Be in Control of Your Body: Alex Cameron's Saxophonist and Business Partner, Roy Molloy, on Performing at Primavera Sound.
After making an appearance at last year's Primavera Club shows in October, wild song panther, Alex Cameron, and his right hand man, saxophonist and business partner, Roy Molloy, will be making their first full Primavera Sound festival debut this Saturday at the stunning Auditori Rockdelux.
To preface the pair's hotly anticipated performance, and with the main body of the festival kicking off today in Barcelona, we sent some questions over to Roy to find out his expectations, and to discusss the pontental of Alex Cameron-branded jean shorts.
Roy, this is the first time you and Alex have performed at Primavera Sound. What expectations do you have of the festival, and what should those attending expect of you?
Pal, I never heard of Primavera 'til they booked us last year for the 'Club' show, but folk keep goin' wide-eyed when I tell 'em we're playing, so that's encouraging. At the club shows last year, my business partner came in the hotel room, must've been 6am, all glass-eyed, and a rim of blood around his mouth. Make of that what you want. Do stay out his way if you see him with a glass a tequila in his hand.
How are you both going to prepare for your performance? Do you have any pre-show rituals, or advice you'd like to offer the other acts on the bill?
If you stay ready, you ain't gonna' get ready. You gotta' be able get out the rental van, get on stage, and make it rain. I'll do a little shadow boxing. Quick swear sesh in the mirror. Fuck knows what Al does. I've seen him call his mum; I've seen him laying flat on his back, staring at the ceiling. Do what you gotta' do.
You're performing at the same time as Van Morrison, Angel Olsen, Joey Purp and Autarkic. How are you going to sway the audience to your performance instead?
I ain't heard of the last two; can't see us havin' a problem there, but with Angel and Van, it's curtains. I'm bummed I can't see 'em. Angels one of a kind, and Van exists in a space a lifetime in the making. Can't fuck with that.
Where is the best position to experience the Alex Cameron live show - is it better to be up close and personal or lingering in the back?
Get comfortable. Don't be afraid to move your body, but, in equal measure, don't be afraid to go lean on the bar and check your phone. Let the moment dictate your action.
What attire have you both picked out for the performance?
Hard to say, my guy. We wore suits exclusively for many years, and I think people interpreted that as a fashion choice. Fact is, we had all of our other clothes stolen and thrown in a canal. Wasn't a big deal. Guys in the 1920s wore the same suit their whole lives. But we got money now and ergo; more threads. What I'm saying is, we'll wear what the fuck we want.
What three items are essential to bring to a festival of this size, for both you and the audience?
Water for stayin' hydge', phone for stayin' in touch with your crew, and a positive attitude for keepin it loose and conversational.
If Primavera had an unlimited budget to commission exclusive Alex Cameron merchandise, what would you be selling at the merch tent?
Al Cam jean shorts would have a summery vibe, and a practical application for doing yard work later.
If you could add one act to the Primavera line-up, who would it be and why?
Gotta be Jack Ladder. The guy's a phenomenal talent and he's gettin' slept on.
If you could remove one act from the line-up, who would it be and why?
I got enemies as it is, pal. I ain't gonna' light fires. Not for a damn music mag, at least. No offense.
And if you could both join another act on stage, who would it be?
[We'd] get up there with Van Morrison. Me in the horns section, just playing stabs, and Al Cam on auxilary percush'. A lot a folk don't know, [but] Al's a beast on the tamb', egg shaker, bongos, etc. He really shreds.
Will you be making a hasty escape after your set,!or sticking around for the party?
There are swells and vapors in this world I got no say over. Likely I will be having a few beers, but.
Finally, what's one key piece of advice you'd like to offer up to those attending the festival this year?
If they already pulled the trigger and bought a ticket, I guess I can only tell 'em to stay respectful to themselves and those around 'em. Be safe. Be in control of your body.
Alex Cameron and Roy Molloy will be performing at Primavera Sound on Saturday, June 3rd at 21:00, in Auditori Rockdelux