“A Matter of Taste” Interview with Paul Bay of citizensound

Paul Bay is the founder of citizensound. Previously Director of Consumer Communications for Levi Strauss Europe, based in Brussels. His favourite music moment at Levi’s was when the brand helped to re-form the three surviving members of the MC5 (Lemmy, Dave Vanian and Mani on stage along with them at the 100 Club - what a gig!). Madame managed to sit down with the man himself and ask him about what music puts a spring in his step.

What is your all time, favourite record?

John Coltrane - Love Supreme

What song would you get up at 7 in the morning to hear?

The first 40 seconds of Acknowledgement (track 1 of Love Supreme). This was my wake-up call on my phone for three years. Mind you the sound of birdsong is also hard to beat…

What do you think is the best song to ever come out of the UK?

Where do I start?! One moment it could be Misty in Roots - Live at Countervision (the whole album), then it could be Portishead - We Carry On. The Smiths - ‘There is a light that never goes out’ never fails to disappoint. But then again, neither does the Sex Pistols - Anarchy In The UK or Nick Drake - River Man… hold on Massive Attack - Karmacoma is ageless… I could be tempted by the Fire Engines - Candyskin but Stan Tracey - Starless and Bible Black is very very special too. I have to stop…this could go on forever…

What type of party should exist in the UK, but doesn’t yet?

A political party that does what is promises

What is the best example of a brand having a great sonic branding?

Stay tuned. citizensound is creating these as we speak!

What is the sound of citizensound?

The sound of people saying “ahhh I get it” when we present to potential clients. The sound of making sonic sense out of visual confusion.

What is the sound of You?

My heart, my family, my playlists.