Their Library: Peaches

Literary influences explored...

Peaches is perhaps best known for her shock tactics.

But then, when you call an entire studio album 'Fatherfucker' that's perhaps understandable. Forever pushing the envelope, the Canadian electro performer is actually in complete control of her every move – a searingly intelligent, screamingly funny artist, each action is underpinned by a detailed thought process.

New album 'Rub' is out next month, another instalment of machine funk filth that comes dripping in sweat. Clash decided to probe a rather more cerebral aspect of her life, though – prepare for another instalment of Their Library.

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What is your favourite book and why?
The Picture Of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde – seems typical because it’s a classic, but I find the themes of privilege and vanity will always be relevant. The opium-fuelled descent into madness and wandering through the small streets of London excites and scares me every time I read it.

What other authors do you like?
Joan Didion, David Sedaris, Fran Lebowitz
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What draws you to certain books?

Usually a biography more than fiction is my deal. I like there to be an element of humour, too.

Have you ever discovered a real lost classic? What is it and why?

I just read Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion. It seemed so raw and direct with emotion but still distant, and reads very much like a modern book that could have been written today.

Do your literary influences have a direct impact on your songwriting?
Not really, I find them to be very different. Maybe they do in more of a subconscious manner.


What are you reading at the moment?

Goodness Has Nothing To do with it by Mae West. It’s Mae West being very upfront about how unabashed she is about sex on /off stage. I just finished Oslo Norway by John Holten – the second in a trilogy reconfiguring of a novel. It’s structured in a way where you can pick up any chapter but still enjoy it as a full novel.

What is the first book you remember reading as a child?

Another typical childhood book for my age group; Judy Blume’s Are you there god it's me Margaret. All about pre-teen struggles for a girl…

Did you make good use of your library card as a child / teenager?

No actually I wish I took it more seriously. It’s scary that funding is being cut everywhere & libraries are closing.

Have you ever found a book that you simply couldn’t finish?
Uh yeah, unfortunately it happens quite a bit…

Do you read book reviews?
Not so often but it would be a good idea.


Would you ever re-read the same book?

Yes I would especially re-read John Waters and David Sedaris books because they make me laugh out loud and feel like I have a friend beside me at all times.

Do you read one book at a time or more than one?
Ha ha funny I start a few but I do get them confused sometimes, so I need to work on my A.D.D. when reading and stick to one book at a time!


Is there an author / poet you would like to collaborate with?
There are some great poets around now that I like: Sophia La Fraga, Black Cracker, John Holten, Karl Holmqvist, Cia Rinne and Hanne Lippard, Ricardo Domeneck, Annika Henderson.

A lot of these poets are working as sound/performance poets and also exploring text-based art. I like the crossover between these mediums.


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Peaches is set to release new album 'Rub' in September.

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