If you like your rock music with a psychedelic edge, then Pale Cousin may be for you! Pale Cousin is the solo project of multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and music producer Terry Boosey, who recently released a banging new tune titled Spacecake. I was intrigued and wanted to find out a little more about Terry and his music – if you missed Spacecake first time round, you can also find a full stream at the end of this interview.
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a new track titled Spacecake. What can you tell us about the song? Does the title refer to actual spacecakes?
The title Spacecake refers to cakes that contain marijuana. The song was basically created to listen to when high on marijuana edibles, which often can be a very immersive experience.
How has the reception to Spacecake been so far, and where can it be purchased?
It’s been pretty good, considering it is an instrumental piece. It’s received a few write-ups in various publications and got added to far more Spotify playlists than anticipated.
Do you have any more singles planned in the near future?
Yes! I have just released Out of Control, which is in a completely different style to Spacecake, leaning more towards hip-hop without actually being hip-hop. I also have a couple of other tracks lined up for release in the near future with a post-punk flavour to them.
Are there any plans to release and album or EP in the near future?
I do plan to release an album in the future but at the moment I’m concentrating on single releases – most of my current work is of a very varied musical nature which wouldn’t really hold together as a cohesive piece of work. As soon as I have a collection of songs that ‘hang’ together I’ll release an album.
Spacecake has a psychedelic rock sound. What/who are you most influenced by when making music? What have you been listening to recently?
When I started Spacecake I didn’t have anything in particular in mind, but very soon it became apparent to me that I was accidentally tapping into my love of early Hawkwind. I just ran with that to see where it would take me. The band that I’m currently listening to the most would be Horse Lords.
Pale Cousin is actually a solo project. Why did you decide to use that moniker, instead of writing and performing under your name?
I decided to use the name Pale Cousin because I wasn’t sure what genre of music to pursue. I like to listen to and play many different types of music so I thought I’d use a pseudonym until I’d settled on my path. It’s gradually becoming clearer where I’m going with my musical output but I think I may stick with the name in the long run after all.
You’re originally from the UK but have since moved to Ireland. What prompted the move? What is the local music scene like with you?
There aren’t many venues around the area I’m originally from so I felt compelled to move. I initially went to live in Co. Kerry, very beautiful but venues only cater for traditional Irish music or inane cover bands, so after a while I moved to Co. Clare which has a slightly broader musical landscape. There still isn’t a huge scene here but it seems to be improving of late, I’ve heard a few really good acts lately from the area.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up over the next few months?
I prefer to play festivals as opposed to pub/bar gigs, as the crowds are there primarily to hear music so I’m waiting for the summer to arrive to get going with gigging. First up this year is The Cosmic Garden Fest in Co. Clare on 15th June.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I haven’t got anything lined up yet for the UK, maybe I’ll be able to squeeze in a date or two at the end of summer but nothing is confirmed as of yet.
Any last words for the fans?
It would be great to see you at a gig, check out my website for tour dates. If you can’t get to one of my dates then make sure you go and support your local independent original artists in your area, that’s where the real music scene is. That’s so much better than spending a fortune to be a mile from the stage of some venue just so you can say “I’ve seen so-and-so famous person”, plus you’ll have the warm fuzzy feeling you get knowing you have helped keep real organic music alive… tribute acts? JUST SAY NO!! Peace!