Pauline Murray Of Penetration Talks November 2024 UK Tour And More

November 2024 one of the most innovative acts to emerge from the British punk movement, Penetration, will embark on a UK tour taking in 5 major cities. Pauline Murray spoke to us about the tour and more: 

How did you want to approach the writing of the book?

I had never written anything of this magnitude before and initially, the prospect was quite daunting. I felt that the best approach was to tackle it in chronological order and break it up into what felt like the natural chapters of my life. My memory of dates and events was misleading so I had to do research to put things in order. I had scrapbooks from Penetration’s initial formation and personal diaries for 1978 and 1979 which helped massively. The whole process required focus and determination and I just kept going until the first draft was finished. I has to address the editing which took another three months of solid work until it was finally completed!

Interesting or memorable stories?

It was very much a solitary endeavour and nothing unusual came up during the writing of it.

How are you feeling about the tour? What are your memories of the initial recording sessions?

We have started rehearsals for the tour and are very much looking forward to playing “Moving Targets” in its entirety. We’ve only done this once before in 2007 at the Marquee Club in London. The album was originally recorded at Matrix Studio, just off Oxford Street, a stone’s throw from the Marquee. In between recording backing tracks and singing my vocals, it was a handy location for looking around the shops!

 When did the band have the idea to release a live record of the the debut album?

When we were rehearsing for the Marquee gig in 2007, with a different line-up, we recorded “Moving Targets” live in its entirety and produced a limited edition CD that was to sell at the show. We recently unearthed this recording, re- mixed it and decided to make it available on vinyl for the first time and this also ties in with our forthcoming tour.

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

There’s so much new music out there and I flit around You Tube checking stuff out, like everybody else.

Who created the book cover?

Russ Bestley was in charge of the design and layout of the book. We were struggling to find a cover that we were both happy with. I had the Ray Stevenson image on a contact sheet and we managed to track him down and obtain a hi-res copy from the original negative.

How do you look after your voice?

 I’m ashamed to say that I do nothing to look after my voice- not even vocal warm ups. I have great faith that when I open my mouth it will just come out and it usually does- thankfully.

Was it a difficult book to write?

It was a matter of applying myself to the task at hand. I’m quite a private person and I had to grapple with personal issues, overcome self doubt about the actual writing and stop worrying about how I might be perceived. It was a huge personal achievement for me.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments?

My favourite instrument is the acoustic guitar. I love that you don’t need electricity and the sound resonates with the wood and is totally responsive to the person playing it.

Where is your hometown?

Newcastle Upon Tyne. Earthy, Spirited, Downtrodden, True, North.

What is you earliest musical memory?

Singing the Connie Francis song “Lipstick On Your Collar” as a very young child.

Does Penetration have any plans?

We have new songs written and will be recording demos for them shortly. So I guess we are working towards the recording of a new album in 2025 and no doubt more live shows next year.

 Which of your tracks hears you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

Happiest – “Beat Goes On”

Angriest – “Shout Above the Noise”

Reflective- “Reunion”

 What makes Pauline Murray happy and what makes you unhappy? 

Happy- singing, sunshine, nature, art.

Unhappy – stress, injustice, cruelty, greed, suffering.