Alpines describe their music as "Night Pop". I can see where they get their nocturnal preference from, their songs conjuring elemental, dark and archaic imagery that ought to be listened to in a very dark room (possibly with a candle burning). The duo, compiled of Catherine and Bob combine this with a fascination of visionary art, futuristic sounds with a dash of surrealism to create otherworldly and mystical pop. With a burgeoning record deal and the fashion elite at their feet, (Rankin featured Alpines track "Drive" in a film collaboration with Hannah Marshall) the pair are bound for success. Catherine took the time to answer Past Present Future's 10 questions, letting us into the mysterious world of all things Alpines. We have a bit of a crush...


1. If you could bring someone back from the past, who would it be?
My Grandparents. I never really got to know any of my grand parents as they died before I was born or in my early childhood. I feel there is a big part of my family history that I am never going to fully understand. To me it’s important to know your heritage and pass stories from your ancestors down to further generations.

2. If you could steal any piece of art, what would it be?
I studied History of Art at university so my brain instantly fills up with thousands of works of art I would want to steal. However, it wouldn't be for its value, it would have to be because of my sheer love of the piece. The contemporary works I would steal would be any painting by Fiona Rae. I love the way she combines graphics and fine art in her work and I’ve attempted to copy one of her paintings in the past, which I found very challenging. I would also steal one of Antony Gormley's men and if I had the time, I’d also steal a Self Portrait in pencil by Da Vinci.


3. What’s your most treasured possession?
I have a few truly treasured possessions, but the key one would be my piano. The time when I am most at peace is when I am playing piano.

4. Who would be in your dream band?
Bass - Paul McCartney
Drums - Jon Theodore
Programming - Burial
Guitar - John Schofield
Guitar - John Frusciante
Trumpet - Miles Davies
Vocals and Piano - Aretha Franklin
Vocals - Sam Cooke
Grace Jones (to look amazing and sing a line or two)


5. Who have you got your eye on at the moment?
Jamie Woon. His voice is phenomenal above all else and what is better still is that he is making an album with one of Bob and I's favourite producers: Burial. 'Night Air' is incredible.

6. What’s your ideal day in London?
I’d start with a cycle to Ham Gate in Richmond Park, leave the bike and then walk up to Pembroke Lodge. I’d maybe stop for a picnic and then stroll onto Richmond Hill whilst watching the sunset over London, drink in hand from the Roebuck Pub. Both Bob and I grew up in Kingston and spent much of our childhood in Richmond Park, so it holds a lot of memories for us. It’s also where I learnt to ride a bike so that will always stay with me.


7. What’s currently hanging on your bedroom wall?
An Egon Schiele print, four vintage hats, a Pierrot clown sitting on a crescent moon mirror, a signed David Attenborough photo and a few posters of nights I have played in the past.

8. If you could invent something for the future, what would it be?
Ever since I watched Back To The Future I wished that the hover boards existed. However, I have been told by someone who knows about science that I would have to defy the laws of gravity in order to make this dream a reality.


9. What are you most looking forward to?
Mainly seeing parts of the world I have never seen before through playing music. I think this must be every musicians dream. I am also looking forward to making my first album.

10. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I would love all the things I used to dream of when I was a kid to come true. Namely, to have a shop full of things I have made. I love designing and making clothes and headdresses and every show I play I endeavor to make a new garment to wear. I also would love to be an explorer and help save an endangered species. I get very over emotional about animals and nature and when I’m older and wiser I would like to physically do something to make a difference.



Listen to Alpines on their website