Sometimes, stepping back helps everything come into focus. Over the past year, Picture Parlour have quietly honed their identity, focussing their lineup on the core duo of Katherine Parlour (vocals and guitar) and Ella Risi (guitar), and finding fresh energy in the possibilities of a more streamlined setup. Now, on the cusp of their headline slot at London’s legendary 100 Club for Dork’s Night Out, they’re fully committed to this path.
Their excitement about recent projects is unmistakable. “We’ve just woken up after shooting the music video for our next single,” they say. “We’re looking through some of the behind-the-scenes shots of the northern soul dancers who came down to the shoot. We can’t wait to share the video with you.” The anticipation is clear from a band eager to show the world they’ve built around their evolving sound.
It’s almost a year since Picture Parlour put out their debut EP, a turning point they describe as both defining and empowering. “The songs on that EP were the first tracks we’d ever written together, so it was a cathartic process to finally release them and have those tunes out in the world after sitting on them for so long,” they explain. Beyond crystallising that early vision, the experience emboldened them creatively. “We definitely feel more confident in ourselves and our vision after making the EP, and we’ve learnt not to back down when we feel strongly about our art, which has felt liberating. This evolution is reflected in the new body of work, for sure.”
That sense of evolution carried through into sessions for their eagerly awaited debut full-length. Determined to expand their sonic palette, the band spent large chunks of last year in Los Angeles and Nashville. “We finally have an album,” they confirm with excitement. “We spent a lot of last year in LA and Nashville, and we had the time of our lives making it. Our producer is based in Nashville, so we spent a month out there working with him, really locking in an exciting, authentic and original sound that blends our northern roots with an American rock sound we’ve always loved.” For Picture Parlour, heading to America wasn’t just about location; it was about immersion. “The time we spent in Nashville felt like total escapism,” they say. “That freedom definitely seeped into the energy of the record.”
The pair remain practical when it comes to influences, though. Their listening has focused in on records like T. Rex’s ‘Electric Warrior,’ Pulp’s ‘Different Class,’ Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Tango in the Night,’ and Wunderhorse’s ‘Cub.’ Each informs their work in a specific way. They point to Marc Bolan’s “whimsical and eccentric nature, blended with the raw emotion and grit of Stevie Nicks’ lyricism,” adding, “We’ve also looked at Bolan for guitar tones on this record.” Other inspirations they mention include Jack White, St Vincent, David Gilmour, and Robert Smith.
Cinematic elements are just as integral to their current phase. “We’re in visual world mode at the minute,” they say. “We’re deep in preparation for the music and live videos accompanying our forthcoming singles. We’re so excited to be working with Harv Frost, who’s done an insane job building this world with us. We’ve never had so much fun during a creative process – she’s the best.” Fans can expect more than just music at the 100 Club show. “There may be some music video easter eggs and souvenirs floating around the show, which people can take home if they manage to spot them.” They’re intentionally vague. There’s a lot to be said for a sense of mystery.
Their openness includes taking a brief step back from live performances to focus on fresh material. “We took some time out to finish up the new stuff and really hone in on what we want our project to be,” they note. Now that they’re back onstage, there’s a renewed sense of purpose. “We’re getting used to being back on stage and building out the new live set. It’s been exciting and refreshing trying out new setlists and material—we can’t wait to start playing more of the new record.”
They’re under no illusions about how pivotal that next step is, though. “Nailing the debut record is so important to us,” they state. “It feels like the real beginning for Picture Parlour. We know this is going to live forever. It needs to be something we’re proud of.”
Still, they’re not overthinking it. Even as they perfect their first record, they’re already sketching out what comes next. “We haven’t stopped writing. We know how quickly time goes, so we’re already working towards album two.” A few hints about what’s next slip through – “We finally have some releases coming up sooner rather than later, and maybe some touring. Keep an eye out” – but their core objective remains delightfully simple: “We want to make the people dance with these new tunes.”
As Picture Parlour prepare to put forward a leaner, louder vision, they seem certain of their route onwards. They’re done waiting and second-guessing. The road ahead feels streamlined and direct. In their own words: “It feels more us than ever.”
Picture Parlour play Dork’s Night Out at London’s 100 Club on 20th March.
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