Paper Lions are an indie rock band from Belfast, PEI whose music shines with sunny melodies and tales of lost youth. Equally influenced by the clear-voiced harmonies of the Beach Boys and the clanging guitars of modern rock, at the heart of the band are long-standing friendships and vibrant pop songs based on the sandy shores of their remote island province.

Formed from a creative partnership that began in their adolescence, the band really found its shape in 2007. Rob and John MacPhee are brothers, Colin Buchanan is their childhood neighbour, and David Cyrus MacDonald they met in high school, but it took time and effort, practising in garages and playing in clubs across North America, to become the band they are now.

Paper Lions has received over twenty ECMA nominations and one win, over thirty PEIMA nominations and ten wins, the Touring Artist of the Year award from CAPACOA, a Verge Music Award nomination, and a CBC Radio 3 'Bucky' award nomination. They've shared the stage with such varied acts as CAKE, Tokyo Police Club, Hollerado, The Rheostatics, No Joy, Hot Hot Heat and Electric Six. They've had their songs featured on ABC and NBC, MuchMusic, MTV and AUX.

We caught up with Paper Lions drummer, David Cyrus MacDonald this year at the Woodford Folk Festival to get his Artist / DIY Self-Management advice for emerging artists, and a special insight into the Woodford Folk Festival.