According to legend, if a shark stops swimming it will die.
Which perhaps explains the forward motion behind La Shark. London indie newcomers, the release of ‘Magazine Cover’ on shiny 45 back in November thrust the band into a whirlwind of new shows and media attention.
Taking a short break over the festive period, La Shark are bracing themselves for a year which could see them make massive impact.
Suitably impressed, ClashMusic invited La Shark frontman Samuel Deschamps to enter ‘Their Library’.
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What is your favourite book and why?
I really enjoyed Salinger’s short stories ‘To Ezme with Love and Squalor’ and F Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Diamond the Size of the Ritz.’ I love how these short escapist tales are so filled with glamour and give romantic encounters in such a ‘darling’ way! Also, my favorite non-fiction book is ‘Please Kill Me’ by Legs McNeal which is an insight into the American music scene and life during the 60s through to the 90s; it is incredible because it’s written out like a play using compiled interviews of stars, groupies and people on the scene – like an action film.
What other authors do you like?
I have become addicted to Haruki Murakami recently, starting with ‘Kafke on the Shores.’ I felt like I was soul searching throughout the entire novel; brilliant characters and mental scenarios. I really enjoy Bret Eastern Ellis, particularly ‘Glamorama,’ I love the absurd social commentary. I’ve also read some John Fowles (‘The Collector’) which was unbelievable.?
What draws you to certain books?
I enjoy being taken to a foreign, alien, place. I like love stories too. ??
Have you ever discovered a real lost classic? What is it and why?
I read Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Ernest’ recently and it made me realise how enjoyable reading dialogue from a script is; that’s by no means lost though. ‘1984,’ ‘Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep,’ and ‘Brave New World,’ I read back to back which was an amazing month or two of classic sci-fi.
Do your literary influences have a direct impact on your songwriting?
Yes.
What are you reading at the moment?
Nothing, I’ve been too busy writing; keep dipping in and out of William Burrough’s ‘Naked Lunch’ but it’s too twisted to read on transport.?
What is the first book you remember reading as a child?
I had a whole load of French animated stuff like Tintin and Asterix as a boy – my family sent me parcels from France. The first novel I read was probably some crap like Goosebumps or something like ‘The Piano Teacher,’ or maybe ‘The Hobbit.’??
Did you make good use of your library card as a child / teenager?
Yeah but my mother is a passionate reader so there are a lot of books at home.
How do you think literature achieves timelessness?
I’d say because words don’t go out of fashion. Every book you read is reinvented by a new person’s imagination.
Do you read book reviews?
No.??
Would you ever re-read the same book?
I think I have done before; Bukowski’s ‘Post Office’ I re-read. Generally I don’t though as I go on people’s recommendations.?
Have you ever identified with a character in a book? Which one and why?
I suppose so, I often see my friends in certain characters, ‘Kafke on the Shores’ for example, that’s La Shark’s Sami right there in that character. I started drinking scotch and sodas when I read Fleming so maybe I think I’m 007.??
Do you read one book at a time or more than one?
One.??
Is there an author / poet you would like to collaborate with?
Billy Childish.
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La Shark’s single ‘Magazine Cover’ is out now.
