Bis is one of those well-kept secrets, you're either a massive fan or have no idea who they are. They are a three-piece act from Scotland and are the only unsigned band ever to appear on Top of the Pops. After performing live in London, Amanda Mackinnon, singer and keyboard player, takes some time out to answer a few questions about where the band is at now and their hopes for the future. Bis were interviewed by Textravaganza and MTV Text reviewer Nina dela Fuente.

NDF: For people that have yet to hear your music can you give a brief description of your style?
Amanda: It's always a hard question but roughly I'd say electronic punk.

NDF: It seems you have had a lot of trouble with various record companies, are you happy where you are at now?
Amanda: No, we're still looking for the right combination. When a label can't release a record on the correct date, get advertising, get interviews/press and get the track listing wrong on a release then you know there is a problem.

NDF: Have you ever thought of starting up your own independent record label so you can have more control over what you release and when?
Amanda: It would be great but sadly we just don't have the money up front to do that.

NDF: Can you tell me a bit about your latest album 'Return to Central' - how does it differ from albums such as 'Social Dancing' and 'The New Transistor Heroes'?
Amanda: The New Transistor Heroes was very instant and fast - like a bunch of songs all put together. Social Dancing was the next step where they were more 'songs' and had more depth. RTC is even further but going back into our electronic influences with sounds and diversity. It's more 'dark' as an album but I think we're more pop than this album overall.

NDF: You recently did an event at the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts) whereby you provided the soundtrack to Quadrophenia, how did this come about and what was it like to do?
Amanda: We were invited to do this and had to choose a film. We chose Quadrophenia as there are some great songs in there - I think it turned out great actually.

NDF: The release date for 'The End Starts Today' kept being altered, has the single finally been released?
Amanda: Yes. The record label has done this with the 2 releases that they have put out for us. It is embarrassing and annoying.

NDF : It has a much darker sound than your previous singles, is this the direction you are now taking?
Amanda : Probably not to be honest. It works very well on the RTC and I feel that it was something that we had to do. However, we love our pop too much and can't stop that edge.

NDF : Does it matter to you that after being around for over five years your music is still relatively unknown?
Amanda: We've actually been together for 8 years now, and people either think that we're really famous, or they've never heard of us. We've never had a proper 'hit'. Kandy Pop got to no. 25 and Eurodisco 37 but I hope that our day is still to come.

NDF: Would you ever compromise your musical tastes just to have a big hit and get yourself noticed?
Amanda: No, or we could have done that 5 years ago as a follow up to Kandy Pop.

NDF: You have just played two gigs in London, how did they go and when can fans expect to see you play live again?
Amanda: They were great actually. I don't know when we'll play again. We organised those shows ourselves just because we wanted to play. One-offs are better than touring actually.

NDF: Which song from your set-list always seems to go down the best?
Amanda: Kandy Pop and Eurodisco as they are more familiar and easier to dance to!

NDF: You are involved in a sideline project called 'The Kitchen', how does this differ from the music Bis produce and why did you decide to do this?
Amanda: I do this with my husband purely for fun. There is no pressure, we can write and record what we wish and give the songs to whoever we want. It's more raw than Bis and probably has more guitars but there are Bis similarities in there I suppose.

NDF: Your singles/albums are usually very hard to find, why do you think record companies make it so hard for fans to buy the music they like?
Amanda: Because they are bad at their jobs.

NDF: Every band can only go so far, what would you ultimately like to achieve with Bis?
Amanda: To have a great back catalogue (that people can find!) and to be remembered for producing some timeless pieces of music that change some kids' lives.

NDF: What has been your most memorable moment whilst being a member of Bis?
Amanda: Being famous for a week!

Quick Questions
1. Favorite artist/group? Sleater-Kinney
2. Last album bought? Add N to X
3. Favourite place you have visited? Tokyo
4. Last film you saw? One Hour Photo (bit disappointing)
5. What is your most treasured item? My skateboard necklace.
6. What is your favourite meal? Indian
7. Do you prefer summer or winter? Summer!!!!! I hate winter.
8. What is your favourite TV program? I'm into all those DIY shows just now as I'm moving flat soon.

If you would like to find out more about Amanda and the rest of the members of Bis, please visit their web-site at www.bisnation.com which features the latest news, pictures and much of their material available to order.

Essential web links:
www.bisnation.com