong is better," and "don't pay any attention to what they write about you. Just measure it in inches."
Up for trashy sexy sounds? Head down to The Subs' gig at the Hennessy Artistry.
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