On the eve of his second novel’s debut, we caught up with Joe Stretch, author of Friction and front man of the Manchester based (We Are) Performance, to hear about his love of pork pies and pre-performance habits.

(We Are) Performance is made up of Joe Stretch, remixer Joe Cross, and sisters Laura and Hilary Marsden, who are known to be Manchester party promoters.

Let’s Start | (We Are) Performance
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Name: Joe Stretch

Age: 27

Favorite flavor ice cream: I only eat savory stuff. Pork pies, etc.

I’m from: The Lake District, England

But I live in: Manchester, England

And work at/doing: I write books and songs.

Right before we perform I: Throw up

While we perform we: Point thin fingers at better ways of living

Shop at: Tesco

And read: W.G. Sebald

If I’m at a super fun party I really hope I have: A good excuse to go home alone.

If I had a million dollars I would: Never be seen again.

If I was to be stuck on an island indefinitely I would need: Nothing.

If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be: Spaghetti with cougettes/mushrooms/fresh chili/tomato and garlic

Favorite gadget: Fingers.

I am influenced by: Leonard Cohen‘s past.

You should know that: In 1940 the heart was a lonely hunter. I’m pretty sure it still is.