Pancakes And Whiskey Interviews Palma Violets

We caught up with William and Pete from Palma Violets before their sold-out gig at Baby’s All Right to get some insight on the new record that is due out in May, and to learn more about the talented English rock band. The live performance they put on after the interview was remarkable with fine musicianship and an energy that is hard to match. It is truly one of the highlights of the year so far here at Pancakes and urge you to check out the pictures that follow the interview.

PW: What’s the story behind your band name, does it have anything to do with the British candy?

PV: Yeah It does

PW: How did that come about?

PV: It was the first idea we had (first good idea), we had a gig and didn’t have a name so we thought of one and then got signed and realized we had to keep it.

PW: Since your new record is coming out in May, is there anything you want to accomplish as a band this year?

PV: Jeff – World Domination, stardom, nights in bed with Angelina Jolie, and bed in the morning with anyone other person who’s famous and good looking…It’s True.

PW: We heard you recorded your first album with each song being done in three takes or less, did you use a similar approach when recording “Danger In The Club?”

PV: No, we took our time with this one, we wanted to avoid the “second album syndrome,” ya know where their first album is great because they’ve had all the years to write it…and the second one is a bit, rushed. So we spent more time working out the songs.

PW: Being signed to Rough Trade now, did that afford you a little more time as well?

PV: Yeah definitely, they were very much behind us.

PW: Which songs off the new album are you most proud of?

PV: We are proud of them all, they are equally as good.

PW: When we listened to the new album there were a few songs that have American themes such as “Hollywood, I Got It,” and “Secrets Of America.” How did those ideas come about, are they from a media prospective or from personal experiences?

PV: I think “Hollywood, I Got It” was a tongue and cheek idea…Coming fom England, the way it’s presented is very glitz and glamour, the boardwalk of fame and all that but when you go there it’s just ordinary as everywhere else…it’s just dusty, it’s dry and too hot. It’s kinda a joke in a way.

PW: What’s your favorite thing about coming to NYC?

PV: Well, we’re still yet to find a good cheesecake. Here’s the thing, we went to a place the other day and all it was all fucking cheese, no cake! It wasn’t even cake (you need a nice buttery base, Pete says), just cheese…no cake. It was a funny thing – like a block of cheese, we’d slap it with a spoon and it wouldn’t budge.

PW: You are headed to SXSW, what are the pros and cons of playing the festival?

PV: We’ll start with the pros – a lot of people get to see your music. On the other side – that it’s a struggle, sound usually isn’t that good and too fucking hot. Put it this way; If you can cut your teeth as a band, make it through SXSW, then you’ll be fine as a band.

PW: When you pack for a tour like this what’s the strategy? Fashion or comfort?

Will: We pack light…then buy more clothes over here. Thrift stores are incredible here

Pete adds, while showing off a bomber jacket he just bought in the city for $20 – that he’s all about that fashion and sweats it out while performing but looks good doing it. (We all agree the jacket is a great find).

PW: Since we are Pancakes And Whiskey, time for the serious question, what do you guys prefer to drink?

Pete– Glenmorangie

Will – Wild Turkey and a lot of tequila!

Article by: Shayne Hanley