interview with The Polkadot Peacocks

1) What’s the name of your band? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?

Rhiain: We named our band The polkadot peacocks…it sounds quite random really doesn’t it? Ha!

Shannon: Yeah. Well we wanted something quirky and fun, something totally new and that’s what we came up with.

Rhiain: well you don’t really find peacocks with polkadots and you won’t find any music quite like ours.

2) Please list the name, age, school, and respective instrument of each band member.

Rhiain Lyne, 20, keyboard and vocalist

Shannon Grant, 20, electric guitar and vocalist

3) What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?

Shannon: I would say we were a kind of indie electro rock, its quite unusual.

Rhiain: it reminds me of the 80s, I suppose that decade has influenced us really, the music, the fashion (gesturing to there clothes)

Shannon: our influences I would say are The Human League, New Order and also bands like Muse and Radio head.

4) How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?

Rhiain: We went to the same school (Cowes High School) for six years but we didn’t really become friends until 6^th form I think?

Shannon: yeah we had the same music lesson.

Rhiain: oh we got put together to make a modern composition didn’t we, ha that was a laugh!

Shannon: haha yeah. That was where it all started really.

5) When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?

Shannon: we formed the band during the first year of AS music just as a hobbie really.

Rhiain: well us and a group of friends were regulars at the Studio a local club where they used to play a lot of electro 80s music and we both really liked it and thought, why not try it ourselves? S

hannon: and we did and hopefully people will like it too!!

7) What made you choose the instruments you have now?

Rhiain: I come from a musical family so I was introduced to the piano from when I was about 3ish then I moved on to keyboards at middle school and really enjoyed it.

Shannon: I started playing the guitar at about 10. I was always a fan of rock music and I just really wanted to be involved in making and playing music.

8) Where have you performed? Do you have any upcoming shows?

Rhiain: We have performed at the mayflower theatre and Portsmouth guild hall and we are hoping to go on tour quite soon to promote our new album, Peacock Dreams.

9) Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

Shannon: one of the most requested song is, Sleepy Sundays, I don’t know what happened people just went mad for it!

Rhiain: well as we are relatively new we usually do covers of vampire weekends, APunk, Florence and the machines, Kiss with a Fist, and some of OMD

10) Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

Shannon: We write our songs together

Rhiain: we usually write about happiness and random childish things hehe.

11) Could you briefly describe the music-making process?

Shannon: usually I will come up with a melody on the guitar and then rhi will bring in the keyboard. Then we add in the lyrics.

12) What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?

Rhiain: we aim for about 2 rehearsals each week but sometimes more. We usually rehearse for about 2hours

Shannon: im playing most of the time anyway, if I get bored or I get sad. Music is a great way to cheer someone up!

13) How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

Rhiain: we used to just focus on the music more than the lyrics making our music not that memorable but then we realised that they are as important as each other.

Shannon: now we take time in writing the lyrics, so they have a stronger meaning.

Rhiain: also I have helped Shannon out with her guitar she isn’t as skilled as me ha

Shannon: hey! Hehe

14) What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Shannon: I think the biggest challenge was getting noticed in the first based. Being a new band limits any gigs you get. Club managers find it scary to hire new bands because they could be ridiculously bad.

Rhiain: But once we started getting the gigs and playing well we got recognised for our music.

15) What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

Shannon: I think to be recognised for our music would be the best thing we could ever want.

Rhiain: Exactly. I think the best thing is getting paid for doing something you love everyday!

16) What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?

Shannon: practise, practise, practise!

Rhiain: also don’t let people put you down! If you want something you should go for it!

17) How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?

Shannon: we have our website, www.thepolkadotpeacocks.com on there you will be able to find our latest singles, tour dates and more.

19) Any last words?

Rhiain: so far it has been the funnest experience of my life at it is only the start of my career! All I hope is that this will last forever!

Shannon: my words exactly!

Okay so thank you girls! May I just wish you the best of luck for the future. I’ve got a feeling that everyone will be going polkadot mad!