What are your names?
Hello! Our names are Zoe Collins and Rich Earle!
What is the bands name?
We are called Pollyanna Blue
How did you come up with the bands name?
The name was inspired by a self help book ‘Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway’, which talks about a nickname ‘Pollyanna’, typically given to a person who is deemed overly optimistic. That ethos, blended with connecting with the more difficult waves of emotions life throws at you, creates the overall vibe of the band’s 90s/00s alt rock band, powerful and painful.
What is your genre of music?
Best way to describe it is 90’s/00’s Alt Rock Grunge
Give us a little bio about you.
Pollyanna Blue is a two piece alt rock band, who wield their self discovery, vulnerability and love of music to create something authentic and raw to connect with anyone experiencing some type of hardship. Formed in the summer of 2019, Pollyanna Blue is led by Zoe Collins (guitar and vocals) and Rich Earle (Bass and vocals). Although based in different cities, the pandemic forced the band to really utilise the digital age, writing tracks back and forth online before coming to Bristol to finalise in person.
What made you go into music?
Although we didn’t grow up together and met in our late 20’s, we both clicked on seeking safety and expression by being in a band creating music. We’ve both grown up not feeling like we ‘fit in’ with normal careers and hobbies. Both of these factors, plus we love playing and performing, are the reasons why we are in Pollyanna Blue. Or we are both just mad people.
Who are your influences?
Our biggest joint influences are Arcane Roots, Nothing But Thieves, Don Broco, Radiohead, VUKOVI, Fall Our Boy to list a few!
Are you a signed?
Unfortunately no! Although we are still really happy with how we are progressing as an independent band.
You released your new single ‘Strong Enough’, tell us more about the singles and the meaning behind the song.
Strong Enough is a powerful anthem that is there to lift you up and fight back when you are feeling down and out. It’s a reminder that despite how you feel, deep down, you are good enough and strong enough to overcome all that gets in your way.
The song dynamically takes you through all the types of real and uncomfortable emotions you could experience in this situation. Starting from the frustration of feeling stuck and hopeless, to the pivotal self-reflection and desperation of wanting to feel strong enough to overcome a mental decline. The song ends with screaming fearlessly in the face of personal adversity, releasing all the built-up emotions and banishing any doubts of self-worth.
Describe each track in two words.
Soulful and Chaotic
What was the writing and recording process like?
Due to dealing with a global pandemic the writing and recording process wasn’t done very conventionally…Which isn’t a bad thing! Lots of demoing remotely, sending across ideas, video calls. When we were allowed to meet up again we headed straight to a practice room to figure some details out. We then booked in with a studio to finish the EP.
Who did you work with on the singles?
We worked with a producer called Ash Scott who is based in Bridgwater, UK.
Will we see visuals for ‘Strong Enough’, and if so, what can we expect from the creative process?
We’ve got lots of plans for future visuals/releases to do with Strong Enough as well as the rest of the EP!
We also saw the release of your debut EP ‘ Trials and Tribulations’, tell us more about it and how the release has been since dropping.
The release has been really a cathartic feeling for us both. We’ve gone through a lot of ‘Trials and Tribulations’ with it, so having it out in the world is a big tick for the band. We are a small band, and we know that although it’s easy to get music online, it’s hard to get it heard by as many people as possible. So we feel that this EP will grow as the band develops, which is a really exciting thought!
Do you have any live shows coming up?
We do! We are playing a few local shows in our hometowns of Exeter, Hereford and Bristol. We have been asked to do a headline slot for an independent music festival which is exciting! A few other show offers have come in, but to confirmed.
What else can we expect in 2024?
We are pushing the EP into 2024 as we want to gig it as much as possible. So that’s our focus for the first part of 2024!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
As our band line up is a very tight team, we are confident that building the band name is going to feel even more exciting over the next 5 years. With every future release and gig we play, we will be grateful and happy for new and existing fans who will connect with the music. We would love to begin working with a booking agent to help us get to as many places and people as possible!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Not sure if it’s an existing quote or saying… But take each day as it comes, don’t compare yourself to others around you in a way which is degrading your ability. It’s okay to follow other artists and use their success as inspiration. It’s really easy to let the human mind take a walk to a negative town.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Instruments, never forget your instruments when you’re gigging. Your bankcard, buying drinks is a must. A cute picture of a pet for a moral boost. Earplugs because PPE is very important. Finally consideration for everyone in that same room as you; from the sound tech to the fans watching to the bar staff. They’re there so you can perform the music you’ve written; without them bands wouldn’t exist.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Of course!
Instagram
Facebook
Spotify
Youtube
