POLLY AND THE BILLETS DOUX
After the release of their second studio album ‘Money Tree’ in 2014, Polly and the Billets Doux promised this year would be an exciting one, with in their words, ‘plenty of music writing, video making, touring, partying, hangover nursing, late night service stations, jamming with friends, hill walking’ and more…
The band have gained a loyal following and are recognised, and admired for their interpretation and blend of the country, blues and folk genres. With promising reviews from the likes of Terry Wogan, and appearances at Glastonbury and Green Man festivals to name a few, it’s easy to see what the fuss is about.
Soon to embark on their UK spring tour, it seems they have kept their word and Polly and the Billets Doux fans certainly have a lot to look forward to.
“I left without my coat once”, Polly Perry, lead vocalist, said when I asked what the one item that she couldn’t leave at home while on tour was. One thing Polly can’t be without though is a good book, or an artistic project to get on with in the back of their van. “Touring is good fun but there is a lot of waiting around when you’re on the road. That’s where most musicians write their songs.”
With the UK spring tour in support of their newly written single ‘Tourniquet’, a third album is definitely on the horizon. But what can we expect? “We have many ideas in the pipeline. This one is going to be advancing from the second,” explains Polly. “It will be slightly heavier in style with more interesting rhythms, more experimental and more dangerous!”
The band have toured extensively over the past year and Polly is more than happy to get back on the road. “I love all the amazing people and places. Being on the road is a great place for musicians to meet and share stories too. You always cross paths with musicians you’ve previously played with.” One of Polly’s favourite venues played last year was Glasgow’s King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, however she’s eager to share the Polly and the Billets Doux sound even further, “It’s always nice to go back and it’s nice to go to new places and meet new audiences.”
Loyal fans will be familiar with Polly and the Billets Doux favourites such as ‘Hymn Song’ and ‘Follow my Feet’ but Polly has favourites of her own when it comes to live performances. “I enjoy performing Black Crow, and I like Money Tree. I like performing songs I can belt out!”
After the tour the band are looking forward to working on their third album and developing their sound, with plans for a Germany tour later this year, but right now Polly? “We’re manically booking accommodation, making sure our van passes it’s MOT and getting the word out there at the moment!”
Consider the word out there.
Oh, and Polly, don’t forget your coat.
Gemma McLeod
pollyandthebilletsdoux.co.uk
