Interviews: Pornographic Sunset

We have had the opportunity to interview the Rock/Metal band Pornographic Sunset from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or come out just like that?

We spent countless evenings discussing the nature of censorship and the role of pixelation in Japanese pornography. Deeply fascinated by the topic, we broadened our conversation to the inherent nakedness of nature, the beauty of Satan, the transformative power of charity, the diversity of the tapestry of life, the attack ships on fire off the shoulders of Orion, and powerfully functional erections. We eventually realised it was late, we were drunk, and we had named the band Pornographic Sunset.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We wanted to play all the genres so we first wrote some surf punk, then some black metal, then some goth metal, then some reggae, then some pop, then some hardcore, then some jazz... and we kept ongoing. We wonder if we will eventually run out of genres to play.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Daniel and Dave were in a prog metal band together for a few years. Louis was a close friend of their drummer in that project and saw us live several times, occasionally sustaining minor physical injuries or major psychological traumas. We found Roger online. He catfished us and we were very angry, but he turned out to be a brilliant musician, so we decided to forgive him.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Daniel - The Residents

Dave - Soundgarden

Roger - The Mars Volta

Louis - Tool

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everything in the world is painful, funny, erotic, scary... inspiration is all around us.

6. Where was your last gig?

It was at the 360 Club in Leeds on the 10th December, coinciding with the release with our latest EP, Gold; Flesh; Dirt. It was filthy.

7. Where would you like to act?

We have recently pitched to a major TV network an idea for a modernised retelling of the Old Testament (46 books as per Catholic tradition). The series would be semi-anthological, with the four of us playing different characters in each story arc, covering all books from Genesis to Malachi. In this series we would be assisted by an all-star cast; we have suggested Susan Sarandon, Jack Nicholson, Cate Blanchett and Leonardo Di Caprio for key roles. It will require a very high budget and it is sure to raise some controversy (*lols in Deuteronomy*), but we think it's a worthwhile project. Please keep your fingers crossed for us! If the question was about playing live shows... We would love to play a good house party, one of those where people have such a great time that they will want to forget forever what happened that night.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Anyone widely different from us, to push us out of our comfort zone. Like an electronic musician, writing songs that defy traditional composition on a laptop. Like an acoustic solo act, writing with simplicity, honesty, and heart. Like a minimalist ensemble, writing gentle textures to soothe the audience. We would love to adapt to other people's way of working.

9. Whom not?

Taylor Swift because we are not worthy.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Yes, some stage fright is perfectly natural and healthy. Tips on how to beat it? Be well rehearsed: preparation is crucial. Warm up! Make sure your body is prepared but don't forget to get yourself in the right mindset. You will need to develop your own routine, everybody is different. Stay sober. Alcohol and other substances will make you think you are playing well, but the truth is that you will just be worse. Develop your stage persona, understand who you truly are as an artist and embrace it. Costumes, hair, makeup, and props can help you get in the performance mindset. Go all in. Have fun, suffer, give it everything you have. Embody your art. Even if you suck, you will have been honest and congruent. Breathe and relax. Remember it's just a gig. Nobody cares about your music enough for this night to be a life-or-death scenario... You are wonderful in your uniqueness, but in the greater scheme of things you are insignificant. Nothing bad will happen if you play a bad show.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Acid Bath, Opeth, Secret Chiefs 3, Madvillain, Kendrik Lamar, The Birthday Party, David Bowie, Masayoshi Takanaka, The Beatles, Bjork, Modest Mouse, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Santigold, Butthole Surfers, Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, The Residents, Deli Creeps, Fantomas, OOIOO, Ween, Kate Bush, Prince, John Zorn, Devo, Naked City, CCCP – Fedeli alla Linea, Talking Heads, Tomahawk, Boredoms, Beastie Boys, Faith No More, Kate Bush, Frank Zappa, Mano Negra, Queen, Lightning Bolt, Mr Bungle, Primus, Homosapiens, Buckethead, Sturgill Simpson, Cardiacs, The Jesus Lizard, Tool, Current 93, Chumbawamba, Sun City Girls, Lounge Lizards, Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band, Kate Bush, Queens of the Stone Age, Comus, Radiohead, Death Grips, Miles Davies, Dillinger Escape Plan, The Mars Volta.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Selfies. Nobody should want to be pictured with us.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are very deeply appreciative of their support. It's hard to understand why they would be our fans, but they exist. Not quite in dozens, but they definitely exist. 

14. What do you think of our site?

It's an absolutely fantastic place for bands to connect and have exposure. We love the inclusion of band biographies and we are especially grateful for the opportunity to have this interview. We are also impressed by the site's levels of accessibility for people with disabilities, an aspect of web development unfortunately often forgotten, and its overall compliance with W3C standards.

15. Something to add?

We are Pornographic Sunset and we are fucking with you.