"I don't know where we will be in 5 years, how exciting is that!"- Polly

I sat down with Cameron the singer and guitarist of Polly for an interview.......

Q- In a 2021 interview you described yourselves as ‘co-ordinated cowboy grunge’, do you think you have stayed true to that alternative genre? 

A- Wow… we can’t seem to escape that interview [lol]! 

I could make up some long-winded backstory but in all honesty, ‘Cowboy Grunge’ was an in-joke between us in the band. We just happened to bring it up in that interview and decided to run with it as long as we could because it was fun! 

So to answer your question, no we probably haven't stuck to that. But isn't that the joy of making music?? I’d find it boring to stick to a “brand” from 5 years ago, so we’ve always tried to reinvent what the band is for each release. Right now, we’re very much “Dark Sweater-Vest Grunge”.... Interpret that however you like because it might change tomorrow [lol]. 

Q- Your last album was in 2024, Rinse and Repeat, which I featured one of the songs as my ‘song of the week’. Are there any plans to release new music?

A- Definitely. Keep an eye on the Radio…

Q- How do you think your band and music has progressed since your last album?

A- I think I'm less worried about what people will think of what I write since the last record, I'm more worried about if my bandmates will enjoy the new stuff!! As long as we all get behind the music I’m happy. Yeah it’s nice to get good feedback from “the media” but nothing is better than when you bring a song to your band and you can tell they’re into it!!!

So, to put it more succinctly; I write more for the band’s enjoyment now than for anyone else’s! 

Q- Do you still see touring as worth the time and effort? Jason Ricci from Jason Ricci and the Bad Kind said in a recent interview “we’ve basically become t-shirt sales-men”. 

A- Maybe this is an old way of thinking but I for sure think it’s worth it; I totally understand why they’ve said “t-shirt salesmen” but I've always seen touring as more than that. Especially for younger/newer bands. It’s a really important way to cut your teeth and get used to performing in front of people who might not be into what you're playing, if you can learn how to turn those opinions and uncross some arms then you can get through anything. 

Q- King Tuts has been in the limelight recently with it not being the iconic venue it used to be, or giving bands the illusion that it is the vital stepping stone to success- what's your thoughts? Is there a venue that you personally think now has that status?

A- I agree that King Tut’s isn't where it used to be within the Glasgow scene sadly. Personally I think they’re a little out of touch as an organisation and seeing as they’re owned by Live Nation it's not surprising they prioritise profit over actual artist development. I’m pretty sure there are more fantastic bands in Glasgow than they’d have you believe. 

Honestly I don’t think there is a specific venue with that reputation anymore. The groups like Crowded Flat and SMC do more for the Glasgow scene over multiple venues than DF do with one.

Q- Where do you see the band in 5 years given the difficult landscape of the music industry?

A- I don't know where we’ll be in 5 years. How exciting is that! I can’t wait to find out! 

All I know is that in 5 years I'll be 33 and hopefully happy :) 

Yes the industry is in a difficult place right now with the rise of AI music, closing venues, rising costs of creation and living; But as long as there are people, there will be art somewhere.