Today we interview Patti Plinko. Patti and Her Boy are on at The Udder Place tomorrow, 6th May with a further concert on Tuesday 13th May. Ian filmed them at the Forest Cafe in Edinburgh and throughly enjoyed their show. Without doubt this is a talented duo so let’s cut the intro and hear from Patti herself…..
1. What inspired you to become a musician and singer?
Life, death and the sex in between.
2. What is your show about and what should the public expect from your show?
Life, death and the sex in between… It a very raw, emotional and seductive music performance as I holler, whisper and hopefully woo the audience into quite an uncompromising world that has come only be to described as Dada Noir. Audience, press and I are having difficulty placing the vocals and music performance into a genre. The work has been likened to Jacques Brel, Bjork, Edith Piaf and Nick Cave which is a wonderful compliment.
Wild theatrics can be found seething beneath my gas masked guitarist, it’s an exhausting and hopefully exhilarating set as I try and take each individual audience member close with me though the journey of songs. I do apologies for the large disproportionate amount of songs about murdering ones husband.
3. What is your favorite Festival/Fringe and why?
Well I have to confess I have only performed at the Edinburgh Fringe last year so naturally that has to be my favorite so far, but Brighton will be a first for me this year so ask me after May.
4. What’s your best advice for aspiring artists and performers on the Festival/Fringe circuit?
Live every hour in your art. Visit as many shows as possible. Be inspired!
5. What is your funniest experience and also your worst experience performing or attending a Fringe/Festival?
Worst experience is not getting into certain performances, in fact that should also be under my advice…get tickets early whilst you’re sober. The amount of time I’ve spent begging on venue doors!
Funniest experience gosh! So many most of which consist of me making a fool out of myself in front of my idols.
6. As you travel performing to different festivals/fringes, where is your favorite place to vacation and chill out and why?
Art galleries and museums are wonderful places to escape to but libraries have to be the most chilled places on earth. Find the reference section in the basement and curl up amongst the smell of old books… devine!
7. Who is the person you most admire and why?
Hard question, admiration changes throughout and at different times. My mind is so obsessed with art so admiration tends to be toward people who are giving me growth and wisdom at that time with what my art needs. At the moment it’s a wonderful performer called Camille O’ Sullivan.
8. What is the best tip you have ever been given?
Amanda Palmer from Dresden Dolls gave me some wonderful advice when I first started out last year and I’ve always held onto it especially when times and audiences are hard or just when I start to question my own self belief. She said, “Don’t try and give people what they want, just do the things that you do”.
9. What is the best book you have read and why do you like it?
My goodness that’s a hard question. How can one possibly choose one book? So so many. I can tell you what I am currently reading… Knut Hamsun’s “Hunger”. Every artist should read it. It’s about the sheer extremes that art takes you on, the highs and lows, takes you to the very edge. Be warned though don’t read it if you are on the edge. It may just take you that bit further.
10. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
Regret.
