Feature: Pork Pie Decodes “Careful as you go”
What inspired you to write the lyrics/music for "Careful as you go?"
We had already recorded 4 songs for the new album, that were pretty intense, kind of psychedelic stuff and so when we jammed out a few blues riffs the music developed very quickly, the lyrics were dictated by the level of intensity and fell out very quickly, we were coming out lock down so unconsciously these lyrics found their home in the momentum, you could say it was about that but it’s fundamentally a tale of human paranoia.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for this single?
Not from the recording because it’s done in a matter of fact way, but making video clips for promotion is always a laugh, for this one we got into a local music venue ‘Toales pub’ that has somewhat unusual rock portraits in a street art way all over the place to let us in early in the morning. We were just hanging out miming, playing along, taking the piss in general, having an early one …sure why not
How does "Careful as you go" fit into your overall artistic vision and what can listeners expect from you in the future?
Our roots as unit are extremely different, the ‘Back line’ Michael Laverty and Shane Brett just left a speed metal band to form a more groove-based music like acid jazz, Peter Laverty had a rock/metal background and Michael Stafford was doing a type of singer-songwriter type thing. So with respect to that we find ourselves making music that crosses a lot of genres so “Careful as you go” is one of those meeting grounds on which we can all hang out in. There is a quiet a few of these meeting grounds on the new album ‘Golden leaf sheets.’
Is there a specific show that holds a special place in your band's history?
They are mainly cool but the one I think we will remember is a gig we played in rural Ireland, we got invited to this gig, a type of secret festival so to speak in the middle of nowhere. They will cover the cost….great… finally found the place and a rundown old farmhouse with quite a few NewAgers knocking around, all cool, set up tents, we began to become aware to say the least that this was a bit half-arsed. Went to the stage area, double decker bus sunk into the soil with a large army tent sticking out the side with a drone like humm of a generator befitting a large religious cult ceremony. We were one of 3 acts ONLY, one singer/songwriter, one bluegrass band and us a Garage, mod-like, psyche outfit, wearing Fred Perry’s and general urban-wear. Great people, the gig went well several times as the generator kept cutting out so we would start again as people went from dance outhouse to trance outhouse to army tent, good times.
How do you continuously grow and evolve as a band?
I think we are in a state of constant flux, there is always new music being explored by Michael Stafford who is always trying to learn new instruments and Peter Laverty is also introducing new guitar riffs, the two have a working relationship that goes back into their teens when they jamming on their middle ground the blues.