Pikachunes is the musical alter-ego of Miles McDougall, an indie-pop singer-songwriter who hails from Wellington, New Zealand.

Over the last few years, the former skateboarding jazz student has developed his own unique sound using a drum machine, laptop and microphone and has released two albums under the Pikachunes moniker.

He'll soon make his Irish debut at the B.A.R.E. in the Woods festival in Co. Laois - but before then, we caught up with him to get a flavor of what he's about and what we might expect of his set on June 13th.

You can buy tickets to the B.A.R.E. in the Woods festival via Entertainment.ie/tickets now.

 

What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?

The soundtrack of my formative years was definitley dominated by the electronic side of '70s & '80s pop and dance music. Artists such as Pet Shop Boys, The Eurythmics, Kraftwerk, New Order, David Bowie, Soft Cell, Spandau Ballet, Womack & Womack, Grace Jones, Matt Bianco and Tears for Fears, will forever be on high rotation throughout my life.

When did you first realise you wanted a career in music?

I first really knew that I wanted to dedicate all of my time and energy to music after performing in high school bands and growing an obsession for being on the stage.
For me, it’s about being able to create an atmosphere where people are having a good time - so as soon as I experienced playing a really great live show, where the crowd was on fire, I knew what I wanted to do forever.

In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.

It’s all you.

How do you wind down after a gig?

I tend to enjoy having a few beers and continuing the night with the people at the show. Then sleep for 14 hours or so.

What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?

I wish that I had come up with the main riff to Freddie Freeloader. It’s far too cool.

What’s your favourite venue to perform in?

Although I’ve only had the honour of performing at 02 Academy Brixton twice in my life, I would happily live there.

Your best and worst gig so far?

Best gig would probably be the 2014 NZFW Stolen Girlfriends' Club after-party, where I got to perform in one of NZ’s premier strip clubs, themed Lynchian to match One Eyed Jacks.

Worst gig - or I should say most “interesting” - was being invited to play a private birthday party situated on a beautiful estate just out of London. I was driven out there, met the host, set up, then had drinks with the host and guests. Long story short, I had been hired to perform for this one guy. Me in his lounge, performing to only him.

Whose career do you envy and why?

I think that would be James Murphy’s career. I have always wanted to be a musical renaissance man (so to speak), and that’s how I see his approach to music.

Vinyl or digital downloads?

You need both. Vinyl for home, digital for DJing out.

Give your thoughts on Spotify in three words.

Where’s my money?

You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time, what three would you pick for today?

The Weeknd - Trilogy
The Postal Service - Give Up
Hot Sugar - God’s Hand

Name one piece of music memorabilia that you wish you owned.

Elvis Presley’s 1963 Rolls-Royce.

Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.

Book (Graphic Novel) - Wildcats Version 3.0: Brand Building written by Joe Casey, and illustrated by Dustin Nguyen.
Film? It’s difficult to choose only one. Beyond the Black Rainbow - Panos Cosmatos.
Record: EVERYONE should listen to Frank Sinatra - In The Wee Small Hours.

Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.

I would want Spike Jonze directing, and I would be played by Jay Baruchel.

You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?

Vietnamese rice paper rolls with spiced plum dipping sauce.

You’ve been given €100,000 to spend, but only 1 hour to spend it. What do you buy?

I would be shopping Rick Owens.

Describe your perfect day off.

Family and friends. Great food and even better wine.