Interview with Erin from Pindoll

I met Erin in her shabby hotel room. The walls of the room were blood-red. A Lynchian soundtrack in the background. And I’m inclined to go on but I’m lying. I actually e-mailed her a list of questions and she agreed to answer them.
Erin, the vocalist, of Lebanese band Pindoll inspires such thoughts. She is not only a very talented singer but she also seems very much aware that image and attitude are as important to a performer. Dressed in a dark Cabaret outfit, heroin chic 50’s star, disheveled army punk girl, Erin pulls off each and lives every song to the fullest. In short, the Pindoll experience is not only auditory, but also one of the best shows in town.

Here goes: my questions, her answers.

Mazen: Hi Erin, let me first tell you that I feel cheated. I watched your last performance in Radio Beirut and there was a moment when you looked me in the eye and sang to me that you were fed up with my love. It meant a lot to me. When the concert was done, a friend of mine told me you looked in his eye and told him the same thing! What have you got to say for yourself?

Erin: My audience is one person, who’s ready for a revolution… I don’t see different people while I’m on stage. But I promise next time to be only fed up with you. (smiles)

M: I thought your new album, Twisted Ties, was a knockout record and a staple in my home and car stereo, what was the public’s reaction to it so far?

E: I enjoy being criticized by the public. After all, that’s one of the best learning sources I have. But so far no one reacted badly so I assume they liked the album.

M: I know you teach singing, and with a voice like yours, I am not surprised. But that’s only a portion of what you offer on stage. I can safely say you are the craziest and most charismatic performer I have seen on stage in Lebanon. Can this be taught? Is being technically flawless enough? Or do you advise your students to lose themselves and go crazy?

E: Thank you for seeing all that (smiles). I think being charismatic and crazy is first about being yourself. This is why I help my students search inside themselves to find out who they truly are, who they want to be on stage, what their message is, their purpose in singing, and all sorts of things… Because being able to explain your thoughts clearly and your ability in communicating them with your audience are far more important than just singing the right notes… And yes, I tell them to lose themselves and never forget to take a sip from their glasses on stage once in a while.

M: Do you, personally, have any idols you try to channel through your performances?

E: Yes! Ever since I was a kid I was enchanted with Michael Jackson’s unstoppable “artistic” energy. To this day, I feel it flows in me. He is a big inspiration which plays a big role in doing energetic shows as well.

M: I remember watching you years ago in an empty pub in Sanayeh, I was probably the only one there. You played on and you were all bloody fantastic just like every time I saw you guys. Having been so good and still playing to almost no one, did you ever think about quitting?

E: One true listener is enough to motivate an artist than a group of people who aren’t into the show… And yes, I did think about quitting… After all life is all about losing and finding.

M: After all those years, you are now playing in the Jim Bean Rock Festival and have several shows coming. How does it feel to have finally made it big? And where do you see Pindoll in a few years?

E: We are actually very excited to play at the Jim Beam rock festival. We rescheduled our practices and hopefully we will perform some new songs too. Personally, I don’t like thinking ahead of time regarding music. To me, art is freedom. I like to set it free. And I believe that when you do something passionately you’ll succeed in it no matter what.
M: Portishead, Radiohead, Arcade Fire, yeah fine ok, not too bad, but RASMUS??? Oh my goodness… How do you feel that you are going to meet up with what I am sure are childhood idols for every single member of your band? Are you super excited?

E: Yup, sure, we are super excited. It’s always nice to meet talented people once in a while.
(M: Nice dodge, Erin… Nice dodge.)

M: The Jim Bean concert has an impressive exclusively Lebanese roster of very promising bands, something that hasn’t happened in Lebanon for a long time. Who are you excited to watch perform? Any competing bands that have your respect and whose records you enjoy?

E: Actually, I’m so happy to watch all our local bands play. Unfortunately I have never had the chance to see them performing live before due to my overly hectic life. But now is the time…

M: You mentioned you had upcoming shows. Can you please tell our readers when and where you are performing next? And please, do tell us, any new album on the way?

E: So far we have 2 upcoming shows :
•Jim Beam – June 27/ Dbayeh
•Light Fm 25 years – July 2/ Zouk
We already gathered a bunch of ideas regarding our next album, but we’re taking our time. We’re looking for a quiet place to escape from this routine and hopefully start our next journey in the wild.

M: Wow. Thank you very very much Erin. Watching your shows and listening to your record is always an absolute pleasure and a fine experience. Wish you the best!

E: Thank you Mazen and good luck to you as well.

So here you have it. Scoop of the season: Perfectionist Erin was disappointed Twisted Times did not get a few bad reviews, she’s a Michael Jackson fanatic, she’s dedicated to her craft, she’s evasive in the details, encompassing in scope, and she’s thinking of taking off into the woods. That’s it, I’m sold. Buy Twisted Times (link). Watch Pindoll!
Dates
•Jim Beam – June 27/ Dbayeh
•Light Fm 25 years – July 2/ Zouk
No, you cannot skip because of the funeral. Tell them there’s Pindoll, they’ll understand.

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