Porcelain Pink
Starting as a trio in 2018, Porcelain Pink streamlined themselves into a well-oiled alt-rock riff machine. The post-grunge two-piece band is made up of guitarist and vocalist Lorenzo Raiola and drummer Steph Deakin.
WHAT’S NEW WITH YOU GUYS?
Lorenzo: Well, we're hunkering down for this lockdown but lucky for us we were able to get some drum tracking down while studios were still running. We're spending this time writing new songs and mixing songs we have had in the pipeline for a while now. Along with that, we've both been picking up new skills and hobbies in isolation!
Steph: Yeah, I've been messing about on the piano
Lorenzo: I got bored/curious and learned how to Tibetan throat sing, whether that's going to make it onto a track or not is a to be seen
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY LISTENING TO?
Steph: I've been listening to a lot of Enter Shikari recently, they've just released a new album and it's really made me deep dive more of their older stuff. Also, a decent amount of Tool, not gonna lie.
Lorenzo: Hmm I've really gotten into The Hu they're really something else. As well as Wargasm(UK) they're a slick two-piece from up in London, they're fun peeps and their music is straight-up kickass.
WHAT’S THE MOST MEMORABLE SHOW YOU’VE PLAYED?
Steph: It's gotta be the Pipeline when we were asked to fill in last minute for our close friends Cutting Ties. The crowd was amazing loads of our friends were in the front row, all the bands were close friends, it was just a really fun show with friendly faces.
Lorenzo: I totally agree, that was the best show ever, we debut a few new songs and it was just sharing a stage with your best friends, there were smiles everywhere.
WHAT’S THE STRANGEST SHOW YOU’VE PLAYED?
Steph: Aww man, you remember that show we did at Idle Hands during the Alternative Escape? We had just lost our bassist, and our mate Cogolo from Cutting Ties was filling in. Halfway through our set the drum stool just broke and I went down but kept playing basically squatting with the drums almost above my head.
Lorenzo: OOOH, what about that crazy gig at The Prince Albert where we made the power go out! Yeah, the second song into the set halfway through 'Tightrope' the entire bar goes dark I was hella nervous before the set, but after the power came back on the worst had already happened and we just had fun on stage without any worries.
WHERE’S GOOD FOR PRE/POST-GIG GRUB?
Steph & Lorenzo: THE HOPE AND RUIN, Hands down the best post/pre-gig grub anywhere! Totally vegan but not lacking in flavour, its a healthy greasy spoon and we love it. Also, their selection of alcohol is AMAZING.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE LOCAL SUSSEX MUSIC SCENE?
Steph & Lorenzo: We can't speak for the majority of the scene, we're seen some great bits and some not-so-great bits. That being said, in the little scene we're in we love our peers. We're lucky to have friends like Gaffa Tape Sandy, Beach Riot, Cutting Ties, Ahsoka, Wife Swap USA, Gnarlah, and other bands in that little niche. They really drive us to be better musicians and are always on hand to challenge us and help us with any of our releases.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE/MOST CHERISHED BIT OF GEAR?
Steph: I had to wait for so long to be able to afford the cymbals that we use, I've gotta say my absolute favourite has gotta be my Zildjian K-series 17" Dark Crash. I mean how would I describe it? I just love the way it resonates and it's very present without being overpowering.
Lorenzo: I'd have to go with my Third Man Plasma Coil pedal. Jack White and Third Man really know what they're doing. It was a hella investment but it's knocked out other pedals I had on my board and really defined the second iteration of this band's sound. I can honestly say we wouldn't be a two-piece without that pedal. It's become such a keystone in the sound I try to get for us that I could never see myself replacing it.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE ALBUM?
Steph: Oooh that's a hard one but I've gotta pick Songs for the Deaf by Queens of the Stone Age, that album has really contributed to the progression of my drumming style and Dave Grohl is on it and he's my baby.
Lorenzo: That is a hard one isn't it. Hmmm I'd have to go with the self-titled first Audioslave album. With simple riffs and massive amounts of attitude, that record really shaped the kind of riffs I would write. It taught me that above all else, simplicity and conviction are key.
IF YOU COULD INVITE THREE MUSICIANS, ALIVE OR DEAD, TO A DINNER PARTY WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE, AND WHAT WOULD YOU TALK ABOUT?
Steph: Okay! So first off definitely Chris Cornell, then Joan Jett and Dave Grohl. They're just amazing people, I'd ask them what it's like to be rock gods and how could little ol'me get some of that?
Lorenzo: Oh man, I was gonna say Chris Cornell as well! but with Freddie Mercury and Prince! I'd get pointers on how to sing like any of them! Plus I'd love to ask how being a POC/minority affected them on becoming singers of great renown.