Devil's Gate Music
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A Permanent Shadow is a band for want of a better description. Its only fixture is CP Fletcher who for his recordings surrounds himself with a rotating cast of musicians and producers. Albert Català, a classically trained piano player, helps CP whip the demos into shape. The finishing touches in the studio are usually provided by renowned producer Valentín Nieto. Both albums “Songs of Loss” (2019) and “Humdrum” (2022) as well as the EP “UnderCovers” (2022) and the new LP “No Leaf Clover” were recorded at Barcelona’s Mini Blind Studios. CP checks in below with the all-important background information on A Permanent Shadow.
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
A Permanent Shadow came into life in 2018 when I started working on my demos with Albert Català. Albert is a very skilled piano player and arranger and at the time was my girlfriend’s piano teacher. We then took the songs to the studio with producer Valentí Nieto, who contributed some great ideas. A Permanent Shadow is a solo project disguised as a band.
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe A Permanent Shadow?
We play quirky electronic rock with a twist, heavily indebted to New Wave and Post Punk.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band, and how was it?!
It was quite stressful, to be honest. We fleshed the band out with some hired hands, and to coordinate the whole thing in just four weeks was a bit nerve-wracking. But we pulled it off!
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We’ve just released our third album and are already working on a new covers EP. People can check out our stuff on our website, www.apermanentshadow.com, and all digital platforms.
In terms of a similar audience, which band out there at the minute do you feel you would be best suited to open for?
I think we would fit well on a bill with Future Islands and John Grant above all, although I believe we’d also go down well with A Certain Ratio’s fans.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
I think Hamish Hawk is amazing, and he’s already on the verge of breaking through. I hope it will really happen for him as he’s such a genius.
What frustrates you about the music business?
The business side is what I find most annoying in general. Do you remember The Jesus And Mary Chain’s “I Love Rock and Roll” and “I Hate Rock and Roll”? These two songs describe exactly how I feel about the music industry, how great it is to create music, and how much of a drag it is having to sell it.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I remember hearing David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” for the first time. That was a real game-changer for me. I knew immediately that I wanted to be involved in music somehow. It’s still one of my favourite songs!
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Last week I went to see James and they were as amazing as ever! Their new album “Yummy” is a blinder, too.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
We have a couple of songs about child abuse on the new album. It’s a subject matter I am having a very hard time with, especially when the predators are wealthy and manage to buy themselves out of being held responsible.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Eurodisco lately, which I dreaded back then but have come to appreciate much more over the years.
Everybody is a fan of something, who or what are you a fan of?
I’m a huge fan of the actor Edward Burns. He’s a great director and actor and has made some fine films, most of them very beautifully shot and very well crafted. He never really made it big, but he’s always stuck to his guns artistically speaking, which I find admirable.
What new music have you been enjoying so far this year?
I love the new Nadine Shah record. Her voice is incredible, and her songs are both deep and catchy. I also enjoy Yard Act and Maggie Rogers.
What does 2024 hold for A Permanent Shadow?
Promoting our current album and recording the covers EP which we will release towards the end of the year. We love covers and really look forward to finishing the recording.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
We use Instagram and Facebook and a little bit of TikTok, although I must admit we are probably not as active as we should be on social media. I think we are just a bit old-school and are fans of artists who remain a bit of a mystery.
