Black Pistol Fire, a Canadian-born, Austin-based band, has thrilled us with their new tunes on their audacious, fiery and powerful new album, Look Alive, released on the 29th January. It was a great opportunity for us to discuss with drummer Eric Owen. Interview.
Unis Son: First, before getting to the album and the great energy you gave to it, and because I think it’s rather appropriate with the current situation: how are you, and where are you?
Eric: Merci beaucoup, mon ami! I am fine overall, obviously, this year has been a struggle for everyone. I am in my house in Austin, Texas, sheltering in place avec ma petite amie, un chien et deux chats. We got sick earlier in January. It was rough but we’ve recovered!
US: You’ve been inspired by more than rock music, as you’ve got hints of dark hip-hop and pop on Hope in Hell, which I find brilliant. Has anything else inspired you for this album?
Eric: Yes, definitely. Early disco and dub music. Specifically, the early 80’s when Punk, Disco, Dub, and early Hip Hop crossed over with The Clash’s Sandinista and Blondie’s Rapture. I also feel like Kevin has always been inspired by Soul and R’n’B.
US: Your music makes me think a lot about the Noir genre, sometimes of the Western genre too, and I can imagine it being part of a film, series, or video game soundtrack… Is there any of these you’d like to have been a part of?
Eric: Absolutely! In fact, our music has been featured in several movies. But yes, it would be great to be in a film noir or a western. Obviously, anything Tarantino would be incredible. Paul Thomas Anderson or maybe even some David Lynch. Something as interesting and dark as Mullholand Drive would be amazing to be paired with.
US: What are your next project in the upcoming months?
Eric: After the album comes out, we’ll be making a “concert” film that we’ll start rehearsing for. After that, hopefully being able to play shows later this year. That’s the goal!
US: And this will be my last question: what is your earliest musical memory?
Eric: My earliest memory isn’t particularly cool, but I will be honest since I do remember it. My parents always listened to the same “easy listening” radio station in the car when I was young. Most of the music was very bad, but I remember the song It ain’t over till it’s over by Lenny Kravitz playing all the time and I really liked it. I was a small child and knew nothing about “old” music, but I thought that song was so cool because I thought it was from the ’50s or something even though I had no idea what music from the ’50s sounded like.
I’d like to thank again Eric Owen for answering our questions and hope to see the Black Pistol Fire live again as soon as it will be possible. Look Alive is available everywhere.