STROLL ON INTERVIEW HAPPY BIRTHDAY - One of our favourite bands of recent months have just released their self titled debut album, a stunning collection of great pop songs. We decided to interview them, here’s is the outcome…

1. You guys have released your debut album on Sub Pop. How it come about you signing with them?

I met some people from the label at SXSW in Austin, namely Dean Hudson. They came to see me play as King Tuff because they liked my album. We started talking and the relationship blossomed into them putting out our record. I really didn’t have any other labels talking to me, and I like the label so it just seemed like a good match.

2. On you’re your debut record, there seems to be a lot of different influences. Who would you say are the bands influences collectively?

We all love The Beatles. I had a ton of unfinished songs in my head for a long time and they were all really different from each other. Once we started the band we just kinda randomly decided which ones we wanted to work on, so that’s why it’s all over the place.

3. There seems to be a very special scene in the US at the moment including bands like you guys, Vivian Girls, Real Estate and Tune-Yards – there is a very communal feeling about it, how do you think this has come about?

Well I have known Katy from the Vivian Girls for a really long time, and obviously Tune-Yards is Ruth’s sister. Once you start playing shows you realize that all these bands know each other and are friends because we’re all in it together. Most of us were teenage punx, and I think its more acceptable nowadays to have a more DIY approach. Of course it all gets lumped together as “lo-fi” but its not true, most of these recordings actually are pretty clear sounding.

4. When did you guys start? And what made you want to be in a band and make music?

We’ve all been playing together for a long time, first in Feathers in 2004. I was in punk bands before that and I made my solo albums but didn’t have a band. It’s really cool to play with other people because they always have ideas you never would have thought of. I just always wanted to be a musician and be in a band since I was a kid, I can’t really do anything else except draw dots on everything.

5. Where do you see the band in 5 years?

I just want to be able to support myself from my music. I don’t need to be rich, I’d just like to pay rent and eat sometimes. I hope that happens sooner than 5 years from now.

Thanks to Kyle for answering the questions!