Welcome to the latest in our Lockdown Series of interviews.  Barry Sutton is best known for being the lead guitarist in famed Liverpool band the La’s during the band’s rise to popularity in the late 1980s.

Who was the person/people that encouraged or inspired you to take up learning the guitar, and at what age ,and what was the first guitar you owned ?

Two lads that I grew up with (Dave and Paul) were in a band called Hinterland around 1981-influenced by Bowie and Steely Dan. They were the ones you showed me my first rudiments on the guitar-so it’s their fault! I was 15. My first guitar was a nylon string classical.

Which bands/artist were you listening to growing up ?

Echo and the Bunnymen, The Fall, Cabaret Voltaire-and anything on the John Peel show that I liked. Still love these bands now, probably with more devotion.

Can you remember the first gig you played ,and also the first song you wrote.?

The first gig I played was in April 1982 in a bar called the captains cabin on Sir Thomas Street. Our keyboard player John was so nervous that he had a bucket on stage and vomited in between every song. I used to make up stupid songs when I was small, but the first one I can remember writing was 90°, A Joy Division/New Order rip-off. I still make up stupid songs now that I’m big…

How did you end up joining The La’s, and when was the last time you listen back to the album. And would you ever consider playing on a second La’s album if it was to happen.

We were all a gang of friends-the La’s and Marshmallow Overcoat squad used to enjoy psychedelic experiences together. I don’t listen to the album at all because I cannot abide the Lillywhite production. Clearly, there are many other versions of the songs to choose from. I don’t need to play on the second La’s album-it’s only requires someone with the right feel on the guitar…and I enjoy what I’m doing too much to give it up.

In 2010 you formed your own band Beatnik Hurricane and I’ve seen you describe it in an interview has the “proudest thing you’re done musically”, what was the creative process around the starting and its growing from a acoustic arrangement to a band. And how would you describe the music you make ?

One of the things that makes us different is the fact that we are a creative collective rather than a band with a set lineup. I have a black book of some of the best musicians in Liverpool, and I am blessed enough that they are happy to take part in this demented crusade. I have always visualised my music arranged for a full band, sometimes it is expedient to play the song solo.

What’s your favourite song to play live ?

It depends what day it is. The way I feel it, any song that I become completely immersed in is my favourite.

What’s been your favourite and least venues to play ,and what’s been the craziest gig you’ve played at ?

Favourite-Liverpool Philharmonic, Cahoots, Brians’ Diner or Sound Basement.

Worst-The Viper Rooms. An outside bog in LA.

Craziest-Einstezende Neubaten, Hacienda 1985. The gig was stopped halfway through by security when the band started drilling through the girder that supported the roof.

Best band/artist you have seen play live?

Love, The Fall, Magic Band, Tony Bennett, Ali Faka Toure and The La’s.

Which musicians do you admire and who would you like to work and record with ?

Beefheart, Can, John Martyn, Charlie Parker and Jame Brown. Cardi B because I’m in love with her…

 

Which bands/artist are you currently listening too?

Jinx Lennon, Field Music, Living Brain, Danny Brown.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music industry ?

Made them more greedy-law of diminishing returns.

You are someone ,who in the past has arranged and put on nights for bands/artist to help, support and promote their music. What would be the best advice you could give to any band/artist starting off today.

Ensure that your music reflects the time and place of creation-or don’t bother…