From Russia with tunes is what we say about Punk TV. They impressed us enough at Indie Tracks Festival for us to track them down (via myspace) to Moscow and ask them some questions.

Q. Who are Punk TV?

Alex – keys, guitar

Konstantin – drums

Vladimir – vocal, bass

Q. Where does the name Punk TV come from?

No concept. We just believe that it’s catchy and funny name.

Q. Is it true you are from Siberia? If so is it as cold and desolate as it is portrayed? What sort of music scene, if any, does it have?

This is absolutely true – we are Siberians. All of us were born in Novosibirsk, and we started the project there in 2004. Well... it could be bloody cold - -40 C (or even -50C) in the winter, but... it is terribly hot in the summer also. And it is really beautiful when it is snowing. Can’t say much about Siberian music scene - just metal and Russian pop-rock bands.

Q. We believe you are now based in Moscow, what is Moscow like? What’s good and bad about it?

Moscow is a vampire – “Bright light, big city, cool, cool people” – Spaceman 3. The good and the bad things are the same:-) We had to move here – if you wanna play music in Russia, you should go to Moscow. Probably, this is not our final destination. We don’t belong to this city and can go anywhere in future if we feel that it’s good for the band.

Q. Do people in Moscow drink as much Vodka as it’s portrayed in movies?!

Sometimes YES. But, speaking truthfully – people in the UK and Ireland drink more alcohol than Russians.

Q. What are the current feelings towards Russian’s communist past?

Young people can’t even remember those days. They are lucky to live in New Russia, but we think that it’s very important to know what happened with our country in 20th century (and what were the reasons for that) if we don’t want to waste another 70 years.

Q. Do you sing just in English or do you sing in Russian too? Is there many bands that sing in Russian and is there any pressure for you to do so?

We sing in English only. We believe, that English is natural for that kind of music we play, and it sounds cool. At the same time we have never being a part of old-school Russian pop/rock scene. Today more new Russian bands sing in English too.

Q. You have an album out, what’s it called & what’s it sound like?

Our first self titled album was released in Russia in 2005 and re-released in US 2006. The second one “Music for the broken keys” came out in 2007 in Russia. Our biggest influences are: My Bloody Valentine, Death In Vegas, M83, Primal Scream... Well, we are putting rock music into electronic landscape or playing techno on guitars.

Q. How can we get hold a copy / download it?

Go to our myspace page for all info: http://www.myspace.com/MUSICPUNKTV

Q. What do you think myspace has to offer bands & artists? Do you think the internet is more important in a vast country like Russia? How many friends have you got and how many are actual friends?

Myspace offers a good communication – it is very important for unknown bands. We use it a lot and it helps us to get concerts in the places we’ve never heard about before (Alitus, Lithuania for example). And yes – we DO like travel:-) We have more than 5000 “digital” friends – and just a couple of real one, and it’s OK. I prefer someone I can touch than click.

Q. Have you got a website too (you can blatantly plug it), what’s it got on it and is it worth a visit?

Our website is under construction.

Q. What is you favorite song you’ve written & why? What song would you have love to have written?

I like “Day By Day” – first track from our first album. It is really rocky on stage and has a good lyric: “Day by day, night by night, love and hate under discolight”:-)

Q. How would you describe your live gigs? What’s your favourite gig and have you one would you like to forget?

Our live sound is very different from the records. I mean, that on the concerts we sounds like rock band with some electronics, when in studio it’s like electronic band with some guitars. Sometimes we go bloody rocky – our friends with guitars and termenvox join us on stage. Last time in Moscow (2 weeks ago) we used two drum sets and changed instruments on stage between each other – it was brilliant! Don’t think I would like to forget any gig – well... there was one in a small club – it was my birthday party – and I can’t remember the gig in itself, so I can’t forget it actually:-)

Q. Where have in the world have you played gigs? Is there anywhere you’d not go back to!

We've played in Baltic States, Finland, UK, Ukraine and more than 20 cities in Russia. I wish we never go to Altai again – it’s really hard to play when there is no electricity!

Q. What’s your favourite place in the world and what does it say about you?

London – I never get bored in this city. I’ve spent months and months in London already but can’t say I know even a half of it.

Q.What song gets you dancing every time & why?

“Unbelievable” by EMF – this is an ideal pop song and it sounds fantastic - fresh and groove even 18 years back.

Q. What was the last CD / download you bought and was it any good?

A few days ago I bought a couple of 7”s: Semifinals “Last Pretending”, Primal Scream “Can’t Go Back”, Das Pop “Underground”, Joy Division “Warsow”, The Raveonettes “You Want The Cand” and some more - and I’m very happy with them. My last download was Curve’s “Weekend” as a free mp3 from they site. Curve is one of the biggest influences for Punk TV ever.

Q. What’s your view on Radiohead allowing fans to pay what they want for their new album? Do you think it’s just a marketing ploy? What would you pay for it? Is it anything you’ve considered doing?

I won’t pay a penny for this as I’m not interesting in Radiohead much. Well, I can say that this is not my favourite band definitely. And it’s all about marketing play for me. Anyway – they gave a freedom of choice – this is good, and they sold millions of vinyl LPs – this is also good for the market. Wise guys!!!

Q. What’s the best and worst thing you’ve ever seen written about you?

I don’t remember anything that disappointed me much, and the best words were: “Punk TV is trio of gay/alcoholics that can’t play music at all!!!”:-) Sounds great!!!