Interview for double page spread

Classy: The Interview

Paige Harris

Quote ‘What made you come out of your shell’

In an interview with Q, Paige reveals all from her upcoming release to early life. Normally like a clam, Paige has agreed to reveal her secrets to Q, and talk about her upcoming release, as well as share facts.

Words: Photos: Quote – I’m more experienced

Q: What made you come out of your shell?

I decided it was the right time. There’s nothing to hide and the public is going to continue to scrutinize, so you should be open.

Do you specifically refer to the fiasco with the Sun, with drugs?

Partly. It’s annoying because they like to pick a target, I happened to be one of them, and I went in arms and managed to win the court battle.

Would you say you have a temptation to get back in drugs?

No. This is when I was younger, I’ve matured, so that’s behind.

How do you feel about the buzz for your upcoming album?

It feels good. I’d say this is me at my most creative, and there’s been scrutiny, so to come to the public and give them a show, feeling of elation.

What would you say to haters?

I’d say I’ll give a show. In the past I’ve felt shy to talk to press, unable to show myself, but you bite the bullet, prove the audience you can put a show.

Any regrets?

No. I believe if you have regrets, it consumes you, you worry about what you could have done different so there are things I’d have liked to do different, but you move on.

How do you feel about your album?

It feels good. In the past I’ve had varied experiences, where results don’t turn out so good, but this time I’m more experienced, and know what I’m doing, so it’s good.

How much do you want to reveal about it?

Not a lot. I believe the element of surprise, so I’d like people to experience it anew. Though I can say I’ll be talking about memories more, considering I’m making a comeback, and it feels fresh. There will be more of a personal vibe than you’d expect in most techno music.

It’s been a while since you last officially released an album. Do you prefer working in chunks or was it a choice to add variety?

It was a choice to take a break, as I’ve been on tours, amongst doing other things, but I feel its good to have variety.

Did you enjoy your recent tour around Britain?

Yes. I felt it would be a good way to make a comeback, and other bands were doing a tour, so I felt it would be the best way for awareness.

What’s your favourite tour experience?

Probably going to Manchester last summer, as it’s a busy city and something I haven’t experienced.

How about when you went to France?

That wasn’t so much a tour, but more I was enjoying the country. There were a few places I performed at, such as the Au Café de Paris and the Le Club, but there wasn’t a lot of hype.

I love the Au Café de Paris. A couple of years ago I went there and it has a great vibe.

Yes. The customers were great and the staff were friendly. It has a better vibe than most places.

How early do you have to book to get a spot in a place?

Depends on how famous you are. I’d say mine’s moderate so compared to Daft Punk, I’d probably have to book earlier.

What have your past experiences been like?

I’ve had some hits, some not. One of my best hits was a few months ago, and there was a period of saturation. You go through stages where creatively you’re saturated.

Are you specifically referring to the period during 2009?

Yes, in 2009 I went through a stage where I didn’t do a lot of hits. You win, lose some.

Talk about ‘Lonely Hearts’, one of your greatest hits?

This was a few months back. It comes from personal memories, having a lonely heart, and fed into the techno.

You don’t think you’re ready for a relationship?

It’s not that. I haven’t found the right person, and I’ve been in relationships in the past but I don’t want to rush, so until I find someone…

What kind of fan mail do you get?

It varies. I’ve got a Facebook group so a lot of it comes through that, but I get a share of mail, and most of it’s positive.

Would you give advice to fans?

Yes, never back down and believe.

Would you consider yourself an inspiration?

That’s a good question. I’ve made mistakes, stuff I’m not proud of. In the sense that I don’t back, whatever happens, I carry, so in that sense I’m an inspiration.

What’s your favourite song?

Around the World – by Daft Punk.

So was Daft Punk an influence?

Not as such, but there are things I’ve poached subconsciously.

Such as?

Their style, elements from music.

Have you met them?

Once I went to one of their gigs, and I met them backstage, so it was a good experience.

How was your early life?

It varied. I had a complex childhood, starting with the separation of my mother, so I grew up with my father. I knew I wanted to work in music from the age of 8, and I became a techno musician.

Being Aspergic, it makes you have fixations so this is why from 8, I knew what I wanted to do.

Who was your hero growing up?

I didn’t have one as such, but there were a variety of people I enjoyed, such as Inner City.

Do you feel maybe people prejudged you before because of your Aspergers?

Growing up, Aspergers wasn’t as aware, so people didn’t understand, but now more people are aware, there’s less judgement.

Did friends notice your talent?

They did. I used to perform in school concerts, at the front. One suggested one day I should be a musician.

How did you take that?

With flattery. It confirmed my belief that from a young age, I wanted to be a musician.

What influenced the techno choice?

It was a variety of things. General taste, and I wanted to stand out, and I felt techno would be the way to go, as it’s a different genre, and growing up liking Daft Punk.

Do you have brothers or sisters?

I have two brothers and one sister. The three of them are younger. Growing up I felt like the dominant figure, as previously I didn’t have any cousins.

Do you believe any of them wanted to be a musician?

No. One of them, Daniel, went through a phase where he wanted to be a singer.

What’s it like where you live, in London?

I live in Hounslow, in a moderate house, as I want to live like others, and I get attention, but not as much as others, so I’m better off.

You’ve got a talent for pool. Do you like to show off?

Not really. I play pool with friends, but I don’t tend to show off.

Did you consider being in a group?

I believe if you’re a techno musician, it’s better to perform solo, and I knew where my career’s headed. Plus being in a group brings complexity, so it’s better to perform solo.

Lastly, is there anything else you can say?

Look forward to my album, and never back down.

Thanks for your time!


I wrote this based on improvisation and inspiration from magazine interviews.