Swinging or Minging

Describe your band in 50 words

Andy Pop is a singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, influenced by anything remotely personal, emotional and melodic. To him, music is about expressing joy and pain, rather than the bland and technical. The majority of his work is produced by guitarist/engineer Stephen Branch.

What’s your connection to Essex?

Grew up in Manningtree.

How and when did the band form?

Andy’s interest in songwriting comes straight out of the school playground rhymes. Unable then to play any instruments, he bought an Atari computer, programmed some beats, and sung along to that.

What are your musical influences?

Phil Spector, The Beatles, Carter USM, Blur, Madness, Stock Aitken Waterman, Motown.

Out of all your material, what’s your favourite song?  And why?

Armadillo. It’s to me what rock and roll is all about.

Who are you aiming at?

Anyone who likes fun rather than 'serious' music.

Where do you usually perform?

Various pubs in Harwich and Ipswich.

What would be your ideal venue?

A Hyde Park concert to celebrate the toppling of the monarchy.

What was the last CD you bought?

KT Tunstall – Eye to the telescope

Where would you like to be musically in five years time?

A slightly famous anti-establishment folk singer; something like Neil Innes, Roy Harper or Billy Bragg.