When figuring out where to meet up with Nick Marsh AKA Public, I decided what better place than Blow Up? This was where I first heard him play, where I first met him. I walk up to him outside and I'm greeted with a smile and a hug. That's one thing I have noticed from knowing Nick, he's a nice guy. He's also very down to earth, which is refreshing in a city like this. We make our way upstairs so we can sit down, and the music is so loud you can hardly hear anyone speak. But this is just the way he likes it.
So you move between LA and SF a lot. What's that like?It's worth it. I get a lot of respect and exposure. People in LA like me. It's happening there and people are excited. I played Blow Up LA and I wore my mask and people were ready, they were really excited. It's expensive. But it's worth it for the love I get.
Who are your influences?I guess I haven't thought about that a lot. But I would have to say David Bowie, Joy Division, lot's of 80's stuff. Daft Punk of course. I mean I do have a Daft Punk tattoo. They're pros. Oh and my dad is English, so lots of English shit. Haha.
What's your ultimate goal for your music?My ecstasy is recording music and performing. I like performing. What I do is not chooppy and trendy. My shit has a melody. I'm going to stick around. It's an exciting time for me. I'm getting new fans as I change. Look at Radiohead. Their fans have followed them forever. I want that. This is a good start for me. I want to prove through my hard work my ability to be a songwriter. I want to make music and I want people to enjoy it.
(At this point in our conversation, Public's remix of Metallica comes on through the speakers, being spun by one of the DJ's at Blow Up.)YEHAH!!! OH SHIT THIS IS MY SONG! They're playing my fucking song! (He jumps up off the couch and runs to the balcony and starts dancing. We both laugh as he comes back to sit down.)
What do you think about the SF party scene and where do you think it's going? I love SF and I wish it was more on the map. There are lots of good DJs here and I think it has potential. A lot of people need to srart from scrtatch and rejuvenate the scene. I love it here. It needs improvement in some areas. BUT CHECK OUT THE FUCKING CROWD. (He jumps up again and starts dancing.)
What inspires you outside of music? My friends and family. The American dream! I've been to 4 colleges. I just want the American dream. I'm 22 years old and I'm a musician and I'm doing what I love.
What do your parents think?They are the most incredible and supportive people on the planet. There would be so much more pressure on me if they weren't as supportive as they are. I love them.
How do you maintain a "real" life when you have this party persona "Public?" I just try and keep it real. Hang with friends, smoke pot, have fun with people I actually know. I'm a real dude. Sometimes people who I don't know come up to me and talk to me. I love talking to my fans. They're all awesome. But sometimes it's really impersonal, so I definitely enjoy every second I have with my close friends.
What has been your favorite show that you have played?Headlining Dim Mak Tuesday was awesome. And headlining Blow Up. That was where I got my start. So many people came. People were up on the stage; it was so full they were falling behind the fucking door. A big thank you to everyone who comes to see me play Blow Up.
Final words? Leave me with some awesome quote.Listen to my music, follow me, it's only getting better. I'm working my ass off. Catch on now. I promise I won't dissappoint.
Catch Public LIVE next on August 2nd if you're in Hollywood at The Standard.
Also go to his
Myspace and download all his music!
(All photos in this entry of PUBLIC taken by éléphanteau's own Joe Lubushkin and Marla Singer)
