GALEN AYERS & PAUL SIMONON

The unlikely duo discuss art as inspiration, tapping into the creative spirit of Mallorca and the forthcoming Kevin Ayers' reissues.

- Rob Hughes

A prog legend's daughter and The Clash's former bassist aren't the most obvious collaborators. But Can We Do Tomorrow Another Day? is the thoroughly arresting debut from Galen Ayers and Paul Simonon, who create a set of pan-European songs (sung in both English and Spanish) with a laidback Mediterranean vibe that's often reminiscent of Galen's late father, A Kevin. Produced by Tony Visconti, and featuring guest spots from Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and others, the album has its roots in a Mallorcan fishing village, where Simonon stayed during lockdown.

How did this album happen?

Galen Ayers: After the hard Covid lockdown, Paul was just coming back to London from Spain and I was coming back from Greece. And we'd both been writing songs. We just started chatting and realised we were in the same place. The fun thing, I think, is this third space that opens up in any good collaboration, because you're being pushed in ways that you wouldn't necessarily go if you were just alone.

Paul Simonon: It was quite intense, in a way, because you open up completely. We both agreed from the beginning that we should just be totally honest with each other. That seemed to be the best way to move forward, going by gut instinct.

So, is Mallorca a key place for both of you, creatively?

GA: Sure. I grew up there, with my dad. And I lived there with my stepfather and my mum and I went to school there. I was practically a Spanish girl and spoke the local dialect, Mallorquin.