Polly Louise Mackey, the enigmatic musical force known as Art School Girlfriend, is a Welsh virtuoso, a maestro of indie sensibilities, and a performer with a story that kicks off with a teenage bash. Picture it: Polly strumming her guitar at her sister’s birthday, unwittingly captivating the attention of a local indie promoter who’d turn her world upside down.
She swirled into the indie scene, supporting bands like The Teenagers, gracing stages at The Great Escape and SXSW. Then, the big move to London with her shoegaze outfit, Deaf Club, rocked our auditory senses. Their debut EP “Lull” unleashed a sound so layered, it was like a musical dream trip. Critics took notice, calling them fearless.
Deaf Club’s journey was paved with sold-out cassettes, a deal with Domino Publishing, and high praise from BBC Radio. In 2014, they left their mark at KOKO in London before drifting apart.
Polly didn’t let the music die; she lent her voice to The Maccabees’ swansong and embarked on a solo journey. Enter Art School Girlfriend, a project birthed in Margate. Those early demos found their way to the ears of Paul Epworth, who offered his studio for the evolution of her debut EP, “Measures.” It was a sonic revelation, led by the mesmerizing “Bending Back.”
Live shows followed, and soon she had a band to back her, igniting stages at festivals and headline tours. “Into The Blue Hour” marked a sonic evolution, experimenting with electronic layers. And the world couldn’t get enough as she grooved through more releases and hit the festival circuit.
Mackey’s debut album, “Is It Light Where You Are,” bore the mark of emotional turmoil and creative resurgence, finally landing in our laps in 2021, after a COVID-induced delay. The tour was a crescendo, culminating in a sold-out spectacle at Village Underground.
Not content with mere music, Polly sprinkled her magic on Ghostpoet’s 2020 album and dabbled in scoring films. Her artistic tapestry continued to expand.
Then came January 2023, and we were gifted “A Place To Lie,” the herald of her second album, “Soft Landing.” It’s a tantalizing blend of dreamy production and transcendent vocals, beckoning us into a hazy sonic reverie.
Mackey’s teenage influences and her DJing escapades were woven into this auditory marvel, taking us on a musical odyssey. And just after Halloween, she graced Rough Trade with her presence, serenading us with a harmonious fusion of new and old tracks. The audience reveled in her symphonic prowess, dancing, singing, and capturing the magic.
A meet and greet session wrapped up the evening, a testament to her deep appreciation for those who showed up to share in the music. Polly Louise Mackey, or rather Art School Girlfriend, continues to weave her musical spells, enchanting souls along the way.
Images and words by @darrencphotography
