Polly and the Billets Doux are something different. The genre-defiant quartet began life in the middle of a smoky Winchester backroom in 2006, performing totally unamplified to a full-capacity audience. Their distinctive sound combines elements of jazz, blues, country, folk, soul and gospel to create a sumptuous and totally unique sound with a quintessentially English twist.

The band are known for their flawless and energy-filled live performances, and over the past couple of years they’ve embarked on headline tours up and down the country – from Ullapool to Brighton, and almost every city in between – and played to critical acclaim at festivals large and small, including Glastonbury, Cambridge Folk Festival, Secret Garden Party and Larmer Tree in 2011.

Polly And The Billets Doux self-released their debut album ‘Fiction, Half-Truths & Downright Lies’ via independent label Bleak Mouse Records in 2009. They charted at number 21 on the BBC Radio 1 Indie Chart and gained recognition from BBC national radio and regional stations throughout the UK, including Bob Harris and Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2. Over the past year, the band have received regular plays on BBC 6 Music, including through BBC Introducing’s Tom Robinson.

Throughout 2011, Polly and co have continued their relentless UK touring, picking up fans and praise wherever they go. Highlights in recent months have included a feature in The Sunday Times Culture and a support slot with Fun Lovin’ Criminals. The next year looks to be their biggest yet, with a summer of festivals ahead and a second album in the works for release in 2012.