Artificial Pleasure

Name, where are you from?
Phil McDonnell, from Isleworth, in the outskirts of London.

What do you do?
I play the guitar and sing lead vocals for Artificial Pleasure.

Describe your style in three words?
Slap dash chic.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Pulp at Reading. When 'Common People' hits its peak, it's hard to think of many moments in music that are that powerful.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Clash and Talking Heads. They're both big influences for us. I love the in your face energy of The Clash and the frantic vocal delivery of David Byrne but both of them have this rhythmic drive that hits you really hard in the chest. Nothing they did was obvious, they've both carved their own paths.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Punk for its DIY ethic and simplicity.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Oliver Reed, he was a total animal so an hour would be enough. I wouldn't remember it but I'd never forget it.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Klub B90, Gdansk.

Who is your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Our sound guy Will Donbavand. He's a very calm, gentle guy who keeps us in check and takes the weight off us. A huge number of people in the industry work on the technical side, they make you look and sound as good as possible but don't get any of the glory.