PAPA – The El Rey Interview

Los Angeles – The El Rey is a venue that is near and dear to the principle members of PAPA. In a series of high school battle of the bands appearances held at the old L.A. mainstay, local products Darren Weiss and Danny Presant had the pleasure of taking last place honors on more than one occasion. Chalk it up to them being in the only punk band in the scholastic circuit or blame it on the deciding powers that be, these were the days that would ultimately shape their respective musical visions.

PAPA’s sound has none of the punk rock hallmarks, but the mindset and attitude couldn’t be more a part of the band’s spirit. Groups like Fugazi, Hot Snakes, and Murder City Devils made an impression. The music was invigorating. Its energy, palpable. Perhaps most important, none tried to be something it wasn’t. “[These] bands existed in a completely underground plain.” Weiss says.

The singer/drummer explains that what made these bands a true source of inspiration was their attitude toward making music on their own terms. The goal wasn’t about getting airplay, but rather connecting with the audience no matter the size. The music had guts and urgency, something Weiss sees as lacking in a lot of what’s being released nowadays. “Everyone is very docile, wants to be nice, and [have their music] on the newest fucking KIA commercial.” He says.

At the very core of PAPA’s rock and roll soul are the two teenage boys who never got the popular vote and stood unfazed making music that was true to themselves – nothing more, nothing less. Presant, bass and vocals, acknowledges that along with honesty in craft it’s the “hustle” that has helped his band maintain its hunger. There is nothing more dull than a group playing it safe and just going through the motions during a performance. “I love the challenge of a live performance.” Weiss says. “Each night we are putting ourselves to the test. I don’t wanna feel safe.”

Fast-forward a few years and PAPA’s name is out on the El Rey’s marquee. Tonight they’re the headliners. A first for them. It also marks the close of a very successful 2013. In a year that saw the release of their debut LP, Tender Madness, and innumerable dates out on the road this homecoming gig has the feel of a fan base welcoming back its prodigal heroes.

In the midst of an encore on the stage where they seemingly had no place on. Weiss pounds his drums as he wails through a rendition of the Iggy & the Stooges classic, “Search and Destroy.” It’s fitting conclusion to the year that was. They took no prisoners, maintained their soul, and made some good old heartfelt rock and roll. PAPA is just getting started.

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Ian Joulain

Somewhere between Sublime’s 40oz. to Freedom and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic something clicked inside a young Ian Joulain’s mind. His love for music had taken root and the only way to satiate this newfound passion was mass consumption of any and all genres. While gravitating toward punk rock, hip-hop, and jazz he discovered his distaste for pop-country, but blames that mostly on the excess of tractor and NASCAR mentions in the genre’s lyrics. That said, Joulain has never met a drink that was too stiff or a beach that he didn't like. He hopes to one day hug a koala and would love to ask Greg Ginn why he’s such a dick.