Interview: Amy May of Paris Motel - Page 3

Who and what are your influences and sources of inspiration as a band?

Obviously I’m very influenced by my classical background in music, but my parents brought me up listening to Steely Dan, Captain Beefheart, and Dr. John, so it’s a strange mixture for me! Joe, Mike, and Paul are very much more rock’n’roll. And Charlie is like me, from a classical background, but has ventured to ‘the dark side’ by playing in his band Mira Mira.

What band would you all want to be like and why?

I personally think that Arcade Fire is one of the most exciting bands I have seen live all year – last time I went to see them in London, I couldn’t work out why my calves were aching so much the next day. Then I realized I’d been standing on my toes to watch the whole thing. I was that excited!

Is there a type of music you feel should be nonexistent and why?

I really do believe that there should be a place for everything in music – it’s a great platform for debate and argument and to express emotions and philosophies. The only stuff that I hate is music that has been put together purely so that a band can posture and pose for their fans, rather than play music that means something to them. But I guess that’s always been part of music. It’s just that it sometimes gets in the way of a band actually being any good!

Of your own songs, which is each of your favorites and why?

We’ve been asked this many times! I always like the one I’ve most recently written the most – so it’s one from In the Salpetriere at the moment (our new album). But Mike loves "Static Song" from the EP, although he hates playing it live! Paul loves to do "Sistine Chapel" as he has a big Brian May-esque rocktastic solo in it! And Joe loves "Onto You" because he gets to whack the hell out of his drum kit!

Has there been one gig that really stood out as being amazing? What made it so great?

Article Author: Cara de Pescado

In real life she's Erin McMaster, but Cara de Pescado is one of the fortunate ones to be considered a Masked Movie Snob. She puts her fins to work and writes Reviews From A Fishbowl.

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