Percival Elliott
English duo Percival Elliott unveiled the official visuals of their new single “Betty” on February 23rd.
After the release of their ballad “Forever”, the band comes back with an energetic rock ‘n’ roll new record.
Hailing from the south coast of England, Olly Hite and Samuel Carter-Brazier designed the sound of Percival Elliott in 2014. The indie rock-folk duo released their debut self-titled EP in 2015 which allowed the band to reach a wide audience at sold out shows across the UK through their poetic lyrics and timeless melodies.
“Betty” is the second single off their upcoming album “Save Your Soul”, due early 2018.
Introduce the band.
Good day to you, we are Percival Elliott, or Percy if you will and it’s extremely great to talk to you again.
When and how did you guys meet? At what point did you know you had to make music together?
We met working together at a antique shop. Sam came in to see me to ask if I had any knowledge on 15th century Chinese art. I subsequently told him no, I asked him if he had some Chinese art that I could take a look at and he subsequently also said no. Then he picked up an old guitar that was lying around the shop and began to play “Fat Botton Girls" by the band Queen. I had an old ships piano in the window and jumped on and joined in… The rest, well is history… Stuart Acaster our in house carpenter was making tea at the time and joined in with playing the spoons… You just couldn’t script it.
Do you remember the first song you’ve ever written together? How did it sound like? What was it about?
Good Question…
You know what, it may well have been ‘Take me back’, I think the song speaks for itself. Not sure if she ever took him back. She sure did blow up his piano though.. I know that much.
How would you define the sound of Percival Elliott?
A big bag of Folk/Pop/Rock pick and mix, no liquorice though… That stuff is so wrong.
“Betty” is the second single off your upcoming album “Save Your Soul”. What made you want to release “Betty” as the second single? What’s the story behind this record? Who did you work with?
Well ‘Betty’ is our balls out sex, drugs and rock’n’roll number. It had second single written all over it. ‘Forever’ had to be our first single from our debut album Save Your Soul, just to let people peep slowly into the world of Percival Elliott, you see Percy ain’t all petty coats and rowing boats…
How was it like to shoot the video for this song?
Lots of fun. It really was, great to plug in and jump about. As for the party at the hotel, I’m pleased it was only the Betty footage that we got on tape. Otherwise I think Sam would have been busted again dressed as a unicorn swinging from the chandelier at the penthouse suite. We shot the Betty elements at the wonderful ‘Pelirocco Hotel’ in Brighton. Most fittingly shot in the Betty Page themed guest room. What an amazing place.
What vision and image do you have for your own art?
A blank canvas covered in glitter…
Could you tell us a little bit about your upcoming album? Why did you name it “Save Your Soul”?
Serious face on, we don’t really do serious very well. I guess we wanted Save Your Soul to point out that the world is currently a little topsy turvy. Our souls need saving, not in a religious way but in a humanistic way. We need to start loving ourselves and each other again, before it’s too late.
What do you want people to feel when listening to this album?
Love, happiness, reflection…Like their souls could be saved.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
More of the above, mainly togetherness. Yes we are modern day hippies!
How would you define music?
Medicine for all.
In your opinion, what makes a good song?
If it takes you somewhere, if it calms your mood or powers you up. Music needs to have a flavour to please me.
You’ve already performed numerous shows in the UK. Any favourite memory?
We have been very lucky so far to have so many happy memories on stage. I couldn’t pick one, but the audience make a show… and we are very lucky to have such good folks follow us about.
What do you think of the British music scene? What makes it so unique?
It’s the best in the world. The main reason is that Britain is made from all cultures and races. It’s like one big musical buffet.. How lucky are the music fans of this world. “Pass us a cocktail sausage Sam will you.“
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
I’m very old school being a piano man. You don’t even plug it in. But I was told once to embrace technology and treat a computer like a musical instrument. It’s worked for me.
What advices would you give to anyone who’d like to pursue music as a career?
Follow your gut and say yes more than no. Some of the biggest opportunities have come from when I said yes with gritted teeth.
What’s your purpose?
Love, what’s yours?
Connect with Percival Elliott: