WHILE Puma Theory have already made more than a name for themselves, it feels like they’re truly set to pounce in earnest as 2025 begins to draw in.
Not only are they sharing the bill with the likes of The Amazons, Roni Size, Rose Rey, The primitives, and Stealing Sheep at the Readipop Fiesta, but they’re also on the cusp of setting their debut album out into the world.
They also have a slew of live shows on the horizon, including a headline Halloween show at a fan-favourite venue right here in Reading: The Rising Sun Arts Centre.
Jacob said of the upcoming appearance: “It’s a show in collaboration with Sid [Siddle]– formerly of Club Velocity, now of Future Transmissions.
“We really like working with him: he’s been a great stalwart of the local scene, and is such a champion for local bands.
“It was at some of his first shows at the Rising Sun where I saw bands like The Amazons play–over 10 years ago now!
“We really love what he’s all about, what he stands for, and the same goes for the Rising Sun, too; they’re crucial, really.
“It feels like something of an amalgamation of different things coming together.”
He explains that as a grassroots venue: “It’s a really important space for a lot of reasons, and spaces like that are at risk–constant closures and the like.
“Places like the Rising Sun–all of Reading’s venues–have a distinct feel and attitude, and it stands out to me as one that’s unapologetic in its approach.
“It’s truly itself, which makes it so wonderful.”
Cam concurs: “The people who volunteer there are some of the most welcoming in reading as well.
“They sort of took me in and taught me loads of things about either running gigs or playing in bands, and it’s where I’ve met long term friends through their volunteer programs.
“Many of them ended up helping us on recordings; it has a community vibe, and has really helped build up the band to where we want to be.”
And that experience and help has proved invaluable, as the band is now approaching their debut album’s release.
Cam says: “It feels like we’ve been writing songs together for five or six years now, and we’ve really dialled into something of a seamless process.
“We’re both as dedicated as each other, and we draw from similar influences, and now we’ve got an album’s worth of material.
“We’re keen to share it–especially as we’ve been playing the songs live quite a lot–and we’d absolutely love to put it on wax, as we’re both vinyl heads.”
Jacob explains: “We both work jobs and have a few side hustles to keep us going, which we’re really grateful for.
“I just don’t know if any of this would be possible without, to be honest–it compresses your time, and you have to make tough choices.
“Do I want a social life, do I want to do the music, or do I want to be fit… you can;t have all three.
“But you try to remind yourself every day to be grateful for what you have and the opportunities you’re given.”
Cam also says that working can have other benefits, too: “I did previously work in something which touches a little more on the music industry, which is good for meeting other musicians.
“Though even that can create a scheduling conflict, so it can be really hard to balance; I would never say I’m a careerist.
“It’s something we talk about a lot– we have to be open and honest about that and help each other through it.”
However time can always be made for special appearances too, such as this year’s Readipop outing, which was announced to be returning by popular demand for a one-day Fiesta despite plans to take a fallow year in 2025.
“It’s a privilege to play it,” Jacob explains.
“We love Readipop as an organisation and what they’re all about–those recording studios have so many memories for us, as do their gigs, both as a band and as audience members.
“Readipop is always an amazing weekend, so for it to be back in a different form is so exciting, especially with so many great acts on the line-up.
“And many of them are friends; we go way back with Rose Rey and The Amazons, so it will also be something of a reunion.
“There’ll be lots of people from across the Reading scene over the years, all under one roof, and that hasn’t happened in a long time.
“We’re honoured to be a part of it.”
Cam says: “And Pete [Wheeler] knows how to throw a party–it’ll probably prove to be the best one yet.”
But the band has their sights set firmly on the future, and there’s plenty to get excited for.
Jacob says: “Well I won’t give away too much, but by the end of September, we’ll be in a studio recording music which might be out rather soon.
“There’ll be something just before the album…”
Puma Theory are performing at Mojos as part of the Readipop Fiesta from 7.15pm on Saturday, September 13.
They are also set for a headline gig at The Rising Sun Arts Centre on Friday, October 31.
Full details about Readipop are available via: readipop.co.uk
Full details about Puma Theory’s headline gig at the Rising Sun is available via: whatsonreading.com
