Chasing Special Moments: Penelope Isles Talk Their Album 『3』

Last Updated on 2026-09-24 by a-indie

The first word that came to mind when I heard Penelope Isles for the first time was “pure.”

But by “pure,” I don’t mean innocent or youthful.
Nor do I mean something untouched or free from outside influences.

In Penelope Isles’ music, shimmering sounds move through waves of shoegaze, while slightly bittersweet melodies that tug at the heart emerge from beneath them.
Their sound can be experimental, yet somehow it finds its way into your heart with an almost effortless ease.

Perhaps that is because they seem to turn the simplest, most instinctive feelings we have when listening to music into sound itself: “I love this kind of sound.” “This melody makes my heart flutter.” Rather than trying to appear cool or keeping their emotions at a distance, they simply offer up those moments when the heart moves.
And before you know it, you find yourself feeling that same sense of excitement, without resistance.

Perhaps it is that openness in their sound, always moving toward a straightforward sense of comfort and exhilaration, that makes me want to call it “pure.”

Based in Brighton, UK, Penelope Isles is led by siblings Jack and Lily Wolter.
Having spent time pursuing their own projects, Penelope Isles are now releasing their third album, 3, and I spoke with Lily.

We talked about the meaning behind the album’s strikingly simple title, what it means to make music with a sibling, and even what she would like to do if she ever makes it to Japan.
Lily’s answers were as natural and refreshing as Penelope Isles’ music itself, and I hope they also give you a glimpse into her utterly endearing personality.

An Interview with Penelope Isles

Artist: Lily Wolter (Vo./Key.)
Interviewer: Wakiki
Translation, Editing, and Proofreading: BELONG Media / A-indie

How Penelope Isles Came Together

Penelope Isles「I Loved you, Robert Pattinson」(Official Video)

The Story Behind the Name

-Wakiki : The name Penelope Isles has such a lovely, almost storybook-like feel to it. How did you come up with it?
Lily : Why thank you! Our mum is called Penelope and we’re from the Isle of Man, so it’s a combo of the 2.

How the Band Came Together

-Wakiki : You two, the Wolter siblings, were originally pursuing music separately. How did you come to form Penelope Isles together with the original members?
Lily : I moved to Brighton to study music at BIMM when I was 18, and originally started the band with OG members Becky and Sowy, we used to be called KookieLou. Jack moved a year later and joined- then we gave it a new name.

Musical Roots and Influences

-Wakiki : Are there any artists or works that you both love, and that have influenced your songwriting? We’d love to hear what specifically drew you to them, and why they’ve had that influence.
Lily : We both love the same stuff and have been mutually inspired by a lot of the same stuff through our upbringing. Our mum introduced us to The Magic Numbers, The Thrills and Hal, 3 bands that really inspired the birth of Penny Isles.
We also love Deerhunter, Wilco, Pixies…

The Magic Numbers「Which Way to Happy」

The Thrills「’Til The Tide Creeps In」

Hal「What A Lovely Dance」

On Being Siblings in a Band

-Wakiki : Penelope Isles was formed around you two as siblings. What are the things that make you glad you’re doing this with your sibling, and are there times when being siblings makes you clash instead?

Lily : We’re family so of course we fight when times get hard. But it means the good times are a million times more rewarding. We used to fight a lot more as there’s a 6 year gap between us but now we’re a lot more equal. We’ve learned a lot being on the road together.