This year, we’ve had the opportunity to chat to a bunch of bands from the Rogue PR label. Our latest one was with Apolline, Nicholas and Gaëlle of French punk-pop trio Plastic Age where we found out about their plans for a new album, influences and their trip to England.
Interview by Jane Howkins
How is 2019 treating you so far?
Very well! 2019 is not over yet but we can affirm that this year was a good year for our band. We managed to pull lots of live shows all over in France, specially in some very good venues in Paris like Badaboum or Supersonic. And then we had this trip to England. It was our very first tour abroad and it was the event of the year for us all.
We also had the pleasure to be the guests of a France 3 Bourgogne TV show, our very first “real” TV appearance. For now 2019 was a very good year and we hope that 2020 will be even better.
Have you released any music so far this year? If so, what can you tell us about that?
No, not this year. We released our Blood Red Roses album last year but this year we have a lots of music videos for this album, some live show videos and there will be a Christmas surprise.
Are you working on any new music at the moment? What are you working on, and when will it be released?
Yes, we are currently working on a new album that will be out there by the end of 2020. It’s not yet in recording process. We had a lot of work on the arrangements. We will of course keep everybody posted on our social accounts.
Who/what has influenced you the most as musicians?
Apolline: Every band I listen to since I was a child. It all started with The Beatles when I was four. All my musical culture has an influence on the musician inside of me. Everything I see in movies or in the everyday life has an influence on my way of writing music. I think, a musician is influenced by everything in his life, his surroundings, his problems, feelings, his tastes.
Nicolas: The most influential thing as musician, was to be playing for Plastic Age, in a band. Playing all together, even when we were four, influenced me a lot, either on my own sound, on my way of playing, my stage presence or my way of working all out. And then, there is all the sharing between us. Every band member has left something in me that defines the musician I am today.
Gaëlle: I’ve been influenced by lots of stuff. Listening to Nirvana made me wanting to play drums. Then I drew my inspiration from several music styles. From grunge to house music. I love that link between image and sound so I also draw some inspiration from movies and series.
What have you been listening to recently that you can recommend to our readers?
Apolline: Recently, I discovered The Menzingers, an American punk rock band. I love their 2017 album After The Party and the one that they released this year. They’re great! I recommend them.
Nicolas : Last week I stumbled upon the last album of Tropical Fuck Storm, an Australian punk band. Braindrop speaks about what’s happening nowadays and the sad state of the world is translated by a dissonant and violent music. Guitar lines are extra, freaky and distorted.
Gaëlle: Recently I’ve listened to Marika Hackman’s album, Any Human Friend. There are lots of catchy songs and they manage to put out the atmosphere for every track.
Why do you think people should pick up one of your records or come and see you live, and what can people expect from one of your shows?
You should listen to our albums and come see us play live because neither of them are the same. Every track is played differently.
Live, we’re all up, jumping everywhere, screaming but not without forgetting about the value of our three voices work hat makes he most of our music identity. When the crowd is getting hot we are in sync with them, communicating. If you like Punk music, vocal harmonies and jumping all over, come see us live!