Just before his concert at Point Éphémère, we met Nicholas Owen, drummer and founding member of the band Pumarosa, alongside Isabel Muñoz-Newsome.
JF: Hi Nicholas! Let's start by looking back at 2017, how was this year for you?
Nicholas: We've been to a lot of places so 2017 seemed like a pretty long year. A lot of beautiful things happen but it started to be "a little too much" sometimes. Thus, I was happy to have some rest during the holidays alongside my family and friends.
JF: Personally, I discovered you as the first part of Foals in Lyon but you also opened for Depeche Mode in recent weeks. What did you think?
Nicholas: It was great. As we went along, we got used to them but obviously, these are the biggest stages we've played on. Doing concerts in front of so many people was an interesting exercise: people are there for the next band, not for us. We did our best, I think that's the main thing. The last one was a few days ago and I already miss it.
JF: Isn't that scary?
Nicholas: The first one was. However, in the moment, you have to think about the music, concentrate and the body remembers it on its own. The more you think, the worse I think it's a sign. Missing a note is not very serious, it will not spoil the concert; The worst thing is to worry too much.
JF: Let's go back to the creation of the group. You met in London, right? How?
Nicholas: Yes, I met Isabel first. A mutual friend suggested we start a group. We started writing together and doing duo gigs at parties or warehouses in London. We then met the rest of the band through music, until we founded Pumarosa.
JF: Exactly, where does this band name come from?
Nicholas: The "Pumarosa" is a fruit of South America. We liked its shape and how the word sounds oral. Many bands have a hard time deciding on a name. As soon as we thought we had the perfect name, we went on the Internet and there were already a dozen bands called like that. When we searched for Pumarosa, there were none. Honestly, I don't really think about it anymore. Naming an art project is a kind of tag but it's not very important. Thinking about bands, I think it's a good band name but is it really the name or is it just the fact that I like the music that makes me think that? For example, if Radiohead was crap, I'd think the name "Radiohead" is crap. I love them so I think "Radiohead" is a good band name. In the end, the most important thing is the music.
JF: Yes, it's interesting. Back to you: your first album The Witch was released 6 months ago. Are you as proud of it as when it came out?
Nicholas: Of course, playing the songs live is always a pleasure. After that, I don't really listen to the studio album. (laughs) However, we are indeed all very proud of it today, we had a great time creating it.
JF: What's your favorite track on the album?
Nicholas: I really like The Witch, especially the end of the song. Dragonfly is also particularly good, I think. Live, Snake is the most fun, everyone feels free, which creates pure energy.
JF: Do you have a dream place for a concert?
Nicholas: In a few years, we'd like to do The Other Stage at Glastonbury. It's a dream!
JF: What are your plans for 2018?
Nicholas: Focus on the music, do as much as I can and make the most of it. Whether with Pumarosa or not. Hoping to release a new album!
Interview conducted on January 17 by JustFocus
Featured photo credit: Wolf James
