Some people are just naturally effervescent, they don’t ever do ordinary. Myura Amara is just such a person. She fronts punk rockers Pollypikpocketz and absolutely owns her look. Here she talks to Gary trueman about the band, her unique style and reveals all about a new project.
You have a brand new project. What’s it called?
“You’re the first people to know this. It’s called Danger Molly. So it’s me, Tommy from Minatore, Kiki from Pollypikpocketz and Sam from Ferocious Dog. Other people will come in and do bits and bobs too tbc.”
How would you describe the band sound?
“It’s completely different from Pollypikpocketz. It would appeal to people who are into ska, swing and punk I guess. It all about happy tunes. In the current political climate the whole point is that we are bringing joy through the music.”
How will this affect Pollypikpocketz? Obviously both you and Kiki share the bands but are the other members fully on board with it as well?
“Yeah, they are definitely fully on board. I mean Frog has another project, we are all in other projects and we all like doing different things. Pollypikpocketz have things lined up for this year.”
So with Danger Molly where are you creatively? Have you got songs written, anything recorded or shows planned?
“We do actually have some demos, one of which is pretty much nearly done now. The others are almost complete. We have a whole bunch of songs. We are still writing for the album which is really fun and exciting. It’s great to experiment and explore different avenues. We are super excited to finally release this second PollyPikPocketz album! It’s been a long time coming and we have gigs and videos lined up for that.”
So it’s Pollypikpocketz for most of this year before moving on to more stuff with Danger Molly?
“Yes. We don’t know when we’ll launch it yet. Obviously Sam has got Ferocious Dog and he’s busy on tour with that at the moment. We’d like to be on the festival circuit but probably wouldn’t play so often I don’t think. I mean, we’ll probably do a tour and see how it goes.”
So what is happening with Pollypikpocketz at the moment?
“We are planning our album to be released on July 10th yay! Also I want to mention, we are playing a Spring Equinox Party on March 21st at The Water Rats, with Delta Unit, Healthy Junkies and Kee. Come along! We have the artwork sorted and we’ve done a music video for the song ‘Fuq You’. We’re hoping to do a single release in June. We are playing with Bite Me and Anarchist Wood at the Shacklewell Arms and we are hoping to release our music video around that time.”
Pollypikpocketz are moving along well then, but it is tough times in the industry isn’t it?
“It is, you kind of have to shout louder or your work won’t be seen or heard. Your work is controlled by the media in a way. We’re doing our own DIY CDs and merch. For Pollypikpocketz we’ll still be printing our merch. We would like to have some vinyl made but that’s an expense in itself. I’m thinking print some CDs DIY to save costs. It’s not doable otherwise.”
That does give you total artistic control though doesn’t it?
“Yes it does. It won’t be like the 2019 album we did with like a five page booklet, that definitely won’t be possible at the moment. It’ll be a very streamlined Cd and artwork. I will be making some t-shirts and getting some printed, we’ll have fun with it.”
Venues are struggling too aren’t they?
“You hear of venues closing but you do hear of ones opening as well although obviously not many. I am hearing about new venues that are hosting gigs though. Lots are closing which is sad. I saw Lady Rage perform at a venue in Camden I didn’t know about around November last year I think it was. It’s shocking and unbelievably sad that Sophie is no longer with us. It’s so hard to comprehend.”
Recently for International Women’s Day the Devolution team picked out women in music that have been a huge influence on them and that have inspired us. Who would you pick?
“I think I would choose someone like Kate Bush. I’ve always loved her from a young age. There’s something about her comedic aspects mixed with her theatricals. She’s so cool and her ideas are out of this world. I love ‘The Dreaming’. I would love to see her live, that would be the dream. Obviously I don’t sound like Kate Bush, but in terms of her performance and artistry definitely.”
Let’s move on to you and your unique style which catches everybody’s eye. You tend to get stereotypical looks for specific genres of music and you don’t have any of that, you are simply you. If anything there’s a big nod towards 80s new wave.
“Well I am wearing a jacket that is Adam Ant inspired.”
There’s a cultural twist with a lot of your look too. Is that something you’re very much proud of and you want to highlight too and say hey this is me?
“Definitely. Growing up there weren’t many South Asian artists, now there are loads. So a big shout out to Weirdo Zine which is a South Asian sub-culture magazine. I found out about quite a lot of South Asian alternative artists though it.”
Has anybody ever said to you they really like the fact that you include your roots within your style?
“Yes they have, they’ve said they’ve noticed my earrings or my ankle chains or whatever. Definitely with my nose to ear rings and chain, which I haven’t got on today. So yes I do like to have a nod towards my Tamil South Asian culture. I was born in Tottenham but I am Tamil Sri Lankan.”
Where do you source your clothing and accessories from?
“Oh, everywhere! Mostly charity shops. I’m actually pretty good at finding things, even for other people. I’ll look at something and think no or yea and usually it works out perfectly.”
So this is you isn’t it. It isn’t a mask you wear for the stage, this is your genuine authentic look? It’s important for people to be themselves isn’t it?
“It is. I mean I didn’t own a pair of joggers until lock down. I think it’s important to be expressive and not be afraid to show a bit of your personality.”
Have you got any advice for someone who has seen you dress unconventionally and perform on stage but is anxious about expressing themselves in a similar way either musically or style wise?
“I would say choose your circle of friends, choose people who inspire you whether they are your mates or who you like listening too. Surround yourself with people who inspire you personally, and who support you because they will help bring out your own character.”
https://www.facebook.com/pollypikpocketz
https://www.facebook.com/weirdo.zine
Interview and photos by Gary Trueman