SPECTRUM: Interview with Porridge Radio
Porridge Radio were not only selected by The Guardian as favourites to watch in 2018, but were named 'the greatest band in the world' by Everett True on the strength of half a song.
Band leader and singer/songwriter Dana Margolin tells us more about this unique 5-piece.
When did you start writing music?
When I was about 17.
How did you meet?
After a bunch of solo shows at open mic nights, I played at Fat Dog Party - a festival in Brighton organised by local legend Georgie. I played three songs while videos i took on a family holiday played behind me. A week or so afterward, I got a call from a random number. It was Maddie saying that she just got a bass and wanted to hang out, so that's how I met Maddie properly. She could not play bass but I asked her to join the band anyway and now she's the best in town.
I met Sam when I was selling zines and tshirts on The Level. He was the only person to respond to my facebook post asking for a drummer. Then later Georgie and Josh joined the band. Georgie was at the front of every show singing along, so it seemed obvious that she should just be on stage. Josh wears cool clothes so it seemed reasonable that he should be on stage too. Sometimes when Josh can't make a show his room-mate Jess fills in.
What track are you most proud of?
Eugh
How would you describe your music?
Emo Radio 1
What are the main influences on your sound?
Have you released any albums yet? Are you signed to a label?
Yes, a whole bunch of solo demo albums, a split EP with LA punx West America, and a debut album called Rice Pasta and Other Fillers. It was released on Memorials of Distinction which I help run.
What are you listening to at the moment?
Right now I'm listening to this and it's very good!
What are your plans for the near-future?
Recording an album, loads of gigs in brighton, solo UK tour with Florist, EU tours!!!
What does it mean to you to perform at The Brighton Dome?
It's an honour.