I had the pleasure of doing a wee email interview with one of Glasgow’s favourite New Wave Rock bands The Ronains!
What effects has the lockdown had on you as an artist?
Since Lockdown it’s been a real pain in the ass to be honest, our best friend and guitarist Shauny Scott passed away in August last year, he had just turned 28 and we were going to call it a day but our fans wouldn’t allow it! We regrouped and brought in a phenomenal guitarist Lyndsey, our label and management got us some great gigs including our 3rd tour of America in October and it all went bang. The comfort is, we’re not the only ones I suppose and our socials have been really really busy.
How have you taken advantage of all the free time?
Before lockdown we were working on new material and a new band image so that’s allowed us to get that up to speed as well as unfinished tracks. The Ronains have been giggling relentlessly for 3 years and this time off has probably been a blessing in disguise to be honest, let’s us get our strength, mentally and physically back and look at new paths to get out the jungle.
What are you most looking forward to at your first live gig back?
I’m looking forward to the buzz and thrill again, interaction with our fans. We’ve been through a lot together and also The Ronains have some great offers on the table which I’m excited about. I love the thought of new team players bringing ideas to our product. It’s exciting and what it’s all about.
For those who aren’t familiar with you, how would you describe your music?
We are described as a new wave rock band that the listener can relate to. The Ronains are from the streets (yep that old cliche) it is very true though, our friends have died through drugs, mental health and broken hearts, some of our daddy’s gave up on us and left our mums to raise us on welfare or minimum wage. We sing about that and our debut album Love, Drugs & On The Dole says it all.
If you could cover one song, what would it be and why?
It’s such a hard question and if I’d to pick one it would be Kids of America by Kim Wilde, I’m a huge old school pop and disco fan and the sounds in that track are fantastic and she looks brilliant. Start to finish it’s absolutely feel good factor. The Ronains recently covered House of The Rising Son which worked out great and went Viral.
What’s your favourite Scottish artists / bands at the moment?
My favourite Scottish female solo artists at the moment are Mya Brown who’s voice is insane with well thought out lyrics and I still love my music from my friend Scarlet Randle who I hope can continue her rise, I knew her at the beginning and it’s amazing to see her change and grow. My favourite male solo artist is a guy called Tommy Mcguire who’s voice is fantastic and meaningful, he reminds me of a young Bruce Springsteen, Gerry Cinnamon is such an inspiration after the years it’s took him years and years without giving up to selling out stadiums and of course Lewis Capaldi success is a joy to see especially being from Scotland. I also think the group Colonel Mustard and The Dijon 5 are magnificent with brilliant original music and totally different concept, I can’t get my head around why they’re not at TRNSMT festival with what they’ve brought to Scotland and sell out anywhere they land. It’s kind of embarrassing to be honest.
What’s your favourite Scottish venue you have played at?
My favourite venue is The Barrowland Ballroom and I’m very fortunate to have played their twice with The Ronains. We played an incredible venue in Dunbar though which is called The Dunbar Battery and it’s an outside venue like a run down old castle right beside the sea. That was pretty special.
Describe the Scottish music scene in 3 words?
Who you know.
What do you think 2021 will be like on the gigging scene?
I think 2021 will be absolute madness, everyone trying to catch up and fight for their place, the bragging rights will be off the chart also. Scotland has a huge and brilliant music scene, over populated yes but vibrant and our rap stars are in the rise also which is incredible, I’m a huge fan of rap and I’ve enjoyed watching the rise of this genre in our country, long may that continue. I’m also a huge fan of SKA and reggie and would love to see a young band take that on. I always think there’s a huge gap in the market for it and think of that SKA image! It will never die!
Should we expect anymore new music in the near future?
The Ronains have loads coming up, including a second album which is going to be really cool, we’ve got a fantastic loyal team around us that’s took a while to build, a great record label in Emoji 13 and we’re currently managed by Reaction Management. We are very fortunate to have amazing endorsements from Blackstar Amps, Vocalzone and Natal Drums as well as a few other great offers on the table and it’s such a shame 2020 got cancelled but I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that’s stood by us and gave us some very important phone calls with advice also. A huge shout out to Shauny Scott wherever he may be and hope we make you proud.