Quick-fire Questions: 10 minutes with Pollyfromthedirt
“Kinda near Newcastle but not really. More north than Manchester, no, not Durham”. Life in a place like Darlington mostly sounds like that where a small town can end up shadowed by the cities surrounding it, and when the UK’s historic neglect of the northeast keeps on coming.
However, in small towns in the area, like Darlington and Middlesbrough, big things are happening. Twisterella is always celebrating the underdogs as the yearly festival goes from strength to strength, and in Darlington, Pollyfromthedirt is rising as one of the most intriguing artists in the UK at the moment.
His debut EP, The dirt pt.1, is a speed run of his potential. ‘There’s No Such Thing As England’ could be a new national anthem as it tackles social politics with both power and ease. Elsewhere, ‘A Weekend In Majorca’ is poignantly personal, dealing with the topic of male friendships and support networks.
Across the EP, the now Manchester-based artist, who remains largely anonymous, lets his audience in. The feelings are potent, and the role Darlington plays is obvious. You can find out a lot if you’re listening properly, but here, we’re out to find out the serious stuff like traumatising internet memories and what he’d have for dinner – or tea, as we say up there in the north east.
10 minutes with Pollyfromthedirt:
FO: For those who haven’t been, describe Darlington in three words…
Pollyfromthedirt: “Not that bad.”
Who would win in a fight? Manchester or Darlington?
“Manchester would come out all guns blazing and land the first heavy blow, but Darlington would keep on scrapping away and eventually win via chokeslam.”
You’re the most famous person in the world, you can be as much of a diva as you want – what’s on your rider?
“Every flavour of peanut possible.”
What’s the best pub in the UK?
“Sun in September in Burnage.”
Can you tell us your most formative childhood memory of being on the internet? What traumatised you? What changed your brain chemistry?
“Ask.fm. A website made for the purpose of getting anonymously bullied by other kids from school. I remember someone saying I had greasy hair, cheers.”
What’s the worst film you’ve ever seen?
“Any music biopic.”
And what’s the best?
“Mr Bean’s Holiday.”
What’s your favourite release of 2025 so far?
“Dunno, I think it’s been a bit of a flop release-wise to be honest, in comparison to the previous year. I like the new Blood Orange album.”
What song should be made the new national anthem?
“‘There’s No Such Thing As England’ by me.”
Who’s your biggest musical enemy?
“Oasis.”
What do you think you’ll have for tea tonight?
“My friend is making cheesy beans on jacket potatoes.”
What was the first album you remember really loving?
“What’s The Story Morning Glory.”
If you won the lottery, what would you do for your first 24 hours as a rich person?
“Buy Darlington FC.”
Did you think these were good questions?
“Yeah.”
Are The Beatles overrated?
“No.”
