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

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

The Making of『3』

Why the Album Is Called『3』

-Wakiki : Your upcoming third album is titled simply『3』 — such a striking choice, simple and almost effortless, like a weight has been lifted. What made you settle on that title?
Lily : How lovely thank you! 3 is my brothers lucky number, and 5 is mine, so we wanted to call album『3』&『5』exactly that. Also we always name our albums after favourite songs of ours, 『Until the tide creeps in』 by The Thrills, and 『Which Way To Happy』 by the Magic Numbers, so it made sense to name『3』also after our song 「Three」 from our first record.

Penelope Isles「Three」Live at Bella Studios

Recording Live, Straight to Tape

-Wakiki : Your first two albums were built up slowly over time, layer by layer, whereas I understand this one was recorded live, straight to tape, in one take. What made you want to record it this way this time around?
Lily : The last time we were touring as a 3-piece we felt really tight and decided on that tour our next album would be live. It’s been difficult at times trying to capture the Penny Isles live sound on record so it made sense to give it a go to try and capture what we do in the room. I think we all really enjoyed the fast pace and having to roll with whatever happens, I know I did- rather than spending months on the same song. That’s how you find the special moments.

The Perfect Moment to Listen to『3』

-Wakiki : I love the sense of euphoria I get from the shimmering sound of Penelope Isles’ music — it’s something I reach for while doing my makeup, or on a quiet day off. When would you like people to listen to『3』?
Lily : I love that! What an honour. 🙂
I would say it’s good for driving through the countryside with your pals, or making a big Sunday roast. Or maybe doing a big painting…

Penelope Isles「Another Kind Of Love」(Official Video)

-Wakiki : As you bring music back to listeners as Penelope Isles, is there one song on『3』you especially want people to hear? What made you pick it, and does it connect to how you’re feeling right now?
Lily :「Moonwalker」is an old song of ours that we used to play in our old band Your Gold Teeth. We’ve been playing it together for 15 years so it holds a very special place in our hearts. There’s a little spoken word snippet in there somewhere of some instructions on how to do the moon walk.