Inteview Upbringing: Public Access TV

We grill the band’s John Eatherly on his biggest musical obsessions.

Words: El Hunt
3rd October 2016

New York garage rabble Public Access TV put out their ace debut album ‘Never Enough’ last week; a jangly, hook-laden first outing recorded everywhere from Oxfordshire, to Nashville. The British countryside, and the birthplace of Dolly Parton might not strike as the most obvious ingredients, but stranger things have happened.

As ‘Never Enough’ unleashes its slick, infectious, cranium-burrowing self on the world, we grilled the band’s John Eatherly on his biggest musical obsessions. Besides former stints in The Virgins, and DIY Hall of Fame faves Be Your Own Pet, it turns out that growing up in Nashville, and, err.. Beatles greatest hits compilations, had a huge impact on Public Access TV. They’re also pretty big film buffs, as it goes.

Read our review of ‘Never Enough’ here.

What was the first gig you ever went to?

The first gig I went to was definitely some country show in Nashville. Growing up, my parents were both really into music, and my dad was a musician. I can’t remember what the show was exactly, but it was some local country act in Nashville.

Were there a good supply of venues in your hometown?

Yeah, there was a bunch of venues that were great. You had all the the classic places like Grand Ole Opry but you also had a cool DIY spots and rock venues like The End and the Exit In. Nashville was rad for being young and playing in bands.

What was the first song you developed an obsession for?

I was always really into the classic stuff like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones etc… once I was in middle school all the 2001 bands came out and I definitely got into those bands as well as 70’s punk. Every band I got into I would research everything I could and have to find all their music. It became quiet OCD really.

What was the first song you ever bought with your own money, and why?

I’m sure it was a compilation album of The Beatles or something. I can’t remember exactly but at the time I would go to one of the big music store chains and they always had some good Greatest Hits packages.

What’s the story behind your first instrument?

We always had musical instruments laying around the house. I remember picking up the guitar at a young age and messing around. Same with drums. I wasn’t good at school but music always made sense to me.

What’s your worst musical habit?

I really like to turn my shit up LOUD. At practice it can drive our guitarist Xan insane cuz I like my tones to be really harsh. I also don’t change my strings as often as I should so they tend to break at bad times…

What inspirations outside of music have an impact on your songwriting?

Movies are a major influence. I really take a lot of inspiration from visuals in classic movies like Mean Streets or Taxi Driver. That sort of grimey vibe those movies have, or futuristic stuff like Kubrick. I love messing around on guitar while watching a movie, it can really get me in a different head-space.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given as a band?

An older friend of mine who also plays music told me to just follow my gut. It sounds cheesy but so many people will always tell you what they think you should do and at the end of the day you gotta just say “fuck it” and do whatever you feel is right. Trusting yourself is really important.