Announcing their forthcoming album A Place Between States with fiery tracks like ‘Clublight’ and ‘A Sobering Thought’, alternative band Polo’s atmospheric tracks are leaving us longing for the official album to be unveiled. This energetic mix of talent consists of the candied vocals of Kat McHugh. Ethereal piano & synth placements are credited to band member Luke Lount. Explosive electronic textures from Daniel Edgell grip us from start to finish. Polo are one of those genre chameleons that create music based on their feelings instead of ticking a box. ‘Clublight’ treads on R&B and dance territory, leaving one pumped up to go and find a party to join or create one of their own.
We chatted with this dynamic pop band Polo, and found out more about their technique as a creative team.
Please describe your sound for us.
An RnB influenced alternative pop outfit. We use synthesis and production as the core of our sounds, but we’re all composers. The song always comes first.
How did it all start for you?
On a small festival circuit, in the rain. We started by remixing songs for other artists and progressively started composing for ourselves. Moving away from electronic music exclusively, we tried eventually introduced new elements and formed the band we are today.
Which three artists would you say made you want to create your own music?
Amy Winehouse, Kanye West, Radiohead.
What is your go-to gear/equipment when creating?
A mixture of analogue and digital synthesizers. The equipment itself can be so diverse, and creating music with new instruments and sounds has always been an inspiring process. Also, it’s rare we don’t write a song and trial it on the piano to see if it works at its base level before the production is introduced.
What are some of your key influences in your music? Whether it be the sound created by others, imagery, films or any kind of art form.
We take our influences mostly from our personal experiences, both individually and as a band. We’re open to influence from any place.
What is one sub-genre you think doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
Modern electronic ambient.
Any new or upcoming artists on your radar?
Jockstrap, Yola and Spelling.
What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a performer? As an attendee?
As performers – It would have to be Bialystok, Poland in 2018. The crowd was wonderful, the production value was excellent and it was the highlight of a great year for us.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
Everything right now is geared towards the album release. We’re completely focused on that, so looking beyond that is almost impossible at the moment. We’ll tour the album, then take a breather. It’s been a tough 18 months!
Famous last words?
A Place Between States will be out on October 22nd
‘Clublight’ features on the Spotify playlist POP_GROUND.fm
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