My songs are like paintings that you can listen to Q&A with Robyn Hitchcock
THIS week we talk to Robyn Hitchcock, who will be performing at the Llangollen Fringe Festival. Q
Tell us about your family
A
Mostly migrated from Devon where they emerged from a cave on the moors in the 18th century. My grandma’s dad was Welsh though, in my father’s side.
Q
Tell us something about yourself
A
I’ve written songs and played music all my life: made my first record in 1977 with The Soft Boys. We were unbelievable, and very few people believed us. Posthumously, the Soft Boys are known as Art-Rock, like Roxy Music and the Velvet Underground. We were very loud in our day, deafening: nowadays I’m rather quiet onstage.
Q
How would you describe your music?
A
My songs are basically paintings that you can listen to. On stage if I close my eyes I can see my voice flying around the room, like a swallow or a bat. My musical style is late 1960s – the Beatles and Bob Dylan. If you like them you’ll understand me...
Q
Do you have any gigs/ tours coming up? A
I am constantly on tour and probably will be long after I’m gone. That’s
what happens to old paintings... Check my site and you can follow my trajectory. I recently played in Chester, and I have a date in Liverpool in October. Q
What are you best known for?
A
For not being a household name.
Q
What can people expect from your gigs?
A
The more open your mind is, the more my songs will roost in your head. If you come to shows to drink and talk, please pick another show or stay in the pub - thanks!
Q
Tell us five things which make your set great?
A
I have a strong selection of songs to draw from. My guitar playing is pretty good now after 50 years. My songs are sad - my introductions often funny. I don’t play for too long.
QTell us what’s good about the venue
How old are you? young to retire
Where are you from? The past
What are your best and worst habits: One of my best is persistence, one of my worst is falling into the same old groove. My strength is my weakness. Too old to work but too
A
I’ve yet to go there – maybe you could tell me?
Q
Tell us a little known fact about yourself: A
My first public appearance was standing on a rock on the beach at Weston-SuperMare at the age of three and singing Rock Around The Clock.
Q
What are your best and worst habits: A
One of my best is persistence, one of my worst is falling into the same old groove. My strength is
my weakness...
Q
Whose music are you listening to?
A
Sharon Van Etten Cass McCombs - Cliff Richard - Jessica Lee Morgan - Mary Hopkin (Jessica’s mum)... and all the old faves from the 1960s. Q
What are you most proud of musically? A
The instrumentals I’ve composed and recorded, and a record I made in 2003/4 with Gillian Welch & David Rawlings In Nashville. I live there now... Q
What are your up-andcoming plans with your career?
A
Just to keep going until long after I’ve stopped. Robyn Hitchcock will be one of the stars appearing at the Llangollen Fringe Festival next month (Photo by Laura E Partain)