Port Isla - Live At Leeds 2015 Interview
Port Isla hit the second stage at the Leeds Beckett Union late in the afternoon at Live At Leeds. The Norwich band's forthcoming EP 'A.L.I.V.E' became Radio 1's Hottest Record - and it's easy to see why. Their mix of uplifting lyrics and restful guitars make for a summery vibe that left the crowd feeling wistful as it drizzled outside. We sat down with them before the show to find out where the group dubbed "Great British indie-folk, executed properly" are headed and why they're taking a forward-thinking approach to releasing songs.
ContactMusic: Well it's very nice to meet you! How's it going in Leeds today?
Henry Kilmister [Drums]: Really good!
Stanley Spilman [Lead guitar]: I've been to Leeds loads seeing my friends at uni here.
CM: Why did you decide to release your two singles for free?
SS: I think that that system just works. Not being conceited in any way, but it makes sense because people are doing you a favour by listening to it. And if they like it then they'll tell their friends and that's worth way more to us than however much it is to get CDs made up.
HK: That person telling five or 10 of their friends about your band is worth a lot more than 99p for a single - however much we get from that. It's just a nice way of doing things too. Everyone likes getting free stuff! We hand out these postcards and free CDs at our gigs. If people are undecided about you at the gig you know they probably wouldn't buy a CD but if you give them one for free, they may at least listen to it on the way home and you've got your name out there.
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