Although Perth-born, Melbourne-based indie-pop rockers Institut Polaire, having been kicking around for more than six years, the wait for a full-length debut has been a long one. Jennifer Peterson-Ward caught up with lead vocalist/guitarist Erik Hecht to discuss changing line-ups, diverse influences and touring shenanigans, ahead of the release of, Make Your Own Mayflower, slated for release on October 9.

For readers who are unfamiliar with Institut Polaire, how would you describe your sound?

I always find this question a genuinely difficult one to answer.  Lately we seem to be often referred to as "psych-folk", but I don't know.  We just try to write music that sounds good to us.  We definitely go for a layered sound with lots of things intertwining, hopefully in a good way.

Perth readers may be familiar with Institut Polaire as a three piece, however you're performing as a 7-piece ensemble now - do you think the dynamic of the band has changed with the inclusion of more members?

We were up in numbers long before we left WA, but the dynamic of the band has definitely changed since then.  Songwriting is much more of a collaborative effort these days and we work out a lot of new things in the rehearsal room.

Like many Perth bands, you made the big move across to the east - was that decision based on what you thought was best for the band or other personal reasons? Do you think it is a unfortunate that for many W.A based bands that to make it you have to move to the east coast?

I don't think any of us moved over to Melbourne to "make it big".  A small part of it was to make touring more economical for the band, but mainly I think we all simultaneously decided we wanted a change of scene in our personal lives.

You guys have received some highly regarded recognition and awards (including a WAMI in 2008 and Triple J unearthed 2007) plus positive reviews across the country; how gratifying is it to know the audience love your work?

It is nice to know that people like what you do, but I wouldn't say that's the sole motivation.  Everyone in the band just likes playing music and we would probably still do it in our bedrooms if no-one was listening or coming to see us.

Do you think that all these accolades added pressure to the recording process - was it always in the back of your mind that you had a legion of fans (as well as the media) to impress and satisfy with your new work?

In many ways it becomes a more daunting process trying to move ahead, but still keep the elements people seem to like about you.  Having said that, all you can do is make the music that feels right to you and any recognition beyond that is a bonus.

You're about to release your LP Make Your Own Mayflower - what was the vision for the album?

I think many people who listen to our songs superficially are often quick to describe us as "upbeat" and "cheerful". I think if they have a really good listen to the lyrics they will discover that the music often masks lyrics which can be quite dark and biting.  From my perspective, lyrically, this is definitely an album which is about feeling isolated from the modern world, angry about what's going on in it, and really wanting to escape to another era or place.  That's where the 'Mayflower' reference comes from.

Were there any strong influences (musical or otherwise) which directly shaped the new record?

Not purposely.  I'm sure they're in there though.  My influences are a bit all over the shop.

Are you looking forward to your upcoming national tour? Where are you  most looking forward to travelling to?

Touring is always fun once the stress of planning it is behind you and you are actually on the road.  I love something different about each town we play in, but it will be great to get back to Perth this time around. We don't always make it over.

Does Institut Polaire have plans to tour internationally in the next 6-12 months?

Nothing concrete.  It's always been a long-term goal though.  Hello, Tokyo!

Lastly, what can punters expect from an Institut Polaire live show?

Hmmm.  Bad onstage jokes, a bit of a different energy to the records, and us doing our best to make it a fun night and play some good tunes.