Interview: The Parlotones, 6/9 at Belly Up

USD Radio caught up with Paul Hodgson, guitarist of South Afrian rock band, The Parlotones prior to their 6/2 performance at The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach.  We talked about California, hamburgers, and the band’s wine label before the band’s set.

By: Chuck Cartwright

The Belly Up Tavern is on a hot streak booking top flight international talent for the sleepy seaside community of Solana Beach to enjoy.  First it was Biffy Clyro a few weeks back, and this past Thursday 6/2 we had the good fortune of catching South African superstars, The Parlatones live and in full color.

The Parlotones are arguably the hottest thing out of South Africa since the 2010 FIFA World Cup final.  The self-proclaimed “melodic rock” four piece has achieved multiplatinum status in their home country.  They have been criss-crossing the globe over the past two years in support of their 2009 release, “Stardust Galaxies”.

USD Radio had the opportunity to speak with guitarist Paul Hodgson (@Paul_Parlotones) in advance of their performance.  When asked about his impressions on California, he replied “it looks just like the movies”.  While personally I disagree, Hodgson said California was his favorite part of America, though “not quite like Cape Town”.  The band has tourned in the United States on a few different occasions, building a feverant cult-like fanbase along the way.

The crowd at The Belly Up wasn’t very large, though those who were in attendence were extremely passionate about the act they paid to see.  Fans sang along with band through much of the set.  The Parlotones launched into a borrage of their well-traveled tunes, carrying themselves as true veterans of the touring circuit.  Complete with matching suits, the band put on a fantastic show despite questionable attendence figures.  Led by the showmanship of frontman Kahn Morbee, The Parlatones didn’t hold back as they energetically performed all of their most popular songs.  The closest thing I could compare them to would be a cross between The Killers and Muse, although they definitely had a unique flavor all to themselves.

As Hodgson notes, “we just like to go out and play, whether it’s for a few thousand or a few hundred”.  And play the band did, even graciously submitting to a two song encore for the passionate fans who seemed to hang on every lyric.

The only downside to the evening was that Hodgson and the band didn’t bring along any of their specially vinted South African wine.  “None of us are wine makers, we just know what we think tastes good”, said Hodgson in reference to the winemaking efforts of the band.  The Parlatones created a wine called ‘Giant Mistake‘, named after their single from the album A World Next Door to Yours which will soon be distributed in the United States.

Regardless, The Parlotones show no signs of stopping.  “The American fans have actually been easier to win over than the British” noted Hodson, clearly with world domination on his mind.  When asked if he was sick of eating hamburgers and french fries yet, he quickly replied that “hamburgers were the one thing he’s definitely not sick of”; which further illustrates that he and his band are fully committed to breaking in America.

You can catch the band across the U.S. through the end of June.

Check out “Push Me To The Floor” here.

5 June: Santa Fe, NM – Corazon – Buy Tickets

7 June: Dallas, TX – The Prophet Bar – Buy Tickets

8 June: Austin, TX – Stubbs Jr – Buy Tickets

10 June: Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits- Buy Tickets

11 June: St. Petersburg, FL – Local 662 – Buy Tickets

12 June: Orlando, FL – Backbooth Bar – Buy Tickets

14 June: Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506 – Buy Tickets

15 June: Nashville, TN – Exit/In – Buy Tickets

16 June: Atlanta, GA – Smith’s Olde Bar – Buy Tickets

18 June: Columbus, OH – The Basement – Buy Tickets

19 June: Chicago, IL – The Double Door – Buy Tickets

21 June: Cleveland, OH – The Grog Shop – Buy Tickets

22 June: Pittsburgh, PA – The Hard Rock Cafe – Buy Tickets

23 June: New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom – Buy Tickets

24 June: Washington, DC – Red Palace – Buy Tickets

25 June: Boston, MA – T.T. The Bear’s – Buy Tickets

26 June: Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live – Buy Tickets

2 July: Port Elizabeth, South Africa – Kirkwood Festival

13 July – 17 July: Dragonflies & Astronauts at El Teatro in Montecasino

16 October: Pensacola, FL – Deluna Fest – Buy Tickets