'Green Eyes' is the new single from Perth punk rockers Pat Chow and the first taste of their long-awaited second LP and follow-up to 'Are You Okay', their critically acclaimed debut from 2015.
With a WAMFest performance on the horizon, we chat with band member Ben Protasiewicz (vocals/ guitar) about beard-trimming advice, new band t-shirt designs and the next step in Pat Chow dominating the world with their new music.
For the uninitiated, what does an evening spent with Pat Chow sound like?
[Ben] It sounds like a wake, in memory of how your life was like before you saw Pat Chow. Glasses clinking and three cheers to new beginnings.
You are playing WAMFest; anything special planned for your show?
We'll have a set of our finest new songs as well as a couple of oldies to keep the die-hards happy. Might even stay sober and try to leave a good impression.
What about WA's music scene do you heart the most?
I love how dedicated each musician is around here. Everyone's honing their craft and coming out with greater music with each song.
You released the song 'Green Eyes' recently; are you working on new music atm? There are whispers of an 11-track album in the pipeline.
Yeah, there is a new album in the works! 'Green Eyes' was the first song from it. We recorded [the album] with Ron Pollard at Sleepwalkers Dread in January. It's being mixed and mastered at the moment.
The new music; is it a progression from 'Are You Okay?' or are you exploring other areas?
Yeah, I think it's a progression. There are songs that aren't as heavy, but there's also a few that would have fit right in back then; they just hadn't been written yet.
What's the dream scenario for the band if this new album goes really well?
We hope to gain a little traction around the release time. Maybe land some nice support slots, do a tour. Make money from royalties and quit our jobs.
Your bio states: 'If Bukowski had a punk band, it’d sound like Pat Chow.' So what's your favourite Bukowski work?
I've never read Bukowski. I don't know who wrote that bio, but if I ever catch the guy they'll receive a talking to.
If you can indulge us as men with beards; Pat Chow's beard-grooming tips are?
I've been trimming my beard really close with scissors, so it looks patchy. It'll catch on. If you want a neat moustache use a BIC razor to trim it rather than scissors.
Time to play fantasy… In a parallel world you're not musicians; what are you doing to pay the bills/ have fun?
I think Jamie would still be laying floors, Goldy would be working at the state library and I'd be fitting 4WD accessories. We wouldn't have anything to look forward to on the weekend and life would be very droll.
Are you working on the next batch of Pat Chow t-shirts? The stick-figure prints from earlier this year looked ace (wink wink, the editor wants one!).
Yeah, my son Jonah has drawn some fantastic designs for new shirts! Coming soon.
Now, is there an interesting story behind the band's name or is it bat-shit boring and no one should be subjected to why Pat Chow is called Pat Chow?
No comment.
