Interview: A Permanent Shadow – 2024 (Written)

Electronic rock with a dark twist, influenced by synthpop and postpunk, A Permanent Shadow’s new album ‘No Leaf Clover’ is out now.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

Hi there, I’m CP, singer in A Permanent Shadow. I’m of Austrian origin but have lived in Spain for the last 25 years. I started APS some 5 years ago when I teamed up with a guy to work on some songs. That didn’t work out, but I had the songs and just decided to keep going. I found a more committed bunch of collaborators, and after about a year our first album was ready! Now we have two full albums and an EP under our belt.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

I’d say the music is very eighties sounding but with an update on what we know as eighties. My producers and I love synths and big booming drums, so that’s what we apply. Above all, I love melody, so there’s always plenty of melody and different layers in our music.

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

Over the last few months, we’ve released a couple of singles to herald the release of our new album which is out now. It’s called “No Leaf Clover” and I have to say I’m quite happy with it. We are also working on a covers EP that should be out later this year.

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

I think the creative process is the most satisfying part. It has an almost soothing quality. Maybe I’m lucky enough to be working with like-minded people, but creatively it really has been a huge joyride so far.

5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

Spreading the word is the hardest and to me also the most annoying part. When you are recording you are in this creative environment, but there comes a point when recording is finished and you need to sell your work to the world, which is not always easy. Noone likes being rejected or ignored, and to stand out is very hard work.

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

It’s rubbish. In the end you have to play the game, but you shouldn’t obsess over it. Let’s not forget you can buy streams, followers and likes with just one click and a Paypal account, so much of what you perceive as “success” is often not real at all.

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

I’ve learned not to care too much about the industry. There are some genuine music fans who help you further your career, but it’s mainly posers who hunt for free backstage passes and a place in someone else’s limelight. I can’t be bothered with the schmoozing. I rather concentrate on satisfying my own artistic needs.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

Well, give the songs a listen and if you like what you hear, spread the word in whatever way is feasible for you – word of mouth, playlists, social media, the whole shebang.

9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?

I live in Barcelona and it’s one of the best cities in the world. We’ve got the sea, we’ve got mountains, we’ve got culture, we’ve got nightlife. My hometown is my primary source for relaxation.

10. Where can people find you?

Physically, in the heart of Barcelona. Online, try www.apermanentshadow.com as a starting point!