Eamonn mentioned wanting to see this interview we did with Russell for our fanzine in 1997. We got to interview him in San Francisco at the venue (Bimbo's 365 club) before the show, thanks in large part to Richard Priest, kindest tour manager ever. I never got around to publishing the 3rd issue, so I've never published this interview..a shame, I guess. Sorry if the questions are lame, I was only 17 at the time, so that's my excuse. Anyway, hope you enjoy, let me know what you think, etc. Cheers, Rebecca --------------- The Russell Senior Interview...for Synthetic Fluff fanzine Part 1 May 21st, 1997
R: Russell Senior B: me S: Sarah (former co-writer)
R: Thanks for the presents, by the way.
B: You liked them?
R: I've never seen anything quite like them, really. Well, you kind of--you've got to find the right thing to wear with them and it'd be great, but it's like--you'd be looking a bit--there's a fine line between very cool and very uncool.
B: Oh, you could never look uncool!
R: You're wrong there...
B: Sorry, a bit on the nervous side. You want to start?
S: Sorry if you think they're a bit silly--Okay, first, how many violins and guitars do you have? R: Erm, just one of each and a spare, really. So, not a vast array of instruments. I'm not really interested in instruments, really.
S: Cos I heard that you smashed up your violin.
R: Naw, once. Generally I look after them very well. So no, I'm not really uh, "I have all these guitars." I've just got the one, really. B: So you're more practical, then?
R: Well, it's like whether you're interested in house bricks when building houses, really.
S: Are you ever going to lead vocals on a Pulp song again?
R: I doubt it. Yeah, I can't really see...I didn't really enjoy singing very much. Well, I didn't really sing. I mean the spoken stuff was alright, but whenever it got to singing, I thought it to be very uncomfortable.
S: Did you sing live?
R: Yeah, yeah I did-
B: Some of our favorite songs are 'Anorexic Beauty' and all that stuff.
R: Well, yeah I mean, I'm not ashamed of anything. I mean, I think they were good and right at the time. But I just can't imagine it again. B: I know youve probably been asked this, but we sort of have to--what sort of reaction did you expect from America on this tour? And were you pleased with what one you have?
R: Well, we haven't played yet, have we? But the reaction at the signing was verywas very pleasing, obviously. In great contrast to the last signing we did in America. Nobody at all came. Not even one person.
B: Bad publicity. We would have come if we had known-
S: To New York!
B: We would have flown! Haha.
R: You can perhaps understand why we were a bit doubtful to come back because we didn't particularly think that anybody--it's not like we hate America or anything. We just didn't think anybody wanted to see us. And so you go where people want to see you. But obviously that's not the case anymore.
B: Are you looking forward to the show or are you nervous about it?
R: Not nervous. I mean, to be honest, I dont know if anything's going to happen because at the moment, Jarvis is ill.
B: He is?
R: He's in bed. He's not here. He's had the doctor out, so I heard. I can see that it might not be a long show because he's rather poorly. So no, not really nervous. I'm sure I will be like half an hour before it's time to go. You get into a rhythm really. If you spend all day being nervous about the show, you just drive yourself mad. You just tire yourself out utterly with being nervous. But--if you don't get nervous at all, than it's not a good thing. You-ve got to be nervous. I sort of tend to confine it to the last half an hour before I'm on the stage. And that's the kind ofgetting ready, getting the clothes on, getting the makeup on or whatever-- S: Oh, do you put on your own makeup?
R: Yes. Yes. I don't wear as much as I used to. I saw some of our videos and I thought how absurd I looked on them-- S&B: Oh my god, no! We like it! You looked great!
R: I looked like a pantomime queen. I've calmed it down a bit since then, I'm afraid to say.
B: Well, it's not like you were room or anything.
R: No--
S: It was very tasteful- R: No, I used to wonder why everybody thought we were seventies, then I saw those videos and I thought, 'My goodness, I can see it now.' I had a very different idea for what I looked like to what I actually looked like.
B: So, is it easier for you to meet fans in places like America-- R: Yeah, yeah.
B: Do you enjoy that more as opposed to in England where it's more standoff-ish?
R: Yeah, yeah, very much so. Yeah. I like to meet people. Well, fear for flying's one thing, it's one reason, but- S: You have a fear of flying?
R: Oh yeah! God, yes.
B: That must be horrible.
