Elvis Perkins - A Tale of Sorrow and Sound
Elvis Perkins is a folk singer-songwriter although prefers to be refered to as a recording artist in folk and roll genre. Born on the 9th February 1978, his father was Anthony Perkins the actor most famously known for his role in Alfred Hitchcock's film Psycho. His mother, Berry Berenson, was a well known photographer who was published in, Glamour, Life, Vogue and Newsweek amongst others.
His firstname, Elvis was chosen by his mother but as he recalls it caused him some difficulties whilst growing up.
"at school I was the butt of every joke, and I developed an apprehension of dealing with people, because there was no way of getting off on the right foot."
Speaking about being in the public eye from an early age elvis said, "moving around the world with my family, has made me a little bit self-conscious about existing in the world and being perceived. It's made me hyper-aware of eyes upon me."
Anthony Perkins died from complications of aids when Elvis was just 14. A day before the 9th anniversary of Anthony's death his mother died in the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Although the tradegies regarding his parents had a profound influence on Elvis and his creative direction, he is often quick to play this down. In fact his name has often felt like a milstone around his neck.
"I'm more worried - and always have been more worried - about being pushed as 'son of so and so' or 'survivor of sad story'".
This is the paradox of Elvis Perkins, his life and his work. Sometimes the most beautiful works of music are borne from great experiences of sadness, and sometimes even talking about such a link is too painful.
Ash Wednesday
The album Ash Wednesday was even by his own admision a long time in the making. The album is "full of tough, tender songs, brimming with warm, familiar images".
Elvis explains,
"The title refers to being left on Wednesday with nothing but ash, because she died on a Tuesday - being left with ash on September 12. That was also the day my father died, September 12".
Elvis wrote Ash Wednesday by himself and recorded it with his brother Osgood on drums and friend Ethan Gold arranging and producing. After the album was finsihed Elvis realised he needed a band to perform with.
The Band: Dearland
Wyndham Garnett's mother was best friends with Elvis' Mother and was Elvis' God-mother. Equally Elvis' mother was a god-parent for Wyndham. A life long companion of Elvis, Wyndham plays the keys and harmonium and guitar. Elvis considers Wyndham to be a brother, but not through blood.
Brigham Brough plays the bass, and Nicholas Kinsey the drums. Nick, Brigham and Wyndham are old school friends and the close, and longstanding relationship between the band members adds to the cohesion and musical understanding they have on stage.
Elvis in Dearland's legendary live shows are renouned for their energy. The vast array of instruments, including huge drums, creates a unique sound.