Dan Patlansky, the South African blues legend is back with a brand new album, ‘Perfection Kills’, and it’s a blinder. Following on from a pair of albums which, frankly, are essential additions to any self-respecting blues rock fan’s collection (2014’s unbelievably good ‘Dear Silence Thieves’ and 2016’s equally impressive ‘Introvertigo’), not to mention a tour with Joe Satriani which damn near blew the barn doors off, ‘Perfection Kills’ is a vibrant and exciting record that looks set to cement Dan’s burgeoning reputation once and for all. With fire-breathing single ‘Dog Day’ (see the video clip below) having already lit the fuse on this powder-keg of an album, ‘Perfection Kills’ is everything that Patlansky fans have been waiting for.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Dan to discuss the development of the album, Dan’s own musical development and much more.
Listening to the new album, there’s that familial Patlansky tone, but there’s also a soulful vibe in the choruses (for example on ‘Johnny’), where you seem to be opening up your sound further to different elements of the blues. How would you say you’ve developed over the course of your career?
I started out completely trad blues musician, which is still a major love love of mine. But saying that Ive been massively influenced by many different styles of music over the years and try to not see music in styles anymore, just write what come out and what im hearing for the song. So more often than not it’s a case of marrying to different styles together and trying to make them work well as one.
Although you have had a long career, it was 2014’s superlative ‘dear silence thieves’ that seemed to help you explode onto the international scene – since then you’ve packed out the Borderline and toured with Joe Satriani – have you actually had a chance to take stock yet, or does it still feel like your caught on a rollercoaster, because you never seem to stop!
Looking back on that is very cool indeed, and am very proud to of achieved some of those things. But I always try not dwell on the past and try push forward to hopefully achieve greater successes. I love what I do and want more success so that I can continue doing this for many years to come. But it is good sometimes to sit back and appreciate the past.
On the last two records you worked closely with Theo Crous, who’s also credited with co-writing a number of the tracks on ‘perfection kills’, but for the actual production you worked with Jaco Naude and Stefan Swart – why the change?
Yes, it was a change, I decided to produce the album my self and hire an engineer and mix engineer that I liked. The reason for the change was I wanted a record that sounded a little more organic and real, with almost a live feel to it. I learnt so much working with Theo over the last few years so I tried to apply all that I learnt from him plus my own spin on things, and try make an album that matches the sound in my head.
Before you go into the studio to cut an album, is there an A&R process you go through with your label or manager? Do you have left over tracks, or is it a case of what we see is what we get?
It’s what you see is what you get. There’s always a track or 2 left over that didn’t quite make the cut, but for the most it a gut feel decision on what tracks make the album. I always want to try make a record that I would listen too. So that the deciding factor on song choice for me.
Compared to your live set, the songs on your albums tend to be quite short, if not restrained, do you find yourself holding back from unleashing a lengthy solo on record?
Yes I do. I see live and studio as two very different things. On an album I like short sharp to the point song/solos. The solo on an album should be treated like a bridge or middle 8 and not ramble on to much in my opinion. Its always got to serve the song. Live on the other hand is different because your not just expressing yourself through the song anymore, you now have a live audience that provide you with an energy that will dictate how far you push things.
I thought ‘Mayday’ to be a particular departure for you – it’s a heart-breaking melody you’ve captured with a Clapton vibe on the solo, perhaps; what was the inspiration for the song?
I love Clapton and he has been a major influence on me. But the first inspiration for `mayday’ was Steven Wilson who’s music I love. I always want at least one song on the record that pushes things a little bit and ~I would agree Mayday is that song on the new album.
You seem to dedicate a lot of time to coming back to the UK to tour – how do you find the audiences in the UK and Europe? Are there any differences to your home crowd?
In some small ways, yes. I think people that generally listen to this type of stuff are the same world wide. Super loyal to the artist!!!! I think in a lot of ways The UK?Europe crowds are slightly better educated in the music and have a deeper knowledge of it. Which is always great to see.
It seems that there’s a whole crop of young, passionate blues musicians and bands treading the boards right now, far more than roughly a decade ago, as an artist at the heart of it all, would you say you’re conscious of an increased interest in the genre, and are there any artists in particular that have attracted your attention?
I’ve certainly seen a massive increase in interest in the genre over the last 10 years. The youth is starting to take interest which is great news for guys like me. I believe the youth have become interested thanks to guys like Jack white, Black keys, John Mayer etc. Who almost introduced the blues to them in a familiar manner.
Another track on the new album that has to be mentioned is ‘too far gone’ – dude, it’s explosive – it sounds like you had a lot of fun recording it – do you have many influences from outside the blues, in the hard rock realm for example?
Thanks, its one of my faves on the album. It was very fun to write and record. As mentioned before I do have many influences outside the Blues. In the hartd rock world I think Audioslave have always been one of my go to bands. Too far gone was massively influenced by them.
Is there a particular theme that informs your lyrics and how do you go about developing them for the record?
I try write lyrics that are close to me and real and relevant to me. So it’s a lot about the road, family, and social;l commentary .
Both the title and the artwork have a surreal humour to them – was the cover part of the concept you had in mind when you created the title or did someone else come up with the imagery to go with the name?
It’s a version of my original idea, the creative guys just made my idea way better. The lady plastic doll was always the idea. Glad you like it!
What’s next for you?
From early next year its all about the album and touring it as much as possible, which I look forward to. Love have new songs and a new show to play. Also we are think maybe a live album at some point next year which is long overdue.
Any final words?
Buy at least 3 copies of the new album for each of your friends!
Dan Patlansky releases his new album Perfection Kills on Friday 2nd February and will be on tour in the UK in March 2018.
DAN PATLANSKY – PERFECTION KILLS MARCH 2018 UK TOUR
TICKETS – thegigcartel.com, danpatlansky.com
Manchester, Deaf Institute Thursday 15 March
Newcastle, The Cluny Friday 16 March
Leek, Foxlowe Arts Centre Saturday 17 March
Bristol, The Tunnel Sunday 18 March
Sheffield, Greystones Tuesday 20 March
London, Borderline Wednesday 21 March
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