Charlie Parr

Can you tell me a little about growing up, discovering music?
My Dad had a big ramshackle record collection made up of old country, folk and blues records that I started paying attention to when I was about seven, and I was completely hooked. With a few exceptions I paid all my attention to music and riding my bicycle all throughout my growing up time and if it weren’t for the irritating and constant nagging of adulthood it’s all I’d pay attention to now. 

What is a Stumpjumper (the name of his last album)?
In my neighbourhood growing up it was a group of young folks who raced four wheel drive trucks around empty fields and trails. In Australia it refers to a type of single-furrow plow that was capable of jumping over stumps left in the field without damaging itself. 

There’s a band feel to much of that album, which you don’t normally have…
Phil Cook and I just decided to try some different sounds out and when I showed up with these songs in North Carolina we started playing and it felt so good that we started recording and the next day the record was finished. It’s live, no overdubs, all tape, nearly all first or second takes. 

What themes run through your work?
I’m a big fan of Raymond Carver, I want to write songs about the little bits of life that go by in a moment but end up meaning the most. I’m clearly a long ways from my goal but since I don’t have steady employment these days I’m going to keep trying. 

I saw you play at the Sussex Arts Club (Brighton) a few years ago, it was the final gig at that venue. Do you remember it?
I do, they warned me about the decibel meter and I absolutely loved the place.

Bleach, Sun 14 Aug, 7.30pm, £12