Talking Athletics

Athletes In Paris
From: Newcastle, United Kingdom

Newcastle legends in the making Athletes In Paris have taken time out from their olympic 2012 preparations (surely some mistake - Editor) to chew the virtual fat with the Devil. In an illuminating interview they talk about how their band name has been handed down the generations like a family heirloom, their secret love of bands including the word boys and a collection of favourite words that may well be the indie lingua franca of the north east.

The Devil: Why Athletes In Paris?

AIP: Matts dad had a band in the 80's of the same name. Figured it sounded a bit nifty so we'd have it.

The Devil: What other names did you ponder before deciding it had to be Athletes In Paris?

AIP: Genes Guest House after this hell hole of a Hotel Matt and Mickywhirlwind came across in the early hours of a Turkish morning. After pursuing a couple of 'ladies' back to there hotel for some 'Jiggy Jiggy' they were thrown out by the hotels very own man mountain security guard appropriately named by the boys as Andre The Giant. (What no mention of Djanglearbra? - The Devil)

The Devil: Who are the biggest influences in your life and on your music?

AIP: Sting, Robbie Burns and local charva extroadanair Buzzcocks!

The Devil: What was the first record you owned and what was the first record you ever bought with your own money?

AIP: Collectively it would be a mix Venga Boys, R.Kelly and Manic Street Preachers. What a prospect!

The Devil: What's the most embarrassing record in your collection?

AIP: Millenium by the Backstreet Boys has gotta be up there. Ya cannit knock a good harmony though!

The Devil: What makes Athletes In Paris stand out from the millions of other bands across the world? What makes you unique?

AIP: Well to answer seriously I would say very little. Maybes just the fact that we have been told our sound is a little unconventional. To answer it properly though....I would say it's because 3 of our fathers are triplets and 2 of our mothers are twins.

The Devil: Which bands or artists on the current music scene make your spine tingle with joy?

AIP: We are all fans of Friendly Fires, Little Comets and The Towels

The Devil: Which unheard, unseen, inknown band or artist do you recommend the Devil's readers check out?

AIP: Us! if not us then try Fink......he's super doopa!!!

The Devil: Favourite song?

AIP: It's hard to say as band because our influences vary so much. Lets go with 'Easy Lover' by Phil Collins.

The Devil: Favourite book?

AIP: Another hard one cos poor Mooch can't even read. Lets go with The Harry Potters!

The Devil: Favourite Movie?

AIP: Once again very difficult. Mooch gets lost watching an episode of Thomas The Tank never mind a feature length flick! Well I think we would all agree Shawshank Redemption is a fantastic story.

The Devil: Favourite word/phrases?

AIP: Jiggy Jiggy, Beeyowa, Chutney Ferit, Mooch, Pokey Bum Wank, reach around,

The Devil: Tell me something that you've never told anyone before

AIP: ........ Look how little my c##k is (oh puleese put it away - The Devil) !

The Devil: If you weren't in Athletes In Paris how would you keep yourself occupied?

AIP: We would all be doing completly different things. Chris would be a farmer or some sort of country worker. Ross has plan b, c and even d. He says plan D is to be a fireman. Mooch would be in a mental joint. Music keeps him moderatly sane! Joakim always wanted to be in the RAF until he realised his vision was poor......which explains his horrific taste in women. Matt would be galavanting round the world with his 45 litre backpack haveing watched 'Into The Wild' far too many times.

The Devil: If you were interviewing yourself what would your killer question be and how would you answer it?

AIP: 'So Russell... what do you love about music? To begin with......Everything!' (Almost Famous)

The Devil: Is there anything else you'd like to tell the Devil Has The Best Tuna readers?

AIP: Go on youtube and Check out 'Mattys Bath Time' .......filmed by singer Matt Robson whilst at Uni. The star of the video used to record the band. Also.....check out Heartbeat our new single. Its a floor stomper and will have you jumpin around your room like the 'purdy shuffle'!!

Go Try

Borrowed Time by Athletes in Paris

Athletes In Paris - Just Decline by TheAnimalFarm.

Go Visit

Athletes in Paris - Facebook : Last.FM

Check out Fink a hidden gem recommended by Athletes In Paris (and the Devil Fink About It)...

Fink - Sort Of Revolution by Ninja Tune

Fink - Perfect Darkness by Folk Radio UK