Sheffield’s self-described “spooky queer emo punx” Period Drama are another great band making their mark on the UK DIY-punk scene.
We found out what frontwoman Hope had to say about how the band formed, and what cover might make it into their Manchester Punk Festival set…
Firstly, how did you all meet and when was Period Drama formed?
Rosie (our drummer) is my fiancée and we met through my ex and her ex and her ex’s ex. My ex had joined a band with her ex’s ex (whilst my ex and her ex were not exes), and they were looking for a drummer, so HER ex put her in touch. I always thought she was hot, but you’ll have to listen to our songs for the full goss.
I’ve known Niamh the longest, as we used to go to and DJ at a local pop punk night with a mutual friend, and I was there when her band Slash Fiction played their first show. We always bump into each other at shows and generally have a good time together. She met Dan through the internet to form Slash Fic, and they are best friends now (so clearly a great vetting process!)
I always fancied doing a band with Rosie, and we wanted to jam some emo-y indie punk, but we needed a bassist and guitarist to make Period Drama whole. When I posted on Insta, Niamh was straight into my DMs (which I was pleased at this because she absolutely shreds) and mentioned Dan was the “only straight man she’d trust with her life” (and I was pleased at this because he also absolutely shreds). A jam or two later and it just worked!
For anyone not familiar with your music, how would you describe your sound?
I always go for “spooky emo bops for slutty goths”, because nowadays I’m definitely more influenced by pop than anything. I still can’t shake years of rinsing AFI, My Chem and Alkaline Trio, so I can’t help falling back into writing emo! If you took a thirsty lesbian with OCD, forced them to watch Life On the Murder Scene, Serial Mom, Lady Gaga‘s Videography and Rhea Ripley’s wrestling, matched them with their one true love and gave them unlimited access to their favourite pleather shop, they’d probably like our band.
If you had to recommend one of your songs to a new listener, which one would you choose?
I will always say Penthouse. When we wrote it, it was like I was pulling the blood out of my veins. To me, it’s the epitome of Pez D. I hadn’t been a singer fronting a band before, and it gave me a chance to do some screaming – that gave me so much confidence. Plus, it’s definitely for the slutty goths!
What can we expect from your set at MPF?
I have a terrible schtick of telling the same jokes between songs and none of them make sense. I promise, on this day, I will tell some new jokes – and I can’t rule out the possibility of some new music too (if not for MPF, then when?!)
We’ve also been throwing a Chappell Roan cover in there lately… so perhaps that’ll make an appearance!
Are there any other bands on the line-up you’re particularly looking forward to seeing?
Those acquainted with Pez D already will know we always cite The Menzingers as an influence, so you can guarantee to see us there. Otherwise, I’m especially excited for Onsind, Cherym, Sadaxe, Follow Your Dreams, In Evil Hour and Electric Press. I should also mention Snatch Game‘s live set and DJ set after, because me and Rosie will be dragging up (as Snatch Game are our other family away from Pez D). There’s something for everyone!
What else are you up to this year?
I’ve been known to write slowly, so we are really knuckling down for the next release. Maybe by the time MPF comes round you’ll have some treats online for your ears! Otherwise, we’re super excited to support Random Hand and play Kelham Pride, both at one of our fave local haunts, Yellow Arch in Sheffield. Rosie and I are getting married there in October, so we’ll fit what we can around wedding planning!
Anything else we should know?
Get listening to the MPF Spotify playlist, go see people you’ve never heard of and especially support the sets of smaller bands. We’re so grateful that MPF curates such a diverse range of bands, all sizes and with all different peoples within them. I wouldn’t be a loud woman if I didn’t say perhaps take a chance on a smaller band, especially if you don’t usually listen to music with women, LGBTQ+, trans and non-binary people centre stage, because these bands need your attention now more than ever. The world is scary but with support from allies and finding other alike people we can make it easier for everyone.
Thank you so much to Hope for answering these questions. Manchester Punk Festival takes place 18-20 April 2025 – full details and tickets here
You can find Period Drama on Instagram // Facebook // Bandcamp
