What was the beginning pint for your music career? How did it all start?
I used to be a drummer for many years until I got fed up with playing other people’s songs, so I decided to start singing my own compositions. In parallel, I founded The Magic and Loss Orchestra, a Lou Reed tribute that helped me hone my craft as a singer and frontman. Since then, I released one album under the moniker A Permanent Shadow, with a second long play due for release in early 2022.
Was there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
I guess the major challenge is to get heard these days. A lot of effort goes into promotion, and I’d rather use the time being creative. In terms of my music, I started out as A Permanent Shadow with one guy but it turned out to be a dead-end street. He was much too occupied pleasing his in-laws rather than staying focused on the creative process.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
We recorded a cover of the Simple Minds song “See The Lights” for our debut album and got a totally unexpected shout-out from the band on their social media. I had to pinch myself a few times when I first read it.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
You could say it’s eighties influenced pop-rock with electronic tinges. My idols are the likes of Bowie, Iggy, Lou Reed, and I think it shows.
What is your creative process like?
I’ve established a modus operandi which works quite well. I write all the lyrics and basic melodies and with my producer Albert we work on arrangements and pre-production. With another musician friend, Valentin, we continue in the recording studio. Albert plays keyboards, Valentin guitars and bass, and some additional guests come into the studio for drums, strings and whatnot.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
The mediatic focus is on the few cash cows that are left and many a good band falls under the radar. The music business is just that, a business, and it would be nice if some of the decisions were less business-driven and new artists were given more opportunities. And in terms of playing live, more and more the artist has to be his own booker, promoter and bank manager bearing all financial and other risks. That’s not fair in my opinion.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
Rewrite your songs, don’t settle for the first version, try to excel. Learn your craft and don’t play music you don’t believe in, it will lead you nowhere. And don’t spend money on useless playlist promotion!
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
The best show was definitely our album presentation here in Barcelona in March 2020. The place was packed, we sounded great and got a good reception from the crowd. Unfortunately, it also was the last show before lockdown, so the memories are bitter-sweet.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
I am a trained grief counsellor, so I guess I’d be listening to people trying to overcome all sorts of grief.
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
We’ll release our new single “Shining Star” and the accompanying video on September 24th and a new album in March 2022. You can check out www.apermanentshadow.com for details. We have already started work on the third record and a covers EP which we hope to release later next year.
