Crazy P: "perform like it's the last chance you'll ever get"

The almost decade-long journey of Britain’s Crazy P was born out of a duo originally known as Crazy Penis. By 2002, there were three more members and as their sound matured, dropping the ‘enis’ only seemed right. Now with six studio albums filling up your playlist, Crazy P are once again ready to translate their 90s disco-dance love to the raucous setting of the festival stage.

Ahead of their Love Saves the Day gig, Jasmine Phull spoke to Crazy P’s Danielle Moore about first times, last times and encores.

Festival season is already on its way, do you have to mentally prepare yourself for the heavy festival circuit or is it a pretty standard fare now? 

Our first festival this year is in the snow and so we feel we have been mentally prepared for this one by our very own natural climate so far! Please let the powers that be give us a better summer than last. We very much have to prepare for the festivals mainly from a rehearsal point of view and working new songs into the set, but also yes it is demanding mentally; I think the main objective is to promote unity on stage and have some fun!

With Love Saves The Day coming up, what are three things you do before going on stage?

Without wanting to sound crude we would all have a trip to the respective ladies and gents. It’s almost routine. I would have a “nip” of brandy usually joined by Jim and I will always apply one last coat of lippy whilst gently warming up the vocal chords.

Do your festival shows differ from venue gigs? 

Yes, they do I suppose. Festivals bring so much fun and are very dear to our hearts as there is a huge energy created not only by the crowd but by the various DJs and bands usually very excited to be part of a big event. It’s exciting to perform to people that may never have heard of you and try to engage them and also to meet and get chance to see a number of live acts you wouldn’t usually get the opportunity to do.

One musician whose onstage antics inspire your own? Why?

I think any lady that pours her emotions into a gig would inspire me. Grace Jones and Roisin Murphy are unique, strong and intriguing performers and whilst I would not draw comparison I admire what they do…my ultimate hero being Prince!

Tell us about your first time on stage? Any mishaps?

My first time onstage was so exciting. I was incredibly nervous. We played at a night called “Come Shake the Hole” alongside Maurice Fulton who remains one of my favourite DJs. I was so unsure of what to do and am sure my eyes stayed closed for most of it - but ultimately it gave me a buzz like no other. I love the fact I still get nervous. I really do. The only mishap I can recount just now and there are a few: I bought a beautiful 3 piece outfit from a vintage shop Steinberg and Tolkein , very tight trousers but a wonderful fit and perfect for sipping cocktails in a posh bar - but they didn’t react well to high kicks followed by a sort of squat! They ripped in two, revealing a bare bottom… not fun for anyone watching!

One piece of advice you would give to a musician who’s new to the whole live-show spectacle.

Go on stage and perform like it’s the last chance you’ll ever get… and breathe it all in.

What about the encore, is that something you plan prior to the show or is it more about the crowd’s overall response?

We wouldn’t usually get chance to do an encore at a festival gig as time is always tight, and unless you headline it’s never usually an option… but generally in our own live gigs: yes we would prepare something and usually “hope” the crowd want at least one more… if they don’t… err… hmm… 

What element from your childhood/youth played an important part in shaping where you’re at now?

My mum took me to see Chic at The Apollo in Manchester when I was 10 and I remember thinking wow they are amazing. Super disco fuelled songs with ace catchy lyrics. I also have to say the Hacienda was instrumental in introducing me to a wonderful culture which involved not only a love of music but fashion and dancing like no one was watching.

Last song you listened to?

Syclops, 'Jumpbugs'

First album you bought?

Paul Young… I think!

What’s next?

Writing the album, continuing development, gaining more experience performing and maybe a Horlicks and some gingernut biscuits! Rock and roll eh!

Interview: Jasmine Phull

Catch Crazy P on May 25th at this year's Love Saves The Day festival. 

See where else Crazy P are playing

Tickets are no longer available for this event