“a harmonious blend of folk, rock, blues, soul and gospel” - The Sunday Times
“an eclectic and inspired musical blend” - The Guardian
"The new Duffy? No! Polly Perry is way better!" 4/5 **** - Q Magazine
Polly and the Billets Doux are something brilliantly different.
Known for their authentic and energy-filled live performances, the genre-defying quartet boast a genius combination of folk, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, country and even gospel.
This impressive independent band have gone from strength to strength since the release of their debut album in 2010, which had them topping many ‘ones to watch’ lists. That same year, they reached number 21 on the BBC Radio 1 Indie Charts and were invited to do live sessions with BBC 6 Music’s Cerys Matthews and BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends. The buzz hasn’t stopped since.
Support slots with Stornoway, Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Van Morrison have seen the band bring their music to increasingly diverse audiences across the country, and establish themselves as UK festival favourites, with performances including Glastonbury, Green Man, The Big Chill, Secret Garden Party, Larmer Tree and Cambridge Folk Festival amongst many others.
Between 2010 and 2012, Polly and the Billets Doux embarked on nine headline tours of the UK and three busy festival seasons, stopping just long enough to write, record and release their Hold Fast EP in summer 2012.
This latest collection of material perfectly demonstrates Polly’s beautiful gospel-inspired voice and the band’s truly original sound. The EP received great reviews from BBC 6 Music and much of the blogosphere including For Folk’s Sake, The Line of Best Fit and The Blue Walrus.
2013 has seen Polly and the Billets Doux continue their relentless gigging, including their first tour of Ireland, as they released single and ‘Hymn Song’ to further acclaim. The single’s hugely atmospheric video went down a storm with blogs and websites including Americana UK, Folk Radio UK and Fatea Magazine.
The band are currently recording their second album, Money Tree, set for release 19th May 2014, with the release arriving amid a 30-date UK tour.
Instrumentation
Polly Perry - Guitar, Double Bass, Lead Vocals
Dan Everett - Bass, Guitar, Backing Vocals, Double Bass
Andrew "Steeny" Steen - Backing Vocals, Lead Guitar, Harmonica
Ben Perry - Drums, Percussion
Polly & The Billets Doux - UK Live Dates Spring-Summer 2014
Thursday 1st May – Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury, Berkshire
Friday 2nd May – Bullingdon Arms, Oxford
Saturday 3rd May – Exchange Arts Centre, Keighley
Sunday 4th May – Town Hall, Kirton in Lindsey
Tuesday 6th May –The Bicycle Shop, Norwich
Wednesday 7th May – The Atkinson, Southport
Thursday 8th May – Eastgate Theatre, Peebles
Friday 9th May – King Tuts, Glasgow
Saturday 10th May – Electric Circus, Edinburgh
Sunday 11th May – The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore
Friday 16th May – Hemel Hempstead, Old Town Hall
Saturday 17th May – Four Bars at Dempsey’s, Cardiff
Tuesday 20th May – The Musician, Leicester
Wednesday 21st May – The Old Ship Inn, Lowdham
Thursday 22nd May – The Greystones, Sheffield
Friday 23rd May – Chapel Arts Centre, Bath
Saturday 24th May – South Devon Arts Centre, Totnes
Sunday 25th May – Bearded Theory Festival, Walton On Trent
Tuesday 27th May – Latest Music Bar, Brighton
Wednesday 28th May – West End Centre, Aldershot
Thursday 29th May – The Lights, Andover
Friday 30th May – Kings Place, London
Saturday 31st May – Uttoxeter Acoustic Festival, Uttoxeter
Sunday 1st June – Cheltenham Wychwood Festival, Cheltenham