A Q&A With Pony Pony Run Run

In their third concert to date, Beirut Jam Sessions brought French power pop band, Pony Pony Run Run to Beirut last Thursday. The upbeat male trio is comprised of Gaëtan Réchin Lê Ky-Huong (on guitar and vocals), his brother, Amaël Réchin Lê Ky-Huong (bass), and the non-kin, yet still bearing a striking resemblance to the other two, Antonin Pierre on keyboard.

The happy go lucky band found themselves in front of an excited crowd on Thursday at The Warehouse. Opening act–local, as Beirut Jam Session’s tradition–was Goldfish Parade, who readied the crowd with sensual lead singer Layal Buheiry’s crooning and instrumental guru Yann Charaoui’s melodies.

The two bands lit up the eerie streets (seriously, The Warehouse is quite literately in the middle of a pitch-black, horror movie-esque street) with a wild frenzy of pop and trip-rock. Pony Pony Run Run closed to a tittering crowd, leaving the air vibrant with the buzz of their odd, Frenchy beats. With a [really] weird band name, a quirky personality, and a ton of on-stage charm, Pony Pony Run Run managed to win over the crowd.

Needless to say, I was intrigued.

Q&A

1. Where does the name “Pony Pony Run Run” come from? Why repeat each word? Why a pony and not a horse?

2. Is it true that each band member is called by a letter? (i.e. “Gaetan” is “G.”) How did that tradition begin and why did it stick?

3. What’s your creative process when writing a song? Do you have specific inspirations when writing?

4. Antonin, what’s it like being in a band with two brothers? Do you get an equal say in decisions?

5. If you could play on any stage in the world, which one would you choose?

6. What’s your fondest/most absurd tour memory?

7. Do you have any crazy or memorable fan stories?

8. If you had to choose between Lebanese food and French food, which would you pick and why? (If you haven’t tried Lebanese food yet, go get yourself a Manaoushe and some falafel and come back to this question.)

9. If your band had a motto, what would it be and why?

10. If all your instruments were stolen right before the gig, and your only replacement options were a flute, cello, xylophone, windpipe, and triangle, which would each of you choose? (Assume that your musical talent knows no boundaries.)

11. Do you feel like music is your calling? If the three of you weren’t musicians, what would you be?