Dan Kert, singer and guitarist of London indie rock band Plastic Barricades tackling the latest questions from AltCorner
A song that made you want to make music?
When I first heard Nirvana’s “Nevermind” I was only 11, but it changed my life forever. If I have to pick one song, it would have to be “In Bloom”. Just listen to that crunchy guitar and bombastic drums! It is so so so cool!
Best rider you’ve had?
Having a pool table backstage is always a nice way to kill some time. And all the M&Ms need to be the same colour, obviously.
Craziest moment you’ve had in the band?
We had our fair share of craziness, but I think playing the iconic London Hard Rock Café has to be one of the craziest ones. I’ve visited that place for the first time when I was just 14, it took another 14 years to play a gig there. It felt like I’ve come full circle that night. And the vault with all the iconic guitars, including Jimi Hendrix’s flying V and Kurt Cobain’s Jazzmasterwas just next door to our dressing room.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
Oh, this is a tough one. I’ll go for “We are reflections in the water, we will only exist until it gets dark” – from “Weightless” off our second album “Self-Theories”
Easiest song you wrote?
None of them are usually easy, but “Spectators” was specifically designed to be a one-take no frills track. Written and recorded in one day.
Favourite song in your set?
“Counting Fireworks” and “For the Brave” off our latest album are fun to play, both in full band format and as a stripped down acoustic version. Check out our instagram for those acoustic numbers.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Dear Dave Grohl and Ben Gibbard! If you are reading this, please get in touch – and lets make some epic rock together!
Hardest thing about being in a band?
Dealing with all the scams that are going around when it comes to music marketing. I am a seasoned pro by now, but I cannot imagine how the newbies get around without falling into those scams. I have a solution, by the way. Dear Spotify, please remove all the numbers from your website (number of followers, listeners, plays) – and you will solve the problem of the botted playlists and fake promoters instantly. No one scams people on Apple Music – because there are no numbers visible there and no one is trying to inflate anything!
Interesting fact about one of your members?
I used to be an automotive journalist in my 20s, and now spend my spare time writing short-stories (first book is coming, I promise!) and shooting 35mm film.
Jokes you have in the band?
“It only takes one song” – we like to say. It is obviously a joke, because everyone know it takes two songs.
Key to writing a song?
Have something to say and spend time with your instrument. Record everything that comes out without judgment and then approach again after you let it sit for a few days.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
London to Glasgow was a pretty long drive. And then we drove back after the gig. Insane trip. And then we did it again.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
I am very inspired by the endless energy and creativity of Dave Grohl. Need to ask what kind of batteries he runs on.
New band you’d recommend?
I am in love with Wyldest and also Victory Kicks and also Atlas Empire – all these bands are pretty stunning and I want everyone to know about them! Hopefully we get to play some gigs together some day soon!
Opening for this band would be ideal?
Death Cab for Cutie – lets do this! Ready when you are!
Place you’d most like to tour?
Touring UK is good fun, but my stupid dream is to spend 6-8 months traversing the United States of American, from coast to coast and from Mexico to Canada. Lets go!
Quote you’d like to pass on to our readers?
Andre Gide once wrote: “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore”. I think it rings true in the modern world of utter convenience.
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
Our third album, due this autumn, will be called “We Stayed Indoors”. It is pretty self-explanatory, but I also think that it is pretty weird, that in this ultra-connected world we feel so isolated and alone most of the time.
See us live at?
A village near you soon!
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Oh no! Definitely not for an indie artist. Even 20 years ago you most definitely needed a label to release music, unless you just stamped out cassettes in your basement. Now we are instantly connected to the whole world and all of our fans. It is the best time to be an indie artist!
Unusual merchandise?
I’d like to get some sculptures made, using the soundwave shapes from the actual recordings. I also like those bracelets made out of used guitars strings – that’s pretty cool. But Noel Gallagher wanted £150 for one of his. That’s crazy expensive!
Variations you’d like to do on any of your songs?
Everything in a drum-n-bass remix please!
What do your fans mean to you?
They mean the world! Every single one! They are the loveliest bunch and I want to meet them all while touring the world!
X-rays or any treatments needed for band related injuries?
Thankfully nothing too dramatic happened, but cutting hands open on sharp guitar bridges is pretty normal. Just need some band-aids on hand!
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
All those people who decided to drive out of London on a Friday afternoon. Maybe they were all going to our show? Hmmm….
Zoo animal that next describes the personality of your band?
Plastic Barricades is an otter – playful and cute. Did you know that otters carry their favourite stone with them at all times? Just like us and our guitars
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