You have to appreciate the people who support you, and return the favour tenfold!
Emerging Blackpool talent Nana White Pepper promise notoriety, noise, and the intent of challenging what they see as the ‘all too common’ label of Alternative-Rock with their powerful, riff-driven sound. Lead singer and guitarist Patrick Meehan explains how he is exploring new ways of developing lyrics, and taking the necessary risks required to change elements in his life that don’t bring happiness.
What are you working on at the moment?
Business and band. I’ve taken a step into a whole new business venture working with care leavers! It’s exciting and I get to be my own boss!
With the band, I’m really focusing on lyrics — I’m reading other people’s and looking at different ways to explore what I want to say.
What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome it?
Leaving teaching. It was a battle of having the balls to step away from it and go into something completely new or be comfortable finically, but eventually fall out with my profession.
I did it by taking a risk. I wasn’t happy with an element of my life so I did something to change it. It’s hard and it comes with worries but I just got on with it.
What would constitute a ‘perfect’ day for you?
A massive lie-in, a full English, then some tunes in a hot shower. Next, off to the beach (I am a Blackpool lad after all).
Then more food with friends and off to a gig with my partner Ruth. There’s nothing better than ending the day (or starting the night) with live music.
What are you listening to, reading and watching at the moment?
I’m always listening to new music and finding new bands, mostly the ones we play with like Rascalton, Hello Operator, The Wholls, False Heads. But I do always go back to my influences: QOTSA, Sabbath and Jimi!
I’ve been reading Keith Richard’s memoir Life recently. It’s great to see what things used to be like compared to the industry now. And he’s seen some shit!
I don’t really watch TV, but you can’t beat a bit of Trailer Park Boys.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
Family! My parents are the best, including my in-laws! They all really are!
Plus I’ve got a great group of pals around me. You have to appreciate the people who support you, and return the favour tenfold!
Complete this sentence: “Ace mental health for me means…”
Happy loved ones, a rested head and a full stomach.
What do you eat to stay healthy?
I try to eat healthy, but I’m often unsure if what I’m eating is as healthy as it claims.
I generally keep a balanced diet, eating a little bit of everything but not too much, and not starving myself. Everything in moderation, especially moderation!
I need to eat more fruit and veg though!
Do you have a daily routine of exercise or do you make it up as you go along?
I used to when I was younger. Rugby and gym was a religion once upon a time; when I’m there I love it however then life does get in the way!
I do intend to start getting back in shape when I’m less busy. I just do what I need to do when I feel like it. If I want to swimming, I’ll go swimming; if I want to go for a run, I’ll go for a run, if I fancy going to the gym I know where to go.
Here at The Mind Map we remember playing football and ‘tag’ – running around the playground everyday and loving it – can you share a similar memory?
Tig! It’s called tig!
As a teen I was a skateboarder so I was never in and I loved playing out as a kid.
It was funny, at the pub the other day a comment was made about a group of teens being out on their bikes. Yeah they looked a bit dodgy however at least they were out and about and not stuck in playing Xbox all the time. Kids should be outside!
What three songs lift your spirits?
This is really tough.
Jimi Hendrix – Castles Made of Sand
Oasis – Hindu Times
Tame Impala – The Moment
What is your favourite self-help book, or motivational quote?
I go by three quotes:
“Don’t be a d*ckhead.”
“Belief triggers the power to do.”
“Nothing comes without effort.”
What advice do you offer to friends when they are feeling overwhelmed?
I’m pretty good at helping people through things like this. It would be something along the lines of:
“Look at the positives, you’ve got this, you wouldn’t be in this situation if you couldn’t do it. And let me know how I can help!”
Keep up to date with Nana White Pepper here.