St Paul & The Broken BonesSt Paul & The Broken Bones hail from Birmingham, Alabama, and are preparing to launch their debut album before embarking on a string of UK dates later this month.
They've been described as "the band to pick up where soul music left off" and Female First got the opportunity to put some questions to lead singer Paul Janaway about what to expect from their new material, the future and inspirations.
For those who haven't yet heard your music, how best would you describe St Paul & The Broken Bones?
We fancy ourselves a soul band but don't consider that a restriction. We pour our heart and sweat into every song and have fun doing it.
Has music always been something you've been passionate about?
I have always loved music. Even when I was restricted in what I could listen to I loved it. I am more obsessed with it nowadays.
Where or who do you draw inspiration from for your music?
I draw from several different things. Church is a big inspiration. A lot of old soul singers like Sam Cooke or Marvin Gaye inspire me.
Your debut album is to be released this May, what should we expect from that?
Raw emotion with some badass players.
How was the experience of recording that album?
It was great. Ben Tanner produced it and was just awesome to work with. We did most of it live and recorded it to tape.
What were your feelings when you reached number three on the US iTunes album chart?
I was made aware by other folks and I was surprised. It was definitely a good feeling.
You performed at this year's SXSW Festival, how did you find that?
It was quite hectic. We played 9 shows in 4 days. It was a lot of gear toting and no sound checks.
Did you check out any other acts at the festival?
I wanted to check out Future Islands' set. I didn't get a chance to but I did get to see great sets from our label mates The Bear and Steelism.
Where do you hope to be by this time next year?
Playing shows and hopefully writing another record.
What's the big aim?
I once heard Marvin Gaye say in an interview the goal of any singer should be immortality. I think that is a good long term goal.
Are there any other projects in the pipeline you can share some details about?
We have been so busy with this thing that I don't foresee other projects just yet.
St Paul & The Broken Bones' album 'Half The City' is to be released through Single Lock Records / Thirty Tigers on May 12.
The group will play five dates in the UK following their album release, full details of which are below:
21st May Oslo Bar, London
22nd May Electric Ballroom (with Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit), London
23rd May Dot to Dot, Manchester
24th May Dot to Dot, Bristol
25th May Dot to Dot, Nottingham