Originally called Citizens, the band name was changed to Polkadodge soon after, and they started writing their own up-tempo indie rock songs and gigging around Sheffield and Doncaster.

Quickly grabbing the attention of local promoters and bloggers, Polkadodge played a number of shows in 2012, including a Tramlines Festival debut at Shakespeare’s, a main stage appearance at Doncaster Live festival, and a Leadmill show in support of The Milk.

Early 2013 saw Polkadodge sign to Aggressive Management, after which their first independently released single “Borderline” was released – recorded independently in the same sessions as the un-released “Catfish”. “Borderline” went on to be voted 7th best track of 2013 by BBC Introducing. Summer of 2013 included a number of high profile gigs, including a headline show at Owls in the Park, attended by approx 19,000 people; four separate shows at Tramlines Festival 2013, including one in support of Catfish & the Bottlemen; and their first sold-out headline show, at the Java Lounge.

During September 2013, Polkadodge returned to the studio to record three tracks, including “Laughing in Spanish”. The band later filmed a professional music video for the track which, as of September 2014, has clocked nearly 9,000 YouTube views.
October 2014 saw the band support Catfish & the Bottlemen for the second time at Plug in Sheffield, with 300 in attendance, and towards the end of the year, they were asked to support Jon Windle of Little Man Tate in his final live performance at a sold out Sheffield City Hall.

Polkadodge went one further the following March, and headlined their own sold-out show at Plug – their largest ever headline gig. Further gigs in Doncaster and Harworth with strong ticket sales followed, as well as numerous shows around the UK, including Manchester, Leeds and Loughborough.

The band split with Aggressive Management in the Spring of 2014 by mutual consent and went on to manage themselves independently. A successful summer of travelling followed, including debuts at Liverpool and Middlesbrough, numerous festival appearances, and the band’s third Tramlines Festival. Tramlines 2014 included a live broadcast gig on BBC Introducing, a capacity show at Frog & Parrot, and a Leadmill appearance, for which they were selected by the presenter of BBC Introducing Sheffield.

In the Autumn of 2014, Polkadodge surpassed 3,000 Facebook likes, and signed a management and recording contract with Cream Record Corp, with plans to professionally record a 5-track debut E.P for release in early 2015.