{"id":154802,"date":"2018-05-25T11:17:28","date_gmt":"2018-05-25T03:17:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/?p=154802"},"modified":"2018-05-25T15:48:58","modified_gmt":"2018-05-25T07:48:58","slug":"sleep-party-people-lingering-music-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/sleep-party-people-lingering-music-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleep Party People sheds light on anxiety and social injustice on his latest album Lingering"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re a fan of alternative bands like The Bilinda Butchers<\/a> or F\u00f6llakzoid<\/a>, then you\u2019re probably excited for the return of Sleep Party People. Proudly presented by White Noise Records, the Copenhagen-based alternative act will perform in Hong Kong for the third time as a five-piece live band at Y Studio@Youth Square on 2 June.\u00a0<\/span>Having released four full-length albums brimming with sweet melancholy, Sleep Party People has continued to impress listeners with his whimsical charisma and memorable experimental tunes. We interviewed Brian Batz, the man behind Sleep Party People, about the emotional content of his latest release Lingering, his favourite playlist and instrument obsession.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interview with Brian Batz (aka Sleep Party People)<\/b><\/h3>\n

Hi, Brian. Thanks for chatting with us. Last time you guys visited Hong Kong was at Clockenflap during daytime, and what everyone thought was – do you guys feel really hot and sweaty wearing the rabbit masks in your designated black outfits? <\/b><\/h3>\n

Yes, indeed. We sweat a lot during the concerts. That’s the curse of the Sleep Party People trademark and outfit. It’s soooo hot playing a concert in felt mask and with hoodies and long black jeans. I always see it as an exercise and a way of keeping myself fit during a tour (laughs<\/em>). I didn’t really think things through back in 2010 when I decided to wear that outfit on stage. A rookie mistake, I guess. But it’s still fun and a different experience to wear this outfit than wearing normal clothings on stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sleep
Sleep Party People is the alias of musician Brian Batz, and it becomes a five-piece band while performing live (Photography: Sleep Party People via Facebook)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I\u2019ve read that the song Fainting Spell is about social anxiety as a child and an adult…? How do you feel about putting these insecure parts of yourself out into the world?<\/b><\/h3>\n

To me it’s really important to write about personal issues and I honestly don’t mind sharing it with my listeners. If people can relate to what I’m writing about then that’s just more meaningful to me. Anxiety has become a very common thing in today’s society. I guess that’s why I don’t feel ashamed to put it down in words or be in doubt wondering whether it’s a good thing to share it.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of my favourite tracks from Lingering is The Sun Will Open Its Core. What’s it about?<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s about how Denmark is handling the whole refugee matter. In my opinion, we (the government) didn’t do a very good job at helping, nor did we show any sympathy whatsoever for the many refugees, who tried to enter our country. That left me numb and speechless. <\/span><\/p>\n

To be honest, I don’t see how a country with a strong welfare society can neglect and not help in such situations. Imagine if it was us, we would want someone to help us, right? I was just really surprised by our actions in the whole matter and felt very embarrassed about being a dane. Normally I don’t write political lyrical content, but this just felt very natural and important to write about, to keep reminding people about this horrible situation millions of people are in.<\/span><\/p>\n