When/How did you first start playing music?
We've all played in bands from an early age and have been friends from school. It was a kind of natural development that brought us all together to form a band. Penguins Kill Polar Bears have been around for maybe 3 years, but in the last year we have really picked up our game, grown up, and are 110% committed and focused on where we want to take the band.
What's the best gig you ever played?
Strangely, the best gig was in a pub in London. It was part of a one-day festival spread over 6 venues. Our venue was some old man pub with a stage. We were playing with the likes of The Xcerts and Twin Atlantic, who have played to tens of thousands, so to have them come and play in this small, grotty venue was quite surreal. There was a big group of Scottish people in London so we hung out with those bands all day. When it came around to being on stage we never held anything back and basically tried to destroy the place with noise. Ben (vocals, guitar) decided it would be a good idea to jump into the amps and house kit. Queue the sound engineer running on stage and fists flying. Everyone calmed down and it turned out to be an awesome gig.
How has social media effected the way you market/promote your music?
Social media is pretty big in how we promote our music. For example, when putting up posters around a city for a gig you're targeting anyone who might look at it. If you promote online you can be target specific and reach out to people you know like music. You can also offer links to music downloads, which you can't really do as easily with a poster. Social media is just a lot more instant and easier. People can hear your music and check out future gigs within a few clicks.
What's your prediction for the next big advancement in how we find/listen to/share music?
Record shops will die. The likes of HMV, chains, etc. will stop selling music and focus on ticket sales and live music, DVD's and computer games. I only hope the small independent stores such as Avalanche Records in Edinburgh bear the storm and come out on the other side still in business. Not only do the small independents have great music and shops, they really support new music and have great advise for young bands.
What's your next big gig coming up? When/Where?
Our next big gig is with The Twilight Sad who are a massively great band. Everyone in the band loves them so it should be a really good gig. We're also playing a few tour dates in London, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh and Glasgow with Aussie band British India which we're all very much looking forward too. There are a few other biggies in the pipeline but our manager is keeping tight lipped on those. Towards the end of 2010 we will be busy. Bring on 2011!
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