Passionate acoustic musician Paul Thomas Saunders just finished his latest EP, Lilac & Wisteria. Check out our Q&A with him below, and stay tuned to his website for updates on its release!
Flavors: The brief synopsis of your upcoming EP states “Inspired by Arthur Miller’s ‘Death of a Salesman.’” Could you tell us a bit more about that?
Paul Thomas Saunders: The title of the EP is taken directly from the play, a short line in the opening act: “This time of year it was lilac and wisteria.” It’s quite a pivotal moment as it’s the first time the protagonist, Willy Loman, digresses about his past. It’s a colourful memory, but it’s sad as you realise slowly that it was probably never how he remembered it.
I think I’m a bit of a nostalgist too, and it can be a healthy thing, but you get to an age where you are no longer commended for being a dreamer. The EP is about how I remembered the past when I couldn’t sleep as a teenager, and how I remember it now.
Dementia, Depression, Psychosis, Blues by paulthomassaunders
F: Your music seems to be influenced by North American folk singers. It was a bit of a surprise to learn you’re from England. Do you have British influences as well?
P: Anything produced by Joe Meek is interesting to listen to, the mixes sound alive. I’ve always been a big Shadows fan, too. He’s not British, but i’ve been listening to a lot of Vangelis again recently. Perhaps his trademark synthesised trumpets will find a happy home in my next releases.
F: What’s in store for you later this year?
P: Well, the E.P is finished and we’ll be announcing its release date soon. I’m writing another E.P at the moment, and perhaps a single will come out of that. Apart from that, I’m keen on doing some more live videos. We have a few ready to release with the E.P., which the great folks at The Blind Club did for us. And some touring to cement all of that together, I hope.
F: Are you a book lover? What have you been reading lately?
P: I’m quite bookish. The last book I read was Kafka on the Shore, which my manager gave me. I’d recommend it. And I’ve just started Post Office by Bukowski.
F: Why did you choose Flavors for your official website?
P: It seemed to let us do everything we needed it too. I’m glad artist websites are making a resurgence.
