Music Q&A: Deadleg
Ex-Molly Half Head and Wireless frontman Paul Bardsley returns with his new outfit Deadleg. Blending idiosyncratic charm with confident songwriting, single Chinese Floats is out 25 Sept
What informs your music and songwriting?
My songwriting is built on strong melody and honesty – I’m not into milking it. I have always loved to play with words so lyrically I draw on past experiences that have usually amused me or stuck with me for time, albeit to some annoyance!
How have you evolved as a musician over the years?
Previously with Molly Half Head and Wireless I was just singing, doing the singer things, climbing the lighting rig, taking my top off – y’know posturing and posing. Now with Deadleg I’m playing guitar and singing and it’s ace. I’m well into it. It’s a far more intense performance for me, connecting with the guitar and the audience. I get lost in it.
What are you up to at the moment artistically?
We are recording tunes that will be on the Deadleg album Dead-legacy and we’re also rehearsing for gigs. We have been asked to play at Musicians Against Homelessness – Merseyside, which is a momentous project and cause and playing in Liverpool is always boss, la! As they say.
What’s on your rider?
I’m not really a big drinker so two bottles of Lambrini Skinny and half a dozen Goblin meat puddings would suffice.
Tell us your most embarrassing or surreal experience.
I had a surreal fanboy experience at Reading Festival when I met Kevin Rowland. The whole time I was trying to wax lyrical about his classic album Don’t Stand Me Down he would look down at his nail polish, shake his head, tut and say: “Should have bought that Rose Confidential!”
What song do you wish you’d written?
Outdoor Miner by Wire. I love it. I think the song is pure genius – it’s uplifting, it’s got an edge and it’s timeless. The lyrics seem surreal unless you are Sir David Attenborough. I was always left wondering what is he singing about? Which is why I googled to find out and it’s really about a plant pest called a Serpentine Miner!
What’s your worst lyric?
Peering through a cloud above,
with thoughts of you in mind.
Only explanation being love,
I can’t keep track of time.
Mind you, I was 15 years old at the time.
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