Last year, Texan punk-rock trio Purple took the alternative world by surprise with the release of their excellent ‘(409)’ LP. Joining surf-rock, punk and out-and-out rock n’ roll a la The Subways – not least due to the dual vocal dynamic between Taylor Busby and Hanna Brewer – Purple are set to bring their rough around the edges sound to Europe. With a significant number of UK dates scheduled around their tour supporting the aforementioned cult garage rockers, we had a quick chat with vocalist and drummer Brewer.
How has the Purple life been since the release of ‘(409)’?
It’s been rad!!! We’ve gained so many more fans and we’ve been on the road non-stop. We don’t like sitting at home for very long.
The reaction to the record was overwhelmingly positive. How did you perceive the reception?
Kinda weird. We were just a bunch of drunk kids writing what ever came to mind, not really giving a shit. I guess that’s the recipe for this band.
You’ve been popping back and forth to the UK in recent months. How is the band holding up with the touring schedule?
Like I said we hate sitting at home there’s nothing to do there really. The road is our home. The more shows the better.
How does your UK experience compare to that back home?
They are both really good. I feel like the UK really takes it all and I feel like we have gained more respect back home for touring so much in Europe. It works hand in hand.
As we speak, you’re trotting across Europe with The Subways. How is the tour going? Any particularly memorable experiences so far?
Probably playing a sold out show in Berlin. It was 1,800 capacity venue and we gave them everything we got. They loved it. We also showed one of the support bands, Kill it Kid, a song from Texas by Ray Wiley Hubert called ‘Snake Farm’. It was hilarious hearing English people trying to talk southern. If you get a chance check out the song. Its ridiculous.
Let’s talk about the album art for ‘(409)’. How did it come about and what does it represent?
It was really a spontaneous thing. We got drunk on tequila and went out into the woods where there was a abandoned van. There happened to be a mattress behind it so we lit it on fire and the rest is history.
What’s next for Purple, following the EU and UK dates?
We are going straight in to the studio to start working on a new album!
Purple will be touring the UK throughout March. Their debut full-length, ‘(409)’ is available now.
MARCH
07 LONDON The Stillery
10 HULL The Sesh at the Polar Bear
11 GLASGOW King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut
12 YORK Fibbers
18 ST ALBANS The Horn w/Sleaford Mods
23 LEICESTER O2 Academy w/Sleaford Mods
26 BOURNEMOUTH The Winchester
28 EXETER Cavern
29 BRISTOL Louisiana w/Deemob Happy
30 MANCHESTER Ruby Lounge w/Demob Happy
31 LIVERPOOL Arts Club w/Demob Happy
April
02 LONDON Shepherds Bush Empire w/The Subways