FROM THE NORTH BY UKEPUNK
We've been waiting for this for a little while after hearing it trailed a couple of months ago. We caught up with Paul Davies - the titular Ukepunk - for a quick chat about the new EP, From The North.
IBWM: Which came first - the uke or the punk?
PD: Definitely the punk. The 'uniform' might not be as evident these days but the sentiment is always there.
IBWM: The title track - is it a celebration of Northerness, a pisstake or just an as-you-find-it explanation?
PD: All of the above. Where else will you find a song that quotes both Fred Elliot & Joy Division in the opening verse?!
I'd like to see it used as a football anthem. Any takers?
IBWM: How have you developed since debut album Punk Police?
PD: Punk Police was a snapshot of a weekend in a recording studio. I wish we'd had more time (& money)
Have we grown? I'm not sure we can at our age but I think the EP is probably a bit more polished. We're definitely a lot tighter live. I'll continue to write and hope that the songs develop into something worth listening to.
Starting with our next album.
IBWM: Do you worry that the current government is giving everyone so much to write about that all the creative geniuses heads will explode trying to take it all in?
PD: They're certainly giving bands/songwriters enough material to write about. You really couldn't make this shit up at the moment.
If it spawns hundreds of angry kids writing brilliant angry songs then that can only be a good thing. Are there that many though? Apathy seems to rule these days sadly.
IBWM: Despite having no apparent musical aptitude, I've often thought the ukulele would be a good starting point. I mean, four strings, what could possibly go wrong? How hopelessly naive is that?
PD: Ha ha! Well it's relatively easy to learn the basics but after that there are some amazing ukulele players out there. Buy yourself one it may change your life.
IBWM: Will ukuleles and UkePunk remain relevant after the Trumpocalypse?
PD: Of course. I can imagine Trump wearing one, but I'm not a violent man.
I'd like to see him trapped in a small room with a beginners ukulele club singing "We shall overcome" badly, until his ears bleed.
Thanks to Paul for his time. Follow him @theukepunk
Get the EP from the Ukepunk website