Emma Watson PR

Emma Watson works in PR and is Bowling For Soup's UK Publicist. 

First of all, how are you and what have you been up to recently? 

I'm good. I'm working with Bowling For Soup on their press for Download and I just saw the Feable Weiner guys last month. 

The media influencing young people is a big issue at the moment. How much of an influence do you think music has on today's youth? What kind of influence does it have? 

I think music influences their style of dress, their hobbies and, in some cases, their behaviour. 

Have you ever experienced conflict as a result of dressing a certain way/listening to a certain music/being a part of a certain group? If so, what form did this conflict take? 

I used to be a goth in my teens...never really experienced anything too negative...just a few Newcastle United fans asking me if I was off to a funeral! 

Have you ever been to a show/gig where violence has broken out? Why do you think this violence starts? 

Yes...Download 2004 when Slayer were late for their set. I was going to watch from the stage but their roadies said it was too dangerous because of all the flying bottles. I went out to watch from the side of the tent, but the atmosphere was too gnarly so I retreated to the comfort of hospitality! 

I think violence at rock gigs starts due to too much beer being consumed by kids who can't hold their drink! I've never seen any drug-use, but i'm sure a little bit goes on. 

People are represented / stereotyped in a certain way for the way they dress. Does this 'labelling' also happen to people for the kind of music they listen to? What are your opinions on this? 

I think so. The media tends to stereotype certain types of music and connect it with certain types of crimes. ie/ gun violence with rap, metal with so-called "satanic" murders etc. 

What kind of music are you into at the moment? Any favourite bands? 

At the moment, I'm loving the new Nine Inch Nails album and I'm looking forward to seeing Helmet and Anthrax at Download. Having said that, I'm a huge Duran Duran and Depeche Mode fan and I just got back from Las Vegas where I saw Barry Manilow and it was FANTASTIC! Meesh (PR friend) and I are off to see Hall and Oates tonight. I guess it shows people enjoy more than one type of music! 

Finally, is there anything else you’d like to add or promote? 

I'd like to tell everyone to watch out for the new Bowling For Soup single "Almost" and to start a campaign give Greg Lobdell a job as Jonathan Ross's talkshow sidekick! 

Thanks to all the bands and promoters who have taken part in our 'Punk and Politics' Feature!