The 5-minute Interview: Matt Bowman, Vocalist, The Pigeon Detectives

'If I were a politician I'd challenge John Prescott to an arm-wrestle'

Leeds-based indie band The Pigeon Detectives entered the charts at No 3 earlier this year with their debut album, 'Wait For Me'. They played at this summer's Reading, Leeds and T In The Park festivals and are teaming up with Ben Sherman clothing to perform in The Big British Sound at the Gibson Guitar Studio in London on 18 September. For details, visit www.bensherman.co.uk

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Finishing off my pizza and chips at the airport. We're going to Amsterdam and then back home to Leeds – at last. We've been away for about a year, except for the odd day here and there.

A phrase I use too often...

What goes around, comes around. It makes me feel better when someone's being a knob.

I wish people would take more notice of...

Jimmy, our drummer. He really wants to be famous. He doesn't deserve it but it would keep him happy.

The most surprising thing that happened to me is...

I was born about 23 years ago. That was surprising.

A common misperception of me is...

People think I perm my hair but it's naturally curly.

I am not a politician but if I were I would...

Challenge John Prescott to an arm-wrestle.

I'm good at...

Arm-wrestling. And being in a band. It doesn't take much. You've got to be witty in interviews, be a bit charming, dedicated and hard-working and fairly lucky. And talented.

I'm very bad at...

Being nice to my girlfriend. I should be a lot nicer. I should spend more money on her. I'm a bit tight. I'm also bad at eating healthily. We have a terrible diet and I should eat more vegetables. I'm always eating pizza and chips.

The ideal night out is...

One where I end up at home and not in hospital. Oh, and one where the drinks are free.

The best age to be is...

One you're happy with. Eighteen was big for me.

You know me as a musician but in truer life I'd...

Be a gardener. I did that for about a year on a golf course. It's very relaxing.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this...

Aim for the moon because, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.

Alice-Azania Jarvis