Paul Draper

Name, where are you from?
Paul Draper from Liverpool

Describe your style in three words?
Alternative. Lo-fi. Casual.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Best gig I ever saw was Prince at the Birmingham NEC in 1988 on his Lovesexy tour. Incredible show and musicianship by my all-time favourite solo artist. The best track he played at the gig was 'Bob George', which he hadn't even released at the time, but I had on a vinyl bootleg of the Black Album.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Beatles, the best band ever, I'd like to see them playing 'Paperback Writer' at the peak of their powers. I’d also go for The Who, I saw them at Shepherds Bush Empire with John Entwistle, and they were mind-blowingly good. I'd have to get them to play 'Young Man Blues'.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I think I've dipped into a lot over the years, from a bit of glam styling in Mansun to buying Mod suits from Merc in London and tartan punk trousers, punk has always been a big influence on me. We liked to go against the grain of fashion and mix things up a bit.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
John Lennon. I'm writing this from New York City and went up to the Dakota to pay my respects to John before my gig yesterday. Where I was born in Liverpool, John had a flat years earlier on the same road with Cynthia, so he was my hero from day one. Lennon wrote arguably the best song EVER written, 'In My Life'.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
I've loved Glasgow Barrowlands over the years, played it a few times and the raucous atmosphere and the spring floor make it a must play venue for all musicians.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Flood, the record producer, although I wouldn't say he's unsung as he's probably the most celebrated record producer in the world but relatively unknown to the public at large. Check out his production on 'Policy Of Truth', Violator by Depeche Mode.

Paul Draper is the former frontman of late Britpop era band Mansun, who enjoyed success with their 1997 debut LP 'Attack Of The Grey Lantern'. Paul Draper now records as a solo artist and recently toured with his band performing his solo material followed by songs from 'Attack Of The Grey Lantern', marking the LP's 20th anniversary.