Page 42 - 366091 LP246228 NE Volume Magazine (170mm x 245mm 52pp) September 2022

PARISSA ZARIFI
NEXT NE GIG
Thursday 15th September
VENUE
The Twisted Lip, Middlesbrough
Multi-instrumentalist Parissa Zarifi will unveil her new EP later this month, so Lee Allcock caught up with her to talk about her inspiration, collaborating with other musicians and more.
You’re releasing your new EP, ‘Written In The Sand’, this month. What can listeners expect both sonically and lyrically?
My ‘Written In The Sand’ EP is a hauntingly autobiographical release of melancholic power. Listeners can expect ethereal folk music with a blend of vocal harmonies and minor string melodies, with the entirety performed by me (which I refer to as: “Doing a Prince!”). Recorded as a raw representation of my material, I wanted to create something that is an honest reflection of whatIdo:arealisationofthemelodies
And you have a launch gig planned too. Tell me more...
The ‘Written In The Sand’ EP will be available across all digital platforms from Thursday 15th September, and that evening, The Twisted Lip is having a Parissa take-over! At my favourite hometown venue, you can expect an intimate solo performance in 2 x 30-minute sets exploring my emotive original repertoire. Expect shapely songs with ethereal haunting soprano melodies, a passionate lower register of a rock essence, flowing fingerpicking and rhythmic acoustic guitar with layered and dynamic violin improvisation - and a couple of choice covers for good measure. The first-ever copies of the EP and merch will be up for grabs - so don’t miss out!
And finally, you’ve collaborated with a number of musicians over the years, but what artist has been your
favourite to work with and why?
The Teesside music scene is fullofinspiringandsupportive artists who have all been a pleasure to create with, but to pick one, it would have to be Jonathan Staff. Forming Tribo do Sol (Tribe of the Sun) this summer, born out of Staff’s original songs, has been an amazing opportunity as a violinist to explore melody and playing as a band. His songs always hold an interesting narrative or have a lived experience behind them and are melodic journeys (in other words, are in a lot of tricky keys for violin players). He is an incredible storyteller, with ‘Cherokee’ being a fantastic example of this, and my firm favourite. Staff takes inspiration from the world around him and we reflect that in how we all vibe during performances and within our friendships
outside of the band.
The ‘Written In The Sand’ EP Launch takes place on Thursday 15th September at The Twisted Lip in Middlesbrough, with tickets priced at £5.00 on the door.
in my head and with some added ‘Pazz-azz!’ The songs explore past relationships, emotion and individual growth, with the truth told through heartfelt lyrics, with imagery often relating to nature, which I
feel at one with. Born from
the autobiographical, I feel
that I have no control over
what I write or how it sounds - it
just flows out of me as a musical happening. If I try to write, it does not come. I hope you enjoy listening.
Who were you influenced by when writing the EP?
The tracks on the EP were written between 2016 to 2020, with violin melodies created during the recent recording process. The songs were born from my own lived experience, thoughts and feelings, so you could say that my greatest influence is my journey itself. Musically, I have a strong connection to Chris Cornell’s work, particularly ‘Euphoria Morning’ and the ‘Songbook’ acoustic compilation. I feel my performance style has been greatly influenced by the likes of Joan Baez and Devendra Banhart, as well as traditional folk songs and ‘60s/’70s rock.
“I wanted to create something that is an honest reflection of what I do”
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