The solo project of multi-instrumentalist and multi-disciplined artist CP Fletcher, A Permanent Shadow is a musical entity in perpetual motion. A rotating cast of musicians (with CP being the only constant member) ensures that, as with the rolling stone, it never gathers moss or becomes staid. Here CP brings up to speed on everything A Permanent Shadow:

Can you tell us about the band’s origins. Where did you meet etc.

A Permanent Shadow is basically a solo project of mine, though I do collaborate with two very skilled gentlemen, Valen Nieto, who is the producer and plays guitar and bass, and Albert Català, who’s an arranger and excellent keyboard player. We’d known each other for quite a few years from the local scene until we decided to work together on my songs.

What are the musical influences of each band member and how do you forge them into a cohesive whole?

I think we all like Bowie and Nine Inch Nails, but then each of us comes from a different angle. I’m more into post punk stuff, whereas Albert is a huge jazz aficionado, and Valen is quite knowledgeable of any musical style.

Can you tell us about your local music scene. Is it supportive? Are there many places to play?

We live in Barcelona, which has pretty much become a playground for expats. It’s not what it used to be, to be quite honest. Many grass root venues have shut down because of the neighbours complaining or the high rents. It gets more difficult to gig regularly. And if you do, people strangely complain about a 15€ ticket price for smaller or mid-sized artists, while happily spending 200€ on a Robbie Williams ticket. The world is a strange place, indeed.

What’s the best and worst thing about your local scene?

The best thing is that there really are a lot of talented people, and they are quite approachable and willing to collaborate. That makes it a lot of fun. The bad thing is that usually there’s very little money to be made, unless you play in a Top 40 covers band or are part of a huge outfit. Most of the musicians I know have day jobs.

Can you tell us about the band’s discography (demos, singles, albums).

So far we’ve recorded four full albums and two covers EP’s. The fourth album is called “Half-Century Dead End” and will be released in January. As for singles, there have been quite a few, three or four off each album, and also a couple of non-album releases. On our website www.apermanentshadow.com you can access all our recorded output.

How do you feel you’ve evolved musically throughout your career?

I think the songwriting is better now than on the first album, as is the singing. We’ve also tackled different styles within our musical tastes, to keep ourselves excited and interested. And I think some of the arrangements and song structures have become more daring over the years.

Can you tell us about tours you’ve completed. Any war stories you’d like to share?

We don’t tour. It’s too expensive for an independent artist to go out on the road with no financial backing, unless you have a rich uncle, which is not my case. And I can’t see myself doing stripped-down acoustic shows.

Will we see you on the road anytime soon?

would love to be doing gigs, but I’m not so sure it would make a lot of sense. We’ll see how the album is received and then we’ll decide.

What’s next for the band? How do you plan to reach the next level?

I stopped scheming to be honest; I rather take it day by day. Granted, there will be promotional campaigns and all that boring adult stuff to sell our new music, but other than procuring that people have access to our music if they want to, I have no further aspirations.

Finally, what’s the one question (and answer) interviewers never ask but you wish they would?

Wow, that’s a difficult one. I’ve never been asked what my mother thinks of my music. The answer, of course, is that she loves it and thinks I should be a superstar by now. I couldn’t agree more with her.