So So Gay
Paper Aeroplanes are a band chiming out soft tunes, with intimate, carefully thought-out lyrics. Last week they were featured on Lip Service, whilst touring all over the UK. So So Gay had a quick, but lovely, natter with Sarah Howells about how it’s all been going.
So So Gay: Hey, how are you today? Are you excited about playing in Cardiff tonight?
Sarah Howells: I am good, thank you. Tired, but good. Yeah, it should be a good gig. We had to change venues at the last minute but we gave away some free tickets, and they all went within a few hours – so should be a nice one!
Do you prefer writing or performing – you strike me as a band that puts a lot of work into their writing process?
Definitely. I think when you get a song that comes together and you feel like you’ve said exactly what you want to say, as best you can, you know – it’s not always the case – but when you feel like some words come out of you that just really sum it all up – then that’s an amazing feeling! But I really do love to play live, and there’s probably nothing that beats the buzz of a really lovely crowd responding to your music.
How did you end up being on the lesbian drama Lip Service?
We were really honoured to be asked. We didn’t approach anyone – we just got an e-mail through saying someone at the production company was really keen on our music, and wanted to use it for the show. Then we sent a few emails back and forth, agreeing to the songs being used. We were pretty excited to be honest, because it’s a great show, and it’s just the right kind of match I think – our music and the storylines in it. We were really happy. The response from Winter Never Comes especially has been just phenomenal. We’ve been really chuffed with that!
What’s your biggest influence when song writing. Do you have a particular theme you tend to focus on?
I guess the songs tend to be about how I’m feeling, and I guess your feelings tend to be generated by relationships and other people. I think, when it comes to descriptions and imagery, I’m always really drawn to the sea. I grew up by the sea in west Wales. Although I try not to repeat myself, or use too much of the same imagery, I do find that the sea and water is a really big draw for me, even though I’m living in London now, where there’s not a lot of water – unless you live by the Thames…
If you could see any band or artist from history perform live, who would it be?
I think Björk actually. I’ve seen her at a festival once, but if I could see her at a fairly small gig doing her thing, then I would be very happy.
You can download Winter Never Comes from iTunes now. For more information on Paper Aeroplanes, visit their official website or follow Sarah on Twitter (@sarahaeroplane)
http://youtu.be/jJ3PmkCLOz0
