Irish indie-punks New Pagans have released their second album, Making Circles of Our Own and play The Sound House in Dublin on 13 April. We asked them the big questions . . .
Artist, filmmaker, and activist Derek Jarman directly inspire the band's new single, There We Are John. "He was a visionary avant-garde artist and filmmaker, with a career spanning four decades and multiple genres," says New Pagans' bassist Claire Miskimmin.
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"An important figure in the history of gay culture, he's been described as the Queer Pagan Punk."
Vocalist Lyndsey McDougall adds, "I first encountered the work of Derek Jarman through his coastal garden, Prospect Cottage in Dungeness.
"When we wrote this song, we had just lost our home and had moved in with my parents (because of restrictions around the creative industry during Covid) and my dream of owning a garden seemed further away than ever.
"Somehow, studying Jarman's Prospect Cottage garden brought me great serenity and hope. In a place considered so desolate, Jarman created a beautiful, fruitful landscape. This song is about hope."
New Pagans play: 2 March: Ulster Sports Club, Belfast. 7 March: Glasgow Broadcast. 8 March: Newcastle Zerox. 9 March: Manchester Gullivers. 11 March: London Boston Music Roomar. 13 March: Bristol The Exchange. 14 March: Nottingham The Bodega. 15 March: Liverpool EBGBs.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I love gardening, I find it very relaxing. My Grandmother, Maisie, was from Co. Tipperary, she loved gardening too. I'm currently writing up my PhD thesis on Irish embroidery.
How would you describe your music?
Indie rock, with a little touch of anger sprinkled throughout.
Who are your musical inspirations?
PJ Harvey, Sonic Youth, Björk, Fiona Apple, Nirvana, Bikini Kill, Placebo.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I genuinely have no idea; it was probably some Christian rock band. However, one of the first and most informative gigs was The Kills at Electric Picnic, I think that was 2008, that's the day I decided I wanted to be in a band.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Breakfast At Tiffany's, Deep Blue Something, I was 10 years old.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Slow Burn - Kacey Musgraves.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"We always did feel the same, We just saw it from a different point of view" - Tangled up in blue by Bob Dylan.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That's tough, I'd probably end up hating it but maybe Army of Me by Björk.
Where can people find your music/more information?
We're on all the usual suspects including Instagram, Spotify, Bandcamp and our website.
