Back in Five were lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview Joe Pancucci-Simpson, new solo artist, 'Joe Louis', and ex-lead guitarist for The Metros. He's a really lovely chap, and be sure not to miss any upcoming gigs!
You can here some of his new stuff here: http://www.myspace.com/curleejoelouis/
Things always go wrong when you make concrete plans - Joe Pancucci-Simpson
Back in Five here with Joe Pancucci-Simpson! How are you feeling about this weather, Joe?
Haha, it’s cool. Well, I fell over on some ice yesterday and got some glass in my finger, which is not too good!
Oh no! Can you still play guitar?
Yeah it made its way out, luckily.
Aha yes. How old were you when you first started playing guitar, or realised it was something that you wanted to carry on with throughout a career? (Unless it was unintentional).
I used to skateboard when I was a kid, but couldn’t handle the pain of falling off which I did a lot, so I played guitar instead. I loved the creative side and carried on.
Aw okay, did you ever think that you would be in a band of which has toured, and playing at so many different places?
Well, I have always felt like that’s what I’ve wanted to do and if you work at it and really love what you’re doing it’s just a matter of time really.
How did you feel when the Metros had been signed to a label?
It was pretty daunting to be honest. We were all so young I guess, we couldn’t really comprehend it, or I couldn’t anyway, it took a while to sink in.
Well, where do you think was probably the best venue or location you've ever played in?
The Royal Albert hall with Madness was great. It feels good to be able to say that I played that, but Japan was the highlight of it all for me.
Haha really? How comes
It was the most people, and the Japanese crowd was great, and they really loved our stuff, it was so great.
As a musician, who have been your biggest inspirations?
I always get a bit scared about this question because I’ve got so many different influences from all types of music. I’ve found influence in some music that you wouldn’t think I would have, like dance music! But I love Bob Marley, the way he can take like 3 chords and make the best song out of it. That’s what I try to do, as good song doesn’t have to be complicated, usually the opposite.
Is that the approach you have tried to take on with your new solo tracks?
Yeah definitely, I think it takes a really good song writer to make a great song out of the most basic chords.
Who are a few of your favourite bands/artists?
At the moment, I listen to a lot of Black Keys, and Fat Fredis Drop, but all of the classics really; Stones, Doors, early Kings of Leon, Strokes, Marc Bolan, but I really could go on.
Aha okay, well what could you say would be 1 pro and 1 con about being a solo artist?
Well, the pros are that you don’t have to compromise or rely on anyone if you want to play a gig. You just get your guitar and go, but it can be a bit lonely sometimes, so don’t be afraid to say hi.
If you were able to tour or play in any country or venue where would it be?
I’d love to tour America, it would just be great; the sun, the different places. And I just hear that road tripping around America is one of the best things you can do, so touring would be amazing. I would love to go back to Japan though.
Okay, well what would be a New Year’s resolution you may have?
Possibly to try and drink less, but that’s not really going to happen so hey!
What would be your message for Back in Five readers for 2011?
Do what you love, and do it well.
