Name: Parapa Palace
Formed: 2014
Hometown: Ballynahinch
Genre: Alternative Rock
Line-up: Paul O’Hare – Vocals and Guitars. Aaron Hunter – Drums. Allan Hunter – Guitars. David Walsh – Lead Guitar
◀ Q & A ▶
▶ Tell us about your band name?
We decided to change from our original name (LIVES) for a number of reasons, and after much deliberation and many ridiculous suggestions, Davy, our guitarist suggested the name “Parapa Palace”. It has a nice ring to it which we all liked. Remember the video game “Zelda”? Well, for all the non-nerds out there, the name comes from the first dungeon you come across in “Zelda 2 – the Adventure of Link”.
▶ When did you start playing music and how would you describe your sound?
We started playing music together as a band properly at the start of 2014. Myself (Paul), Allan and David had been just jamming around in my house for about 8 or 9 months before Aaron joined us on the drums. Jangly Rock and Roll probably best describes our sound, melodic and kind of a bit rough around the edges. That’s the kind of music we listen to, so we try to put that across in our own music.
▶ What releases have you put out so far?
We uploaded two demos in July and August 2014 online which were really just to let people hear what we sounded like, they were never properly released or anything. However we are releasing our self-titled debut EP on Wednesday 22nd April which anyone will be able to get in cd format at our launch gig in Voodoo Belfast on that same date, or online from our bandcamp page.
▶ Is there a particular live show which stands out amongst all the rest?
We haven’t played that many gigs yet but our first gig in The Menagerie probably. We were all pretty nervous but looking back it was enjoyable, and it was a good crowd!
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a low point of the journey so far
Not really had too many low points so far thankfully, we have all been in other bands before and already had our spirits crushed by bad gigs and empty promises! So it would take an awful lot to get us down these days! A high point so far would be getting selected by BBC ATL as a track for the day, and getting some great feedback and compliments about our music.
▶ If you weren’t musicians how would you spend your spare time?
I would work in a dead end job, slaving away for the man, for pittance. That’s the dream, right?!
▶ If you were to go on a world tour and you could pick any 3 acts come along, who would they be?
The Cribs – they would be fun, QOTSA – wouldn’t get tired of hearing them play every night and Interpol – Paul Banks could teach me Spanish and how to dress as cool as him…maybe
▶ What would be the 3 strangest things on your rider if you were able to make any demand?
A wheel of Walkers shortbread, 6 Tunnock’s tea cakes and a bowl of brown m and m’s.
▶ Who has been your biggest inspiration as a musician?
I like bands and solo artists sort of equally; Interpol, Wild Beasts, Elliott Smith and Leonard Cohen are favourites. As a band we all agree on bands like The Strokes, The Cribs and older classic stuff like Bowie and The Beatles, as well as myriad others.
▶ Is there a particular aim or goal which you hope to achieve through music?
Really we want to just to prove to ourselves that we can be a good band of friends that enjoys making our own music. If you try to please other people it can sound contrived and that’s not what we want to do. It would be great if we could build a fan base and if people can connect with our music, or like what we do then that’s amazing!
▶ Are there any other Northern Irish musicians we should check out?
Yeah loads but can’t name them all! Hot Cops, His New Atlas, Mere Moths, Autumns and Hurdles are all pretty great.
▶ What is next for you?
As I mentioned the EP is coming out in April so look out for/listen to that! Writing and recording more and hopefully releasing another single in the summer. Then we have a big show in The Empire Belfast playing with GOONS on July 3rd! It’s gonna be a banger!
◀ LISTEN ▶
Facebook ▶ /Parapa Palace
Twitter ▶ @parapapalace
