Throughout his creative life James Hoare has been at the heart of some of the finest and most loved underground independent music to come out of the UK. His various projects have garnered praise and admiration not only here at home, but across Europe and the US too.
On Saturday 11th May James brings his new solo project Penny Arcade to Twenty One Southend, headlining Tim Keech’s latest Tea and Oranges night. Ahead of the gig, he very kindly agreed to answer a few questions for heavymetalkids.uk:
Hi James, thank you for talking to heavymetalkids.uk. For those unaware, please introduce us to Penny Arcade. Who are you collaborating with on this project and how would you best describe your sound?
Penny Arcade is my new musical project, effectively a solo project though i do have extra people playing on it. Max Claps from The Proper Ornaments plays guitar and organ on a few of the tracks, Nathalia Bruno (Drift.) is singing backing vocals. There is a selection of different drummers including Juan Jacinto (Ultimate Painting) and Daniel O’Sullivan.
I would describe the sound as minimal psychedelic/pop.
Throughout your career thus far, between Veronica Falls, Ultimate Painting and The Proper Ornaments, you have been able to connect with some of THE key independent labels both here and in the US. How has it been linking up with the likes of Slumberland, Trouble In Mind and Tough Love Records?
I’ve worked with various labels over the years. The best kind of label for me is the one that give you the most support, enabling you to tour and get things done.
When you feel like someone has your back, that’s a good feeling.
Penny Arcade’s debut long player Backwater Collage is out now via esteemed Hamburg based label Tapete. What inspired the writing/recording of this new album and what are your hopes and expectations for it?
The writing of the album was done over the last couple of years (2021-2023) In the post lockdown world. Much of it was written in my garage late at night which gave it a slightly subterranean feel. It’s about things that were going on in my life at the time, and various fictional characters and stories that came out of my mind during that period.
The album was recorded in my home studio on a 16 track Studer tape machine and an ex BBC console from the late 70’s. Sonically I was inspired by various albums and bands. Air, Canned Heat etc…
Having your own studio is great but it can lead to procrastination, I found that the best things I did on this record were the more spontaneous.
I’m looking to start playing more with Penny Arcade and releasing more music.
It’s GREAT to see you coming to Southend as part of the ever-growing Tea and Oranges nights underneath the pier at Twenty One, and you have brilliant support lined up from local bands Yes Today and Masal. Are you looking forward to showcasing your work at such a unique venue and are there other dates coming up for those who can’t attend?
I’m very happy to be coming to Southend. I really like the place and I’ve heard good things about Twenty One. There’s a great local scene there.
I’ve got some more UK dates coming up. Falmouth, Underland on the 8th June and Coventry, Just Dropped In on the 21st June. They’ll be some more announced later in the year.
Tickets for the Tea and Oranges gig are available here. Backwater Collage is a beautifully woozy nocturnal treasure loaded with emotive minor key melodies, you can pick up the vinyl here. Huge thanks to James for talking to the blog and to Marion Seury and Tim Keech for making it happen.
Photo of James by Kate Mount.
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