SXSW Interview: Penelope Isles

We’re drawing ever closer to SXSW, so we’re trying to make sure everyone gets a chance to drop their name on this here site. Today, we’re happy to introduce you to Penelope Isles, or reintroduce you if you’re already in the know. You’ve got to give it to a band who describe their sound as “incredible.”

ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?

PI:Hello readers, we are Penelope Isles from Brighton, UK.

ATH: Describe your groups sound.

PI: Incredible.

ATH: What was your most recent release? Any planned releases from 2019?

PI:Our single ‘Chlorine’ was released on 7″ with Rough Trade at the end of Jan! Available only on hard copy (…for now)! The album will be making its first appearance in July, on Bella Union.

ATH: For most SXSW sets, you get 30 minutes to leave a lasting impression. Whats your plan of attack? You have a set list mapped out yet?

PI: Normally we ride in on cows, but we can only bring 15kg on the airplane. So we’ll have to rely on our perky boobs and fabulous dress sense.. And the songs!

ATH: Lets say your band has been booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of 6th street. The lineup features thrash metal, hip-hop, spoken word, and you. The sound is horrible, the lineup is not your style, and the crowd seems angry at the world. How would your band deal with such a situation?

PI: This happened to us last week. Whenever this happens we all play the brown note after a count in of 3. Total pay back. In all seriousness it started off rubbish and no one was listening, but there were 2 kids at the front who loved every moment, and that’s why we do it!

ATH: There are tons of bands coming into town. Of the 1000+ bands coming into town, who would you ideally like to play with. What band friends will be here?

PI: We love Deerhunter, and can only dream of playing with them one day… Can you make it happen? Xxxx. Our Brighton mates Squid will also be rocking at South By. Also shout out to Denmark angels, Lowly. They are amaze ballzzzzz.

ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?

PI: Well right now as I’m writing this we have Bloc Party’s ‘Positive Tension’ on maximum volume, this whole album makes a regular appearance. Other old road trip classics for us are The Coral, The Thrills, The Magic Numbers, Niel Young, Elliot Smith…. As for more current bands we love Happyness, Boy Azooga, Foxwarren, Adrienne Lenker, Beach House.. Even Radiohead!

Plus, ‘Greece’ the soundtrack always picks us up when we are lagging.

ATH: Describe your perfect festival, real or not? Whos headlining? Wheres it take place? Etc.

PI: End of the Road always nail it. The only thing that could possibly improve it would be if it was by a nice beach. A dip in the sea always cures a hangover.

ATH: Whats on the bands rider? If were bringing you food and booze, what can we bring you?

PI: We are greedy little monkies that get far too excited about food, especially when it’s free! You could bring us a bowl of stewed bugs and onions and we would probably slurp it all up (… Please don’t though.) Our sensible caps are saying “something healthy… Fruit and veg please!” but really all we ever want is a dirty burger with all the extras. Or maybe some lobster…. And one of those fun giant bibs to accompany it!

ATH: The band gets to create their own taco pop-up shop at SXSW? Whats the name, and what sort of tacos will you have? Any sides?

PI: Personally I don’t know much about tacos.. If I were to make my own I would probably fill it with my favorite food- pasta with bacon and cheese.