Following hot on the release of debut 'King Of Conflict' (released on 4^th February 2013) the three piece Brit band The Virginmarys is a name that has been cropping up all over the globe in the last few months with many recommending to hear them out. The Virginmarys are a three-piece rock band from Macclesfield, England and consists of members with Ally Dickaty as the lead vocalist, Danny Dolan on drums and Matt Rose on Bass.

Having spent three years touring and playing alongside a series of self-released EP’s the band have built a fan base that encompasses the likes of Slash, We Are Scientists, Eagles Of Death Metal and Ash, all of whom have invited the band to support them and thousands of devoted fans across the globe. Last year the band were named Best Breakthrough act at the 2013 Classic Rock Awards.

Britain’s newest rising punk rockers were on an India tour in December 2014 performing in Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi on 12^th, 13^thand 14^th December respectively as part of EMERGE.

Despite a hectic schedule, we managed to meet the band members for a one on one to know more about their sound, music style and the big question - why the band is known as The Virginmarys.

Is this your first visit to India? How do you guys enjoy being in a different country and a new culture?

Matt: Yes. I think it'll be really interesting to see how Indian crowds are. They seem to change depending on which country you're in so that'll be cool. Aside from the music, I'm really looking forward to experiencing India as a country. It's a place that's always fascinated me. Though I don't know how much of it we'll see!

Ally: Apart from playing and seeing India, I'm really looking forward to tasting the food and feeling the atmosphere.Can't wait. It's going to be an amazing experience. All thanks to Vh1 Emerge.

Danny: It’s a place I’ve always wanted to see so it’s an amazing feeling to know that we’re actually coming.

How did you guys form the band – a little of your background.

Danny: I and Ally had been playing together in different bands for a few years previous before we met Matt. We were drinking at a pub in Macclesfield and at the time were looking for a bass player. We met matt in there, jammed together and from there we made ‘The Virginmarys’

What is your debut album King of Conflict, released last year all about?

Danny: It’s a British Rock album that also a lot of other elements to it other than the obvious stereotype ‘Rock’ clichés…there’s some punk energy in there along with non-typical ‘Rock’ lyrics which I think makes the album a more interesting listen.

What do the songs speak about? (How would you describe your music?)

Matt: Passionate, energetic, and honest.

Ally: Intense, loud, and soulful.

Danny: Loud Soul.

When you say you are a rock band, what type of rock music do you guys play?

Classic Punk rock

You might have been asked this question many times and it’s here again….why did you guys come up with the name The Virginmarys?

Danny: Me and Ally were recording in Los Angeles before ‘The Virginmarys’ formed and one night in the local bar we used to drink in I overhead a group of guys talking about driving to a strip club ‘in the valley’…..it was called ‘Virginmarys’….always stuck with me!

What is the music scene back in Britain? Who are your musical influences?

Matt: When Ally brings a new song to us and we play it together I'd say that all our musician influences come together. So I wouldn't say that there's any one artist or band that impacts on our music making process but a combination of them all.

Danny: I've always been a big fan of Nirvana. I guess that's the main one. : I don't know a lot of the new musicians but I guess maybe for rock music bands like the Foo Fighters, QOTSA, Pixies. They're some of mine anyway

Ally: Neil Young has continued to do his own thing throughout his career as stick to his guns. I think Josh Homme is setting the standard high these days which is really important.

Have you heard of Indian music and Indian rock acts in particular?

Matt: Sadly I don't really know enough about it to comment.

Ally: I'm looking forward to learning about it.

Danny: can’t wait see what it’s all about

What memories do you plan to take back home from India?

Matt: We seem to have gone down well wherever we've played so I'm hoping that India won't be the exception.

Ally: We always pick up some hardcore fans from everywhere that really connect with our music and truly feel what it's about.

Danny: I’m sure we’ll have only amazing memories to take back home.

What are your future plans musically and touring?

Matt: We've recorded nearly 30 demos now so the new album is definitely on track. Fingers crossed we can get something out by next year.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira