Port Bandanas; a year in the life

By Kev Hutchings BBC Radio Devon Introducing

Ash, Jon, Ando and Huw - Plymouth's Port Bandanas. Listen to Old Times

Plymouth band Port Bandanas are fast approaching their first birthday and after spending the last 12 months taking their energetic live shows around the county they are now planning the next stage of their onslaught on the music industry.

Having built up a loyal following from various festival appearances this summer - and from playing venues around Devon - the lads finally found time to stop at the BBC Radio Devon Introducing studios.

The foursome have fate to thank for their formation in 2008.

Ando says their music is funky, groovy and listener-friendly

"Ando, Huw and I got together through a meeting at University when we were on the same course," bass player Ash told me.

"We then advertised for a drummer."

But none that responded to the ad fitted the band's style.

"I finally met Jon through work," singer and guitarist Ando explained.

Blown away

I first saw Port Bandanas when they were playing a sun-drenched set at the IvyLive music festival in 2009 and was blown away by the energy and feelgood atmosphere the band created.

"That's the reason we formed the band," explained Huw.

"To play gigs is what we all enjoy doing."

They are extremely enthusiastic about what they do and have put a lot of time into perfecting their live shows.

Huw and Jon love playing live gigs

But what is it that creates that immediate connection between the band and their audiences?

"The music is funky, groovy and very listener-friendly," Ando told me.

"We just want everyone that comes to see us to have a good time."

Now, after a year spent playing live and building up their ever growing fan base, Port Bandanas find themselves at a crossroads.

Bassist Ash explains: "We are going to have to take some time off from the live performances.

"It will be the first time off since we got together but we need the time to write some songs without the pressure of playing gigs.

"We'll hopefully record them soon and add them to our set so we can start playing live again later this year."

As much as they have achieved in such a short space of time, Port Bandanas look like they have an exciting future ahead.

And it's one I'll be tracking all the way on BBC Radio Devon Introducing so watch this space!

BBC Radio Devon Introducing | Mondays 1800 | BBC Radio Devon

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