Today we find out all about Paul Archer who took on our A-Z challenge.
A song that made you want to make music?
What Goes On by The Velvet Underground
Best rider you have had?
Assortment of beers and eats – Brixton Academy
Craziest moment as an artist?
Having my song as the closing song on a CBS Studios Hollywood movie (Aquaman (Mercy Reef) 2007) and I had no idea this had happened until years later!
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
“Burn truth like a candle, watch your ego dismantle, run free from the fighting, the truth is too frightening to say. When the start is the final, and your war is denial, you’re making a new world and words are the bullets today.”
Easiest song you wrote?
I don’t think any song is “easy” to write however I have had moments where melodies and lyrics have come to me at the same time for example – “We are like gold, shining in light, we are much more than these bones and this time” – melody and lyrics came at the same time whilst I was outside and I ran to my home to get these down.
Favourite song in your set?
Fear Destroyer
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
John Cale
Hardest thing about being a solo artist?
As a solo artist you are your own “engine” and it requires focus, commitment and discipline but I am ever grateful for it all.
Interesting fact about you?
I am also an abstract expressionist artist and my new album “Art” and website; www.paularcherofficial.com feature both my visual and sonic art.
Joke you like to tell?
What did the fish say when he swam into a wall?
Damn!
Key to writing a song?
Pay attention to your feelings – the moment, cirumstances and always be ready to respond (keep your voice recorder on your phone handy incase you get unexpected inspiration.
Longest distance to travel to a show
Three wonderful shows in the beautiful ski village of Chamonix in the incredible French Alps!
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
John Cale
New band/artist you’d recommend?
Hello Mary
Opening for this band/artist would be ideal?
John Cale / Michael Rother of NEU!
Place you’d most like to tour?
New York
Quote that you’d like to pass on to our readers?
“Never give up”
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
My new album called “Art” is approriately titled as it brings together (for the very first time) my visual as well as my sonic art
See me live at?
The Sanctuary Theatre – Belfast – 1st November – No Hype Just Good Music Podcast Festival
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Great to have the far reach of new internet platforms however with streaming and digital formats I think that the more visceral and personalised relationship to music has changed and is not as powerful and personally meaningful as it once was and perhaps the resurgence in vinyl sales and the sound of vinyl may be a partial indicator of this.
Unusual merchandise?
I am working with a company on hats, t shirts, cups, bages and stickers
Variations you’d like to do on one of your songs?
I am currently working on a variation of a song I wrote for a new upcoming single in the coming months.
What do your fans mean to you?
I am ever grateful for every single wonderful human being who has taken the time to engage with my work over my 30 years of writing! I very much enjoy engaging with those who find value in my work and my recent shows have incorporated discussion as well as performance with this new album called “Art” bringing together my sonic as well as my visual art.
X-rays or any treatments needed for performance-related injuries?
Fortunately not so far. Some finger damage due to impassioned playing with 11 gauge strings in the past!
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
I always try my very best to be ahead of time allowing for possible delays with trains, planes, cars and vans.
Zoo animal that best describes your personality?
Tiger
Never stop and never give up, keep pushing and keep fighting to write, to communicate, to empower, to express, to empathise, to be grateful and compassionate.
Picture credit: Helen Violet French