R: Absolutely. I HATE it. I'm going on the bus with the crew. Not just 'cos of that but 'cos I like it. It's a nice thing to do. I do like meeting people at the shows and that isn't possible in Eng--you either meet, you know, nobody, or you're gonna meet a hundred. Can't meet a hundred people, and so it's quite, you know, it can be quite scary at times in England, so you just don't do it and it's a real shame. And you also don't get to see the places as much, you know, in Eng--well not in England, 'cos weve seen 'em all and there's nothing much to see. So that's okay. But when it's like that, you get in this completely sealed environment between, you know, the coach to the hotel to the dressing room. You meet nobody and you do nothing. You know, so I like to be able to see the country.
S: You used to do the fanzine, 'The Bath Banker.' What was it about? R: Well, now that IS embarrassing! Haha! I've got reviews of bands that, I mean, liking them, I'm really ashamed of.
S: How long did you do it for?
R: Sort of four issues... B: What sort of bands did you review that you're not proud of?
R: The most--the worst one is The Police. I wrote abut The Policein 1979, so that was okay. He's uncool now. So it was things like that. B: I don't want to be cliché, but what's your favorite thing about being a popstar? Is it kind of rewarding at long last to be recognized a bit?
R: Well it is. Yeah, erm, I don't actually LIKE much of the things about it. Like the being recognized thing. I mean, I don't really like that. I mean, I don't mind like, you know...I like the idea of like, you know, playing and go outside and meet some people. Things like thatit's alright. SOCIAL--I like that kind of SOCIAL stuff. But I don't like the uh, you know, being mobbed kind fo stuff like that. I'm very uncomfortable with that. It's quite good really because I can be quite incognito. Walk around Notting Hill and hide behind things...and wander amongst the people and it's alright.
B: Would it bother you if I take photographs while we do this? Will it be alright?
R: Erm, no, you can do. I don't think I look very good. It's not very good light and I'm not dressed, but you can feel free to... B: No, you look fine!
Part 2: S: Do you mind that people call you a Mod?
R: Do they? I wasn't aware that they did. In America?
B: Yeah.
R: They don't in England, really.
B: Seems if anyone wears a tie, they're a Mod.
S: You've never heard it before?
R: Maybe like a couple times. Um, it's kind of more--by accident, that. I mean the only times I've really been aware of it is when I used to go on holiday to the seaside and it was all these Mods and rockers there. And there'd be these rockers looking at me and I'd think, 'Oh shit! No, they think I'm a Mod, don't they?' (laughs) But I've never had all the targets on the parka and all that stuff. Erm like uh...just always-I mean a lot of those suits I've just happened to--years and years and years, really. Um, I like a lot of the Mod styles, but it can be quite, erm...there's this ultra modern group in London called PPQ--I was in a bathroom--this bloke, he came and like I was talking to him and he was kind of groovin', but like, I got me lighter and he goes, (leans forward with a sneer) 'The lighter's wrong, mate! The lighter's wrong!' (giggles all around). 'You DON'T have a lighter like that!' I'm glad there are people like that. I like that kind of, you know, exact--the kind of purism of their idea. I admire that, but I also think it's quite AMUSING as well. You know, they won't use a fabric unless it was invented in the sixties. Things like that. It's quite funny.
B: I read once that you consider Menswear to be the English Pearl Jam. And we're wondering why... R: (Grins). Oh, Ha, I've heard that quote and I don't know where it's come from because I can't-- B: Tournico... R: Right. I don't know where--I think they've got the wrong end of the stick there. It was probably a joke.
B: Oh, I'm sure it was. Yeah. Oh, I know it was but bleah, sorry--there was a big rumor going around that you were going to tour with Menswear and everyone was going on about it. Do you not want to do it or was it-- R: I don't think-I-I never...I didn't know that was supposed to be the case.
B: It was printed everywhere.
R: I don't think we would've chosen to do it because we're trying to sort of not be part of the Britpop package. We were supposed to--well Blur had asked us to tour with them again and we kind of didn't just want to be like, kind of 'Hey, we're Britpop! Here's a big bundle of Britpop for you! Have a load of that!' You know.
S: But then you're embraced by the romo movement as well...like, all the movements that come along accept Pulp.
B: You guys fit into every category.
R: We're embraced by the romos as well? You're informing me about a lot of things! (Laughs from all). I must say, I I, really.
B: You're loved by the romos and the mods, which is a rare combination. S: Yeah, I thought it was really weird that all the mods liked you. B: But they always go on about their whole Blur and that's about it. And the Jam.
R: Yeah, well, there's only so many bands to like if you're a mod because most mod bands are rubbish, aren't they? I mean I like--no, I like that kind of mod aesthetic, but I don't like the idea of this uniform.
S&B: Yeah, yeah.
R: And I think a lot of mod music is awful. I don't like it at all. I like the idea of it more than the actual thing.
S: Did you play in any bands before Pulp?
R: Erm, er, yeah, erm a number really. The first was a kind of psychedelic heavy metal band.
