The Goo 1
NIALL MCGUIRK Interview JUNE-JULY 2022 The Bobby
Lees self-released their second album, Skin Suit, last year and Ipecac Recordings have come on board now for their new EP Hollywood Junkyard which is out on June 17. They are three minute anti-hero songs dragged from the Punk rock Garage. Playing live is in their bones and they are delighted to finally get over to Ireland in July. They are playing late night in Whelans, the same night as Bob Mould but U:Mack have thoughtfully moved it late night so we can enjoy both shows. I sent the singer Sam Quartin some questions... What have recent gigs been like? Is there a comparison to before lockdowns? They seem to be different depending on the place- we’ve been touring a lot since last summer and some places are amazing and people feel comfortable and free to move around/be close to each other, while other places there’s still a sense of caution/ people are reserved, but i guess that’s more about personality types than the places themselves. Did you plan to ask Jon Spencer to produce Skin Suit in advance of playing with him in New York or did it just evolve from a conversation. How was that experience? It just evolved, I started talking to him after our NY show - he reached out to us and asked us to play that night. We got along. Jon producing came about organically- he offered and we accepted! He was really great with us and is a very generous person. The new single, Hollywood Junkyard is out now. If you were to visit the Hollywood Junkyard today would you know many people in it? Is the song written from a personal viewpoint? Yeah, it’s about what i experienced when i was trying to act- people/situations I was exposed to. And when someone feels like they’re destined for something, but the world and its circumstances don’t agree or align with that vision, it can be really painful and confusing. People often talk about dreams, but not about what happens when the dreams don’t come true - I find that subject interesting. Some of the lyrics are inspired by a mental breakdown I had in a small town outside of Los Angeles and that place gave me the Hollywood Junkyard title idea. How is your health? It is no secret that you have had struggles. Is singing and writing about such a thing cathartic? Music has historically had a connection between intoxicants and playing on stage. Is it difficult to be in and work in such an environment? Writing and getting to play is really helpful. I’m grateful I have a place to put my energy. I don’t think I’d be around if I didn’t have that. Being sober and touring a lot/around all that shit can sometimes be really hard. I honestly haven’t had an issue with it until recently. I’m trying to learn a balance of doing the work/touring while also taking care of myself so I can stay sane and sober. When I head out on tour, I never know if i’ll make it through it, but so far I have and I usually feel great when it’s over so that’s my motivation. The Bobby Lees play Whelans Upstairs on Friday July 1st at 11pm. Tickets are €15. PAGE 29 PAGE 29