When I was a kid, growing up in a house with Cat Stevens, Neil Diamond, and Simon and Garfunkel, the first time I ever heard Kiss's "Detroit Rock City," it was a moment of musical epiphany. It was just so vicious, aggressive and mean. It changed the way I listened to music. I've had a few minor epiphanies since then, when you come across a band that just brings something new and revolutionary to your ears.
What have been your musical epiphany moments?
The first time I heard Metallica’s “One”. Those pounding drums before the solo made me start taking drum lessons. Another defining moment for me was when I first heard and saw Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” Music video. That’s when I wanted to sing and play guitar.
Talk to us about the song-writing process for you. What comes first, the idea? A riff? The lyrics? How does it all fall into place?
It really depends. The process is never the same. I could be jamming and come up with something on the guitar, then I would think of a melody. Or the exact opposite. When I come up with a piece of music, I can identify where to place it, whether it’s for the verse, chorus and so on. Lyrics usually come last.
Who has influenced you the most?
Mostly bands from the 90’s. The bands that I mentioned before, but also others, like The Cranberries, The Smashing Pumpkins, Alice In Chains and more.
Where do you look for continuing inspiration? New ideas, new motivation?
This might sound a bit odd, but it depends on the weather and the season. Spring & Autumn are my most inspirational. Winter is when I write more acoustic and piano pieces.
We're all a product of our environment. Tell us about the band's hometown and how that reflects in the music?
I grew up in Philadelphia USA, but I also lived in Athens Greece. There are some influences from Greek rock and I have a fond appreciation for the Philly music scene.
Where'd the band name come from?
I don’t remember the conversation, but a few years ago I was talking with a colleague of mine from work and eventually she said I am The Paris, as Paris is my first name. So it fits best since I’m doing a solo record. But at the same time it sounds like a band name as well.
You have one chance, what movie are you going to write the soundtrack for?
That’s a tough one, perhaps The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring as I’m a big fan of Tolkien. The scores in those films are incredible.
You now write for a music publication (The Ripple Effect?). You're going to write a 1,000 word essay on one song. Which would it be and why?
Another tough question as there are so many amazing songs that were created. Normally I would say “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, but in this case I would choose “November Rain” by Guns ‘n’ Roses. Where do I begin? The melodies? The orchestral parts? The electric guitars? All together make an unforgettable masterpiece.
Come on, share with us a couple of your great, Spinal Tap, rock and roll moments?
One time after I had played a show, I really had to go to the bathroom. As I found a toilet, I closed the door. As I was taking a piss, one of the musicians I knew from another band that also played that night barged in. I was like: what are you doing! I’m pissing! He replied: Hey I saw you come in here so I followed you to see if you wanted to do some lines with me, want to? No! I don’t! I said. Get out! He started doing some lines of coke anyway. I left as soon as I was done.
Another time years ago, my band at the time called A Crucifying Feeling, was selected to open for Papa Roach. A paid gig, opening in front of 1500 people. We were all so excited, the day had come. We loaded up the van and we were about to drive to the show when I got a call saying that Jacoby Shaddix, the singer from Papa Roach had a throat problem and had to cancel the show. We were all so devastated but at the same time felt appreciated that out of all the bands that submitted, they had chosen us to play.
Tell us about playing live and the live experience for you and for your fans?
I always want to interact with the audience as it’s a give and take of positive and fun energy. Singalongs, changing the songs a bit for the live act etc.
What makes a great song?
I really can’t answer that directly, as music is subjective. But I always liked the “less is more” approach. Just like The Beatles. Simple music with great vocal melodies.
What one single album do you wish that you'd written or performed on, and why?
I would say the Album Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins. It’s a double album with 28 songs, it’s so diverse in music, but at the same time sounds as one sound all together.
Who today, writes great songs? Who just kicks your ass? Why?
I’m a big fan of Noel Gallagher’s solo career. I love his albums. He’s so talented. Great voice, great songwriting.
Vinyl, CD, or digital? What's your format of choice?
My first ever album that I bought was ACDC’s “For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)” and that was on vinyl. I was drawn to the album cover. I held back for a long time and didn’t start buying music digitally until 2011 because I wanted to support musicians. But things evolve. I go digital only now.
Whiskey or beer? And defend your choice
Whiskey. It tastes better, gets you drunk faster, and you don’t urinate as much.
We, at the Ripple Effect, are constantly looking for new music. What's your hometown, and when we get there, what's the best record store to lose ourselves in?
My hometown is Philadelphia PA USA. I would say Repo Records on South Street.
What's next for the band?
Currently I am putting together a music video for the first single. And also, making a documentary of the making of the album. We are looking into performing a cd release show and more.
Any final comments or thoughts you'd like to share with our readers, the waveriders?
I hope everybody enjoys the album. Thank you for listening and thank you for this interview.
Instagram: @the_paris_music
Facebook: xtheparisx
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2C5uGrnufx2mnqi8JI4Cdt?si=RcokDeb_Q92Y9bNeXJp_vw
Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/gb/album/eleven-eleven/1653067565
