1985
/ Bandits one to five n°3, fanzine Jon: Your latest single, "I'm
alright with you" is your third for Creation I believe. How difficult is
it being on a label which seems to have a higher profile than the bands on it? Stephen:
It's just the way McGee's chosen to promote the label - maybe he feels he's more
articulate than his groups. It doesn't matter now, but anyone who knows them and
us will know that we only ever connected fleetingly - what has happened (the break)
is best for them and us. (Stephen added in his letter that Creation have done
no promotion what so ever for the latest single) Jon: How do the Pastels
work? You and Brian (Superstar) seem to write the songs; is this together or as
a result of individual genius on one part tempered by the other? Stephen:
That's the trouble - Pastels don't work. We all write songs and it's just a question
of being brattish enough to make sure your songs get used to the exclusion of
everyone else. My new idea is for Brian not to hear my songs until we go into
the studio forcing him to do something on the spot - real hit or miss - I'll probably
end up getting hit! Jon: What keeps the Pastels together? Are you striving
for large record sales and far greater recognition? Surely you can't be content
being a small 'cult' band, and having your wonderful tunes sold to only a few
thousand? Stephen: We stay together because we want to - because we're the
best being The Pastels. If we sold lots and say we're recognised for what we are
- or what we think we are, ie; the best there is - then fine, but there are other
reasons. Jon: Does the Pastels home have anything to do with how you've
developed. Or could you imagine it being pretty much the same had you been weened
in London? Stephen: Well, when the group started we were quite camp (Shangri-La's
covers etc!) and twee probably. It was just to go against the Glasgow musical
clique - to noise them up. We might not have happened in London... Jon:
The Pastels appear to me, precious and fragile, especially live. I don't think
I've seen you on a good night yet... do you find playing live difficult? Stephen:
Sometimes I want to play live and everything works out ok and we're really rock
n roll and exciting and sometimes I just think oh fuck, what are we doing here?!
It's just because I care, about what we do, how we come across - like it's not
being honest, if you know what you're doing is rubbish and you hate it, but you
smile and do encores. I mean I've done that and it's sick. Fragile - maybe sometimes.
Precious - never. Jon: What do the Pastels get up to individually when not
involved collectively? Is there anything that could challenge the importance or
relevance of being in the Pastels? Stephen: Well to be truthful, we're not
really sure about Brian but he does carry a black attache case around with him
and is quite seedy really. Martin and Bernice, rock and rollers living for today.
I stay in mostly. Some day, it will seem pointless and we'll give up I hope.
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