Dear Prudence are a quintet that are quickly becoming one of Brighton’s most exciting musical exports. Their powerful, dark recordings are hinged with modern pop production hooks that instill it an edgy undercurrent. Wonderland sat down for a chat with the band’s tattoo-adorned leading lady, Madi Poncia.

How did the band meet?

Paul our bass player and I live really near each other just outside of Brighton. He has a lot of contacts, musician-wise, so him and I recruited the rest of the band. I couldn’t be happier; the guys are awesome.

Your name is a nod to the John Lennon-penned Beatles song. Who else inspires the sound you create?

It’s actually more the Siouxsie and The Banshees version that inspired me, but it’s a great song written by a great man. The Cure and Depeche Mode have also been very influential for us lyrically and sound-wise.

How would you best describe a Dear Prudence fan?

I’m not sure really?! I Wouldn’t want to stereotype or generalise, but basically people that love dark pop music, music that has depth and meaning as well as a hooky chorus. We’re gathering an amazing assortment of fans.

You recently did a performance in a tattoo parlor. Do you prefer impromptu intimate gigs to large scale dates?

That night was awesome. Phil Kyle – of Magnum Opus Tattoo’s and London Ink – and I were having a drink together one evening and we discussed it. I played there with my old band but we did it acoustic downstairs in their gallery space. Equally, we’ll be excited when we earn the right to play some bigger shows and festivals.

How would you describe your sound?

I’d say it’s very British, alternative, dark pop.

Your first single “Valentine” offers up a diverse range of sounds, from guitars to melodic pop riffs. What was the inspiration for the song?

I love Tim Burton, so for me it was [about] imagining a love story that he would write. A sort of misfit version where the two people are outcasts. The main theme is that they have each other and that’s enough. It’s a great first single for us.

What are the band’s plans for the remainder of the year?

This year is going to be an amazing one for us. We’ve got a few more dates on our mini tour and some festivals too, so we’re all excited about that. Really looking forward to touring more – it would be great to get out to some different countries!

Words: Shane Hawkins