Paper Aeroplanes - Interview

Nick Robinson chats to vocalist Sarah Howells about her acclaimed two-piece Paper Aeroplanes' forthcoming third album, 'Little Letters', and how the loss of a close friend brought her and guitarist Richard Llewellyn together

Article

The story of Paper Aeroplanes is a poignant one. For it was the sudden loss of a close friend that led to vocalist Sarah Howells meeting guitarist Richard Llewellyn and their subsequent realisation that they were meant to make music together. Sarah, from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire, had begun composing songs by the time she was thirteen. She had already decided music was the career path for her. By her late teens her band, Jylt, were on the verge of national success when tragedy struck. Her bass player and best friend Nia George was diagnosed with leukaemia and died at the age of twenty-one. Sarah was shocked by this unexpected loss. But after a period of soul-searching, she felt compelled to continue writing and singing. She met Richard, who was from Tresaith, a picturesque coastal village on Cardigan Bay in Wales, after he stood in for Nia in the Jylt line-up. They performed as Halflight and quickly caught the attention of the Welsh media, releasing three EPs and supporting James Morrison, the Cheeky Girls and others before forming Paper Aeroplanes in 2009. Their two first albums – ‘The Day We Ran Into the Sea’ and ‘We Are Ghosts’ - gained plaudits from BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris and from Lauren Laverne, Cerys Matthews and Steve Lamacq on 6 Music. Successful UK tours followed with audiences being increasingly captivated by Sarah's haunting vocals and distinctive style - which can hush even the rowdiest festival crowd. Last year they played Hay, The Secret Garden Party and the Isle of Wight festivals and they also performed dates in Germany where they have built a growing fan-base. Sarah has also become a significant presence on the global dance scene, writing songs for top dance DJs and featuring with Richard on club tracks for the likes of Paul Van Dyk, Markus Schulz and Dash Berlin. “The contrast between this and Paper Aeroplanes is huge, but I love that contradiction,” Sarah says. “I get to experience both sides of the lifestyle coin....staying in five star hotels with well stocked mini-bars and then coming home on the National Express coach to Cardiff to record with Rich in his flat.” Spring 2013 sees Paper Aeroplanes release their third album, ‘Little Letters’, in May on the Navigator label. Sarah and Richard have co-produced it with Phil Brown who worked with Bob Marley and Talk Talk. The production is really sharp – and this album contrast with Paper Aeroplanes's previous work. There is a full band feel – though the duo's talent for atmospheric, poignant songs has not been lost. Their compositions are picturesque stories, inspired by their Welsh rural upbringing and the emotions of past love and friendship. ‘Multiple Love’, ‘Circus’ and ‘When the Windows Shook’ are especially memorable tracks. “We are constantly inspired by our home towns in Wales and the stark, beautiful coastal imagery there,” says Sarah. “This third album is about personal experiences in relationships and the inner, often hidden, lives of people, as opposed to what you see on the surface. When I write songs I try to express something I would normally find hard to put into words. It is definitely a cathartic process. The title ‘Little Letters’ has a few different meanings for us – but it generally reflects the way we communicate these days.....life and love in just 140 characters.” The album features some fine musicians. They include John Parker on double bass and the percussionist Martin Ditcham (Sade, Talk Talk, Everything But The Girl). The result is impressive. Accomplished musicianship yet the album is honest, raw but full of lyrical melodies too. It should ensure Paper Aeroplanes continue their climb to new heights of popularity! For details of the ‘Little Letters’ album and an upcoming UK tour by Paper Aeroplanes go to www.paperaeroplanesmusic.com.