British singer-songwriter and musician Paul Garside has produced a haunting alt-folk tune titled That There Is Our Problem, based somewhat on a story about a man who decided to burn a local church down when he found our his partner loved God more than himself. It’s quite a dark concept, and one that I wanted to find out more about – see how I got on with my interview with Paul below:
By Jane Howkins
You’ve just released a new single titled That There Is Our Problem. What can you tell us about the song?
That There Is Our Problem is about a man who is jealous of God. His wife has told him she loves God more than she loves him. His passionate response is to burn down her church, thereby damning himself in the process. I got the idea from a short story I read (or was it a news article?)
I hear the song has quite an interesting backstory involving God and religion. Are you much of a religious person?
I used to be a religious kid. it wasn’t foisted on me by my Mum and Dad. I just really loved Bible stories – especially the Old Testament. I just couldn’t believe how brutal they were. I’m agnostic now so just keeping my options open. I’m also drawn to writers with religious themes to their works. Writers such as Flannery O’Connor and Denis Johnson. There is darkness there but always suffused with the possibility of redemption.
How has the reception to That There Is Our Problem been so far? All good I hope?
Reception has been good so far. People really love the banjo and bouzouki work but I can’t take credit for that. That’s by Niilo Sirola, a brilliant Finnish folk musician. I’m very lucky to work with him.
Are there any plans to release any more singles or a full-length album in the near future?
I imagine I’ll be releasing a few more singles this year with an album planned for 2027 – budget permitting.
You also released an EP this year titled Me and the Foxes EP. What can you tell us about the EP?
Me and The Foxes EP was a collection of songs I’d recorded over the last two years. The title track was inspired by the character of Fredo from The Godfather who gets rowed out to the lake at the end of Godfather 2 to meet his fate. I just love the flaws and weaknesses of his character. I even had a cat named after him for a while. Please Don’t, I recorded because I found a great Hammond player called Abramo Ritti and wanted to do an upbeat tune albeit with cynical lyrics. I steal a lot of lines from film dialogue and books. I nicked a line from Alien for Please Don’t mainly because I love Alien.
The song has quite a folky sound. Who/what would you say your main influences as an artist are, and what have you been listening to recently?
Ever since I was 13, my main obsession has been The Kinks. I don’t know why they have such a hold on me still – now I’m past 50! I got into folk 20 odd years ago but avoided its influence in my music because I felt I wasn’t a good enough player. Luckily, I meet much better players and they help bring the sound out that I want. I think the sound of That There really came from listening to a lot of Planxty. I love their interplay of instrumentation. Currently I’m obsessed with Weyes Blood and I hear there is to be a new Alabama Shakes album coming which I’m excited about.
You’re currently based in London. What is the music scene like in your part of the city at the moment?
Music scene – I don’t play live a lot so I’m a bit ignorant. There are many good open mic nights but like everywhere else, decent sized venues seem to be closing down. I do like playing pubs though, rather than hushed acoustic nights. You have to win them over.
Do you have any plans to tour your music across the UK at any point?
I’d love to play across the UK but the day job won’t permit it. One day I’ll get out there.
Any last words for the fans?
Just to say thanks for the attention this song has received. It’s been lovely.
Social media: Spotify