Jarvis Cocker on Pulp’s new film and future a new beginning
The story of Pulp—a group that defined a generation of Britpop—is more than just a collection of iconic songs. It’s a sprawling, chaotic, and brilliantly realized journey, now captured in a new film that delves deep into the band’s history, their volatile chemistry, and the exhilarating future they are building.
Directed by Garth Jennings, the 90-minute movie What Do You Do For An Encore? is a visual feast, weaving together footage from their massive shows at The O2 in London and rare behind-the-scenes moments. It charts the band’s extraordinary path from obscurity to cultural touchstone, culminating in the hype surrounding their first album in twenty-four years, More”>More.
Jarvis Cocker, the frontman and intellectual heart of the group, sat down with NME to reflect on the experience. He noted that the documentary, by accident, ended up being filmed during the period of the album’s release. This timing allowed him to reflect on the seamless—and exciting—transition between the old material and the new, highlighting how the music fit together perfectly.
“It was an amazing thing that we played them; they fit in, and it all went well,” Cocker explained. “I think that did give us a bit of energy. It was great to play the old songs. That’s the time when they come back to life, is when you play them live. But then to have new stuff as well, it was like a new beginning or something.”
The core of the Pulp story, Cocker revealed, lies not in musical training but in personality. The band’s longevity was rooted in the combination of individuals, rather than shared musicianship. They were a fascinating collection of misfits—people who found their bond through shared experiences rather than formal musical pedigree.
“It’s a funny selection of people,” Cocker mused. “We’ve never had anybody who was particularly musically gifted. It was more important that you would get on with the person, because that was part of the reason I wanted to have a band in the first place.”
This unique dynamic was anchored by the figure of Steve Mackey, the bassist and a pivotal force in the group’s trajectory. Mackey provided the necessary impetus, driving the band forward when things felt uncertain. “I owe a lot to him,” Cocker admitted, acknowledging the critical role Mackey played in shaping the band’s existence and their subsequent journey.
Jennings’ creative input was also integral to the film, as he designed the stage show featured in the documentary, drawing inspiration from live theatricality. This collaboration underscored how the visual and live elements contribute to the larger story of Pulp’s ascent.
Looking ahead, Cocker reflected on the nature of pop music itself. While he acknowledged the invigorating energy of pop, he stressed that the true power of art lies in its ability to reflect life’s awkward and beautiful truths. He hoped that Pulp’s work would inspire others to dramatize their own lives, rather than present a false reality.
The film ultimately poses the question of where Pulp is going next. Cocker admits that the future is unknown, but he remains optimistic. He views the band as an organic entity, a force that will continue to evolve, confident that they will manage to find something meaningful, no matter where the music takes them.
Jarvis Cocker continues to keep busy, balancing his creative pursuits with his life, including curating art exhibitions and engaging with his passion for music, ensuring that the spirit of Pulp remains as vibrant as ever.
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