Getting to Know… A Permanent Shadow | Interview 🎤

On our 204^th interview, A Permanent Shadow provides awesome insight into his musical craft an philosophy, influences, and future endeavors.

“F

irst of all, A Permanent Shadow is not really a band.” And that is THE quote, my friends.  It’s true considering 🎙 A Permanent Shadow is 🎙 CP Fletcher, who works with a variety of producers and musicians. According to Fletcher, “Over the years, I’ve grown pretty tired of the traditional band constellation.” Fair enough! Prior to his statement of tiring of the traditional band, Fletcher asserts, “I would like to think that A Permanent Shadow achieves a rather unique sound which is slightly reminiscent of New Wave and Post Punk, although I am not trying to emulate anybody.” The 204^th interview in our Getting to Know… series is another awesome addition. So, without further ado, here is 🎤 Getting to Know… A Permanent Shadow: Interview No. 204!

---

Let’s get this started off right. For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes you distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

🎤 First of all, A Permanent Shadow is not really a band. It’s me, CP Fletcher, working with various producers and guest musicians, which lends a sonic variety to the music which maybe in a solid band setting would not be possible. I would like to think that A Permanent Shadow achieves a rather unique sound which is slightly reminiscent of New Wave and Post Punk, although I am not trying to emulate anybody.

---

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did A Permanent Shadow come to be, and what were some of the goals or the visions you had early on?

🎤 I used to be a drummer in quite a few nowhere bands, until I decided to write and record my own songs. But first I joined a Lou Reed tribute, that was my first exposure as a vocalist and front man. Then in 2017 I teamed up with Albert Català, a classically trained piano player and arranger who helped me put my songs into shape. My vision from the beginning was to keep this project as open as possible and work with different collaborators to achieve more musical richness. Over the years, I’ve grown pretty tired of the traditional band constellation.

---

Let’s talk more about goals.  Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting out? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

🎤 I have to admit that for the release of our first album I had quite high expectations. I teamed up with a promotion company which I thought would put me on the indie map, at least in Europe, but that did not happen to the extent I expected. I ended up doing most of the PR myself, which was exhausting but also rewarding. For our second album which is out in early 2022, I honestly don’t have any expectations in terms of recognition or commercial performance. I am happy with the record for now, and that’s what counts in the end.

---

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

🎤 My biggest influence is David Bowie, without a doubt. I started listening to his music at a very early age, and so many years later there are still new nuances I can discover in songs like 🎵 “The Bewlay Brothers”. I like the intelligence in both his music and his lyrics, as well as the impeccable visual presentation of his songs. Bowie also taught me that you don’t have to be afraid to try out different stuff and your music doesn’t necessarily have to be streamlined. For our debut album we recorded a song called 🎵 “Sailor” which mourns his passing.

---

Ah, the fun stuff.  What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance?  Feel free to be creative.  

🎤 Our first guitar player was going through a rough patch some years ago and one night after a club gig in Andorra got smashed and coked up to the extent of blacking out. When he came to his right hand was badly bruised though he couldn’t remember why and how. Luckily, we had a day off for him to rest and soothe his injuries.

---

Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?  

🎤 There’s a song on our new album called 🎵 “Day Zero”. A couple of years ago I became obsessed with footage from the 2011 Tsunami in Japan. I would spend hours watching YouTube videos. This inspired me to write a song about the events from the perspective of a seagull. It’s a very complex song with many different parts, almost a bit prog, but I think it’s quite accomplished.

---

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left of center the world should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

🎤 I am a very quiet and reclusive person I’d say. I am interested in esoteric matters such as tarot and aura readings. I’m not much into sports or nightlife though I like nature a lot. I live in Barcelona which is great if you are into sea and sand. On a different note, I love TV shows like ‘Embarrassing Bodies’ or ‘Pimple Poppers’ where you see really explicit and quite heavy stuff like people being cut open or having really bad skin disease. I haven’t written a song about that yet though.

---

Closing things out, what are you currently working on, promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure. 

🎤 We have a new single out on September 24^th. It’s called 🎵 “Shining Star” and will be featured on our second album, 💿 Humdrum, which is slated for release in early 2022. You can pre-save the song and sign up for the video premiere here.   

Thank you so much for sharing taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward. 

---

Follow A Permanent Shadow: Site • FB • IG • Twitter • YouTube • Spotify

---

Getting to Know… A Permanent Shadow: Interview No. 204 🎤 [📷: A Permanent Shadow, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype]

---