How did the band start,how did you meet?
I met Mike at university and we started jamming, then I met Tom at a pub called the Camden Head and Mike met Perry through a mutual friend. We then all decided to make music together wanting to create something fresh.
Why the name Paves and what's the story behind it?
It comes from the saying "sous les paves la plage" written for the Mai 68 riots in France. Left wing students and workers clashed with the authoritarian right wing and the saying symbolises the upheaval of political and societal norms, by tearing up the very foundations of society.
Do you come from other bands?
We've all played with other projects over the years and some of us do other things, but this is our main project at the moment.
Your music is pretty unique, can you describe your sound?
We consider our self part of a rock revival, however because of our different backgrounds we all bring something personal to the band and have managed to create a fresh contemporary sound because of that.
Who writes the songs and how are they written?
I write the songs on acoustic guitar so that the melody and lyrics are there. Then I'll take them to the band and sometimes they stay very similar, sometimes the structure is changed , and sometimes I'll go back a re-write some things. One thing's for sure is that the songs go to a different level when we've finished it as a band...
What distinguishes you and your music from any other new band?
We experiment and use a lot of different sounds and tones which compliment the compositions. This has taken a lot of time and practice, but it's something that we enjoy and continually do.
What are your influences, music, literature, cinema?
I studied literature at uni, so a lot of inspiration comes from there,particularly poetry for the writing side because of the imagery and use of language. We enjoy art in all its forms and that inspiration always seeps into our work, naturally.
If we could open for any band, who would it be and why?
Jimi Hendrix - No explanation required.
How do you see the UK scene right now, is it overcrowded?
The music scene in the UK is banging right now, so many of our friends are creating great music which in turn pushes us to perform. More music can only be a good thing, great music will prevail!
Luke, you have a peculiar way of acting and singing, where does this come from?
I've always looked up to the greats of performing, James Brown, Mick Jagger etc... so i guess when I got on stage I felt like I'd already been there and that i was part of a continuum, I've always had a very firm idea of what I want to do and where I want to be so it's just about getting there really.
Perry can you talk us through your taste for the blue aqua bass?
Yeah of course! I play a sea foam green Airline Map bass made by the folks at Eastwood guitars! It was a love a first sight situation and also one of the best playing bass guitars I've ever come across. I like to think it chose me! I also play a surf green fender jazz master. If I had the option I'll have everything in surf or sea-foam green the colours ooze cool in my opinion.
Can each of us say what´s you favourite…
Luke - your favourite lead singer and guitar player?
Steve Marriot and Mick Taylor
Perry - Your favourite bass player?
John Paul Jones but that's an easy answer, next would be Arif Mirabdolbaghi
Mike - Your favourite guitar player?
There are so many obvious ones, but my modern day one would be Joe Bonamassa
Tom - Your favourite drummer?
Steve Gadd
Have you got an EP/LP coming out?
We have a single coming out very soon called 'Baby', then we're heading to the studio to record an EP which should be coming out end of summer!
(all photos are from Paves)
