Paul Steel Interview

Twenty year-old Paul Steel signed to Polydor records earlier this year and is tipped for big things.

His debut single Your Loss is currently all over MTV2 while his album Moon Rock is due out later this year.
We caught up with him before it all kicked off

Hi Paul who are your influences?

Paul: My first obsession was The Beastie Boys when I was still at school. I went to a mates house and saw the Intergalactic video. I was played a lot of Beach Boys, and XTC and Steely Dan by my parents.

What instrument did you play first?

Paul: I had piano lessons when I was really young but I didnt like practising. I took up guitar when I was 14, I wanted to be Jimi Hendrix like everyone else does.

I write more on piano than guitars now because I think theres enough guitar rock to go around at the moment.

How would you describe your sound?

Paul: It would be baroque pop if it had more harpsichord in it. Its basically psychedelic pop with orchestral arrangements on top.

There are so many riffing indie bands. Im more into arrangements- not rhythmic guitars.

What inspires your songs?

Paul: The easiest thing is for song writers to have a good whinge but I havent got a lot to whinge about. I havent had a torturous upbringing. I write about surreal fantastical things.

Tell us about the new album Moon Rock?

Paul: Some of it is old demos. That have been tarted up a bit. I went out to LA to mix it with Tony Hoffer(producer for Beck and The Kooks).

Its pretty varied. Im into bands like the Super Furry Animals who mix it up. with different genres. There are a few songs that are more experimental. There are others that are straight out pop songs.

What is the single Your Loss about?

Paul: Its about a broken relationship. It should be real life but it isnt. Its more of a middle finger than a whinge really. I wrote it when I was a teenager.

Tell us about the video? You seem to have a gold fish bowl on your head

Paul: Five hours in that thing was dreadful. I was never really looking forward to it. I was bad at the acting.

Youve got famous fans in Andy Partridge from XTC and Sean Lennon, how?

Paul: I did a few dates with supporting Sean. Hes really nice but its difficult being John Lennons son.

There were paparazzi waiting outside all the venues. I had a sleeping bag with my keyboard in and as I walked past the paps thought I had assassinated Sean Lennon and he was in it.

Your Loss Is Out Now

Tom Thorogood