Interview by Geno McGahee
Plastic Barricades is a band that knows who they are and how they want to present their message to the fans. A very deep and atmospheric sound with a lot of rock mixed it makes their music something that must be checked out. Based out of North-West, London, has not only earned a dedicated fan base but has also attracted the industry, leading to many acknowledgements and awards.
Scared Stiff had the opportunity to sit down with Plastic Barricades to discuss their music and what they have in store for their fans…
GM: Can you introduce yourself to the public? How would you describe your band, your style, your message?
My name is Paul and we are Plastic Barricades! We’re a rock band. I play the drums and Dan plays guitar. We are a two-piece that plays pretty 90s stuff, we have no style. Our message is: be present, work hard and life will get better.
GM: What got you into music?
For me it was rocking out to Beatles tapes in the living room whilst wearing a diaper. Good times. My dad showed me how to play rudiments using chopsticks on a pillow and one day he got the kit out and showed me the basics. I haven’t got any better since, unfortunately.
GM: What musicians/bands were your inspirations?
I grew up with a lot of Beatles, Queen, Bowie and Tamala Motown. We both loved the same things when we were teenagers: Nirvana, Oasis, Weezer, Led Zeppelin. The big stuff. We continue to explore. I love stuff like Mars Volta and Shakti.
GM: Talk about your latest album. What should the public expect?
The public should expect something rather different from the last album. I wanted to hear dirt. We recorded “Self-Theories” and wrote it all in a shed. We wanted to see how much we could push and be as DIY as possible. I think it sounds rather good. It’s amazing what you can do with a space with some tender loving care. The songs are about unplugging from society, focussing on personal relationships and creating with only personal meaning in mind. We’ve really tried hard giving each song its own character and place, I like when albums have narrative in tone.
GM: What has been the best experience you’ve had being in the business?
Watching Chic soundcheck at Budokan in Tokyo. Sorry Nile, when (not if) you read this for distracting you but it was totally worth it and I would do it again.
GM: What has been the worst experience you’ve had?
Having too many friends die on the roads travelling to and from gigs.
GM: With the changing mediums in the distribution of music, how difficult is it to make a living in the business?
Nobody has ever said the music business is easy. I think it’s easier than ever to scrape by and I think it’s harder than ever to create something interesting. There are too many temptations to remove character from your music. When it’s just you and a Banjo and three of your friends it’s very easy to sound like yourself. It’s right or it isn’t. When you have free loops, autotune, courses, beat detective, remote session players and everything else you can make anything sound like a million bucks but nobody will give you an honest opinion of what they think of the song until it’s released. That’s too late. It’s harder than ever to make something honest. Artists with real talent, authenticity and determination are doing fine: Ed Sheeran, Justin Beiber, Julia Michaels, Biffy Clyro. Use the tools, but don’t rely on them. Musicians who rely on social media will find themselves in trouble. If you’re in the business for fame and money you will struggle, because it’s not glamorous and it doesn’t pay well. Concentrate on filling the room with a joyous noise.
GM: Any final thoughts?
Everything you see around you is the product of someone’s imagination.
Plastic Barricades’ new single “One for the Road” out NOW!
Website: http://www.plasticbarricades.eu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plasticbarricades/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plasticbarricades
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/plasticbarricades
