Simon McCabe, of Stoke Newington, plays in the band Lord Auch, who release their debut album later this year.
What’s happening with the band at the moment?
We’re putting the finishing touches to our debut album ‘Goat Song Rave’ and we’re playing in Brixton tomorrow with Andrew Weatherall, who has taken us under his wing. He really likes us and we’re going to play a few more gigs with him.
Who are your main influences?
The album title is from a mythical Greek story about the cult of Dionysus. They used to sacrifice goats then have orgies. The word ‘tragedy’ also comes from the ancient Greek word tragodia, which translates as ‘goat song’. We included the word ‘rave’ to claim back its original meaning of madness.
Are you at all influenced by Hackney?
You have to look quite hard for influences in Stoke Newington. I love it round there but when I lived in Shoreditch it was much easier to find influences because it’s more pressured.
What’s your favourite book/film/song about London?
The Old Main Drag by The Pogues is great. It’s about a boy who comes to London with no money in his pocket, and describes child prostitution. I can really relate to the part about coming here with nothing.
Describe your perfect day in the borough.
It would have to start in London Fields Lido. I love that place. I don’t care what I do for the rest of the day as long as I end up in the Stag’s Head in Hoxton.
If you could change one thing about Hackney, what would it be?
The water. It’s so much better up North.
Describe Hackney in five words.
Bus penis seeks organic limbs.