B: Oh really? Hmm...do you have your old recordings cherishedin a little safe box?
R: Not a little safe--there are recordings of like old songs that became Pulp songs with bands that weren't Pulp. So there are like pre-Pulp versions of early Pulp songs. Things like, you know, 'Anorexic Beauty' and 'The Will to Power' and stuff like that. So there's a few. But I don't know where those tapes are now. I'm sure they're very awful.
B: Are you writing any songs for the new album yet, or are you just worrying about 'Different Class' for now?
R: Er, we're not really writing any songs. We haven't had any time. Any time we've had off we've wanted to be off. We kind of see our friends and families and try to avoid being in Pulp.
S: I heard you almost left the band. Why?
R: Well, everything just sort of came to a head. We were arguing a lot. But it all got better after that. It's much better now.
B: And here's a silly little fanzine question--hope you don't mind me asking, but what do you wear to bed?
R: Well just normal pajamas, really. Nothing really garish. I don't like patterns. Solids are nice. Or I just wear a t-shirt, or nothing. Depends on the climate, really.
S: Is it true that you get the most groupies?
R: Uh, erm, where'd you hear that?!
S: Nick & Steve.
R: Erm, well I'm sure they were just joking. What's this?! Erm, no! B: Just being cheeky, then. Who's your favorite artist?
R: What, you mean like painting?
B: Yes.
R: I like Italian artists.
B: Like Alberto Vargas? (*note: Yes, now I know he's Peruvian...!)
R: Who?
B: Oh, he did a Cars album cover. He usually paints figures and nudes.
R: Oh no, I don't like kitsch. I don't like that kind of thing. I like classical art, sort of Michelangelo.
B: What annoys you most about Jarvis?
R: Haha! Well, everything really! (laughs). I could NEVER live with him again.
B: Yes, we've read about that.
S: Who do you get along with the best?
R: Probably Nick. He still lives in Sheffield.
B: Ah, he's the one!
R: Yeah, so, we go out once in a while. But we're very different. Nick's kind of a beer--drinking kind of gu--very different from me. But that's good to hang around with people like that. Like if I hang around with people like me...too intense. All 'Rrrr! Grrr!' (imitates himself if he were to hang around with himself or something).
S: What are the rooming arrangements at the hotel?
R: We've all got our own rooms now, actually. But before I used to share with Nick.
S: I heard that Jarvis used to share with Candida.
R: Yeah, but it's hard when you're around the same people for so long. Then you're in such close proximity with them all the time. It's a bit, you know, irritating.
S: Have you ever forgotten the words or music to a song?
R: Once in a while I forget a little bit so I just improvise. But we've been playing together for so long and we know each other so well that we can just cover each other's mistakes.
B: What were your first impressions of each band member when you originally met them?
R: Well, I thought Jarvis was funny, but I didnt think he was a very good songwriter. Haha! Steve, well, he was this silly nice rocker bloke. He had long hair and was playing in a band called Trolley Dog Shag. He was really nice, so I remember liking him. But he was all, (shakes his head with a dopey look on his face). But he was quite harmless and friendly. I remember Nick as a nice dresser. He had really good clothes. He had this great suit with a Chinese collar and bubble glasses. I asked him where he got his suits. Candida was very petite. When I first met her I thought she was really oldlike 30, but she was about 16. Here I thought she was this mysterious older woman. Sort of like Nico or something. Mark, well the 1st time I met Mark was when he interviewed me. He was really nice.
B: Oh, and one last thing before you go. What did you think of the fanzine?
R: I liked it. But to tell you the truth, I haven't really read it yet. Mine somehow got misplaced after the signing, but I borrowed someone's last night and it seemed a bit--well it's odd when it's so full of praise, you know?
B: Obsessive?
R: Yeah, well, it's sort of embarrassing really. I mean for 30 years I haven't been a popstar. So it's different. But yes, it is nice. I don't read our press or reviews or anything though. (end)
Interesting read as expected, particularly regarding the talk of him leaving the band. I never knew it had been brewing in the public domain that long - I'm presuming this interview was May 1996 cos he officially left in January '97.
Much appreciated Rebecca - and pretty good music journalism for a 17 year old!
R: I don't think we would've chosen to do it because we're trying to sort of not be part of the Britpop package. We were supposed to--well Blur had asked us to tour with them again and we kind of didn't just want to be like, kind of 'Hey, we're Britpop! Here's a big bundle of Britpop for you! Have a load of that!' You know.
Ha!
Is there any Britpop cliche more true than having an arrogant and petulant lead guitarist who is always threating to quit the band!? Way to differentiate yourself, Russ.
