Interviews: PPR PPL
1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it, or came out just like that?
Peter W. Bartash: Surprisingly, it arrived in about 10 minutes, but it landed because the idea had been building for decades. Who we are on paper isn't who we are in reality. Reducing the name to its consonants echoes the themes of reduction that underlie a lot of the music.
2. Why did you want to play this genre?
I didn't pick a genre so much as chase the feelings associated with the ideas I was exploring through lyrics and melodies -- heaviness and atmosphere in the same song. Writing has changed the way I listen to other music, and I’m noticing more and more what specifically brings up certain feelings when I’m hearing a song – I gravitate toward alternative rock, shoegaze, and metal, but more recently I’ve also developed a deep appreciation for electronic and pop music so you’re hearing the result of that journey.
3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?
PPR PPL is my project: I write and build the songs myself -- but the record was made with people I trust. Brian Charles co-produced and played guitar on the EP at Rare Signals in Cambridge, and Annie Hoffman of Weakened Friends engineered and played bass. I’ve known them both for over a decade, and our friendship has built slowly over the years as we’ve collaborated on other artists’ projects. I’m extremely grateful to be surrounded by incredible musicians who are helping bring this project from the studio to the stage – more on that soon.
4. Each band member’s favourite band?
Today, my favorite band is Thrice. Last month, it was Deftones, and the month before it was Pool Kids. Barbarians of California, Sweet Pill, Biffy Clyro, The Dear Hunter, Thursday, and James Blake have also held the title at various points in the last 18 months.
5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?
Full songs show up in my head -- melody, parts, emotion at once – and my job is catching them before they fade. They're built from real moments, some recent and many from long ago.
6. Where was your last gig?
There hasn't been one yet, but we’ve begun rehearsals and are ramping up toward our first shows as PPR PPL.
7. Where would you like to act?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamt of playing an arena show – specifically, Madison Square Garden. While it’d be amazing to one day have that opportunity, I’d also be thrilled to play some of the newer venues in Boston (MGM Music Hall or Roadrunner), and hope to soon retake the stage at The Sinclair or Paradise Rock Club, which are two of the greatest venues I’ve ever experienced.
8. Whom would you like to feature with?
Dustin Kensrue. I've been studying his singing for a while now, and he is the quintessential rock vocalist – his melodies and style are phenomenal. Sharing a song with him would be surreal, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t writing with him in mind at times.
9. Whom not?
Nobody I'd name -- anyone making honest music is doing the same job I am.
10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?
I’ve never had stage fright, well at least not that I know of – perhaps I’ve been numb to it! The only cure is preparation, which looks different for everyone and goes far beyond your instrument itself. What you eat before you play, how you loosen up, your breathing, whether you’re in touch with your own body and mind – there is no shortcut, and any attempt to “trick” yourself out of stage fright will only make things worse in the long run.
11. What bands have inspired you the most?
Thrice, Deftones, Biffy Clyro, James Blake - not a genre, a feeling they share.
12. What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?
It’s early in terms of PPR PPL’s life cycle, but I’ll say it still feels weird when someone asks to hear more about the story behind the music or the project. I’m sure I’ll have a juicier answer as we start to play shows – who knows, this question could kick off an unofficial “who can ask the weirdest thing?” contest among future fans.
13. What do you think of your fans?
Right now, they're mostly early believers - people who asked to hear this before there was much to hear, many of whom I know personally. I take it seriously that anyone would choose to spend their time listening to the music or reading about the world around it. Some of their names are honored inside the vinyl, but it’s not possible to express in words how thankful I am to everyone who has shown an interest in PPR PPL.
14. What do you think of our site?
I appreciate anyone building a home for heavy and honest music -- thanks for making room for a new project in it. You’re doing important work in a world of vanishing independent outlets, and I’ve particularly enjoyed diving into the “Genres” tab. It’s amazing how many subgenres exist these days.
15. Something to add?
Debut single “Taller Trees” is out August 28, second single "Ache (Hiraeth)" arrives October 2, and the PPR PPL // 01 EP lands November 17. Join us at pprppl.com for the rest.
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