Big thanks to Jordan from Neon Waltz for the wee email Q&A!
What effects has the lockdown had on you as an artist?
Both good and bad really. Having to postpone our tour was obviously really frustrating. But being stuck indoors has forced me to write more new music than I have for quite a while. I moved house at the end of last year and this is the first real opportunity I’ve had to do that. The other lads are also writing a lot. This also makes it even more frustrating cos we have these big batch of new tunes that we know we won’t be able to play together for a while.
How have you taken advantage of all the free time?
As I said, writing songs. I’ve bought myself a few cool gadgets to help with that too. I have a drum machine coming in the post that I can’t wait to arrive. Other than that I’ve done a few Facebook/Instagram live acoustic gigs, which I’d never actually done before all this shit. I also have a 4 month old boy called Sonny who takes up a fair bit of my time.
What’s your first drink at the pub when we’re allowed out?
I’m sure it would have been a pint of Tennent’s. Love the stuff. Never looked back.
What are you most looking forward to at your first live gig back?
I honestly can’t wait for every bit of it. Maybe apart from the load in/out and soundcheck. Getting in the van with the lads, playing the tunes, talking to fans, and the sweet taste of a room temperature Tennent’s can.
For those who aren’t familiar with you, how would you describe your music?
I’ve been asked this question loads and I still struggle answering it. Here goes… Ballsy but beautiful rock and roll music. Some bits will smash you about the head and other bits will melt your heart.
If you could cover one song, what would it be and why?
Right now I can’t get enough of Harry Nilsson. I’ve been playing ‘Don’t Forget Me’ from the album Pussy Cats a lot on the piano recently. Played it in one of the Facebook live things I did too. Jump Into The Fire from his album Nilsson Schmilsson would suit the band better though. Its absolutely relentless that tune.
What’s your favourite Scottish artists / bands at the moment?
The best new artist in Scotland right now is Callum Easter. He’s an old friend of ours, he even came on tour with us once to fill in on keys. His music is on another planet. Listen to his debut album Here Or Nowhere if you get the chance. It’s sooooo good.
What’s your favourite Scottish venue you have played at?
We did 2 nights at Barrowlands supporting DMA’s in December 2018. That was incredible, fulfilling a lifelong dream for us playing there really. I can’t remember much from the first night. But the second night I remember it all. From venues we’ve headlined I’d have to say King Tuts. You can tell there’s a history about the place when you go in. We sold it out the last time we played too so that was special for us.
Describe the Scottish music scene in 3 words?
Too many mullets. Hahaha. Only joking. Not enough bowlcuts.
What do you think 2021 will be like on the gigging scene?
Who knows. Hopefully no venues get to the stage where they have to close because of this damn lockdown. I hope by 2021 this will be nothing more than a bad memory and everyone will be totally cool with going out and doing the things they loved to do before this all happened. Right now though, its a tough one to predict.
Should we expect any new music in the near future?
Definitely. We had planned to go in the studio not long before lockdown. So thats put it back a bit too. But we’ll be itching to get in as soon as this is over.