Russell the published writer

Papaphone started back in Hertfordshire Music College when Russell Perkins and Thomas Hammond shared a mutual
interest in creating emotive, uplifting and well written songs.
They began playing music together, focussing on the love of creating something special rather than playing the latest
fads. Not being influenced by a musical style, they just did what came naturally. They began to write from the heart and
brought together a mix of melody, sincerity and warmth.
Writing and playing around the local area, Papaphone built up a strong loyal fan base with their live performances earning
them more nationwide publicity and gig offerings.
Highlights include headlining the Camden Barfly in London to a record number of people for an unsigned act and winning
Battle of the Bands at The Horn, St Albans out of over 90 entrants. Headlining venues around the UK including the
infamous 100 Club, Oxford Street, London and The Roadhouse in Manchester along with a live interview on BBC radio.
In 2015, Papaphone released the album ‘Songs I Wrote’ to critical acclaim amongst the folk community and earned the
praise of being named ‘one of the UK’s best new acts’ from The Observer. Papaphone also gained some famous names as
fans, including Shane McGowan and The Levellers.
A UK summer tour followed the album release with highlights including headlining Mr Wolfs in Bristol and appearing at
the Sidmouth Folk Festival.
Papaphone’s hard work was there for all to see leading to them being taken on by Artree Music at the start of 2016.
The band have recorded their new EP titled ‘Isn’t it wonderful?’, being released in November, featuring the single ‘Lioness’
which has already gained airplay from BBC Introducing, with host Gareth Lloyd describing the song as ‘beautiful’.
You can catch some of the new material being played around the UK when the duo tour in 2017.Check it out