Off-Key Radio had an unique opportunity to conduct an interview with Pepe/Papa – Hungarian Rock ‘n’ Roll rising stars band! Pepe/Papa is a band formed by three Rock ‘n’ Roll musicians. Drumkiller on drums, Subbeast on the bass, and one and only – Pepe as vocals and guitar. Guardians of the old school rock heritage and raw power rock ‘n’ roll had a lot to cover in the interview, from their debut album all over to Franz Liszt. Check it out and enjoy in this exclusive interview!
We find your way of playing Rock ‘n’ Roll uncompromising and raw, which is two of rare qualities that bands nowadays have. Can you tell us something about how did you guys find your sound and does it have much to do with some artists you mention in your songs?
First of all we would like to thank Off-Key Radio for playing our songs regularly among such many wonderful songs. Concerning the question, Lemmy, Bon Scott and Liszt Ferenc (or Franz Liszt) were really tough, rebellish guys in their days and their style remains so distinctive that I had to write songs about them.
Which artists have inspired you to invoke this type of music? Which famous musicians do you admire?
I like artists who went their ways and did not care about the actual trend and created really interesting music, like Quorthorn in Bathory, Willy deVille, Adam Ant, Rose Tattoo.
What first got you into music?
My mother was fond of Liszt Ferenc, we had many books about him at home and she always listened to his music on Lp-s, I was 5 or 6 years old. Later AC/DC’s Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap song changed my taste for good.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows? Is there a chance you will perform in Croatia one day?
We are a very new band, formed last summer, so we’ve only had two gigs until now, but they were real concerts for real people and, regarding the current corona virus situation, it is a big thing. Both gigs were held in the last minute. First one in March (the next day all the pubs were closed) and the second one in September and now the closing time has been only limited (23:00). I played in several bands before and I know that in small pubs live shows start at about 23:00, so I think having a real concert is only a dream for a while. The online concerts are not for me.
I hope that we will be able to play in Croatia, because there are many good acts. The TV Eye song for example is one of my favourites, but I also like that Asper’s crocodile song very much – her singing is wonderful.
What is your favourite song to perform and why?
My favourite is „Még egy rundot mindenkinek“ (One more beer to everyone) – Funny song.
How and when did your band get together? What is your creative process like?
I decided to start my own band with my own songs. I played the guitar since I was 12 and wanted to sing my own lyrics. I needed a well trained bass player and a drummer. I phoned them, explained my plan and they said yes. I write the songs, I show them the theme and the lyrics and my idea about the rhythm. They understand it at once and we go to the studio, where they play their part without error. We practice for a few hours before a gig. They are good guys.
How did you come up with the name of the band?
You know, I speak so fast I sometimes repeat the syllables, so my friends gave me the nickname pe-pe – pa-pa.
You recently recorded a brilliant album, can you tell us more about it? Was the process of recording in studio easy for you guys? Are you planning to record more in near future?
The songs were recorded very fast but we only went to the studio when the actual song was totally ready in my head. For example, I never write down the lyrics – I think if lyrics are OK, you will never forget them. The same is true to the riffs and the structure. When the song is ready, I call them, we practice once and go to the studio to record.
I have many new songs in my head, two are ready and will be recorded in October. I will show them to Off-Key Radio.
How would you describe your music, and what is the message you wish to send?
PEPE/PAPA is a rock and roll band – Rock and Roll for ever.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into on one of your gigs?
You know I never write down the lyrics, for me the most important is the rhythm of the text so I never sing the same song twice, of course 90% is the same but sometimes the actual situation or my mood make me sing something funny.
How do you think people perceive you based on your performance and music?
I think people enjoy the live music– I want to play many live gigs, because rock and roll is best live. My dream concert is in front of no more than 150-200 men who, in the end of the gig, take the pub apart. I think 100 people can make the biggest turmoil.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be? As a rocker yourself, do you thing there is a lot more bands like you guys around or is the rock ‘n’ roll scene fading under the pressure of modern music industry?
I don’t know much about the music industry. If I was an expert, I would not be able to write songs. On the other side, it’s interesting that there are many good songs that are played only by a few radio stations. For example, you play such songs that are real hits and only a few people know them, like the song by the United Boots where the chorus is about the revolution and the Wadeye song (the title maybe „word ’bout town“ or something like that)
What is the one message you would give to your fans?
Rock and roll for ever – but don’t forget about Franz Liszt, the first real Rocker.
What’s next for you?
I’ll go and study with my son – he was sent home from school because he coughed twice – this teachers are crazy guys.
Got interested? Listen to PEPE/PAPA here, on Radio Falš!
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