Getting To Know... The Parasocials

After spending the last year building and spreading their distinctive sound out to the world, London-based outfit The Parasocials return to their vibrant ways with the pulsing new single 'Deadzone'.

Described as Yard Act meets Talking Heads, 'Deadzone' makes for a brilliant engaging listen. With its smooth yet pounding rhythm, soaring aesthetics, and catchy hooks layered throughout, it already feels like we are going to be hearing a lot more from these guys in the months to come.

So with the new single available now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has inspired them most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Tomer: I'd have to say it was the bass guitar. Sleek, refined, with the ability to define and re-contextualise the harmony, can't say fairer than that.

George: I got trained to play the duduk by the Mekhitarist monks while hitchhiking through the Armenian mountains.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

George: I'd have to say, predominantly Mongolian throat singing.

Tomer: I didn't get into music until my early teens, Queen were the gateway drug that soon had me hooked on Bowie and the Beatles.

Felix: As a young man, I found myself mainly listening to Morrissey. As an older man, I find myself mainly listening to Morrissey.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Tomer: I'm ashamed to say it was the soundtrack to 'Wild Wild West. I later learned the title track was a brazen sample of Stevie Wonders 'I Wish'.

George: I have never 'owned' an album. I have, however, 'acquired' a fair few. One of the first to enter my collection was The Magic Bridge by Richard Dawson, which spurred a lifelong enthusiasm for his work.

Felix: Murder on the Dancefloor, by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

Felix: Murder on the Dancefloor, by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

Tomer: There are quite a few songs I've gone to write, only to find Dylan has gotten there first, What Was It You Wanted, off 1989s Oh Mercy, is one of those.

George: I would have liked to have written 'Poor Horse', by Richard Dawson.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Tomer: If you consider the inhalation of the vapours of a particularly popular brand of nail varnish a ritual, then sure.

Felix: I merely don my hair shirt, complete a 72 hour fast, accompanied by intense prayer and confessional, all while listening to Morrissey.

George: I just wing it.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

George: I think black midi are the best instrumental post-punk, noise rock experimental mathcore band going right now.

Felix: I prefer the sonorous tones of Black Country, New Road, washed down with the easy-listening folk musings of Phoebe Bridgers.

Tomer: I'm finding myself sticking Lovesong by Common Saints on repeat at the moment, I'm also really enjoying Yard Act, who am I told we share some tonal similarities to.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Tomer: I would absolutely love to open for Car Seat Headrest. Will, if you're reading this, give our manager a call and let's make it happen!

George: Car Seat would actually be pretty cool, I like that one song about the whale.

Felix: Morrissey. If you're reading this, you were right about Brexit, you were right about everything.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Tomer: I'd have to say...the free drinks tokens.

Felix: Especially when the free drink in question isn't just a can of red stripe.

George: I'm all about the fame and fortune lads.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Felix: The constant and unrelenting demands of our groupies.

Tomer: Dealing with the to's and fro's of swaying music industry opinion. I have worked with many record label execs who's opinions and game plan swing on a dime, and are worth about as much l.

George: The complete absence of any fame or fortune.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Tomer: Play on the one and don't fake the funk.

Felix: If you're going on tour, don't share a bunk.

George: Never steal a duduk from an Armenian monk.

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The Parasocials' new single 'Deadzone' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.