We had the chance to do a wee Q&A interview with Glasgow metal band Bearers, enjoy!
What effects has the lockdown had on you as an artist?
It did stop us in our tracks a little to begin with, just like a lot of other bands. We had just released our new song Absolution and had schedules in place to continue on from that but a lot of it has needed to be cancelled or postponed. But we’re working through it, adapting to the restrictions. Luckily we live in an age where we can use technology to continue to connect and collaborate, so we’ve been taking full advantage of that. Having regular video calls to discuss what we’re going to do next, new ideas, writing, etc. It takes a little getting used to, but you just need to work through and try to use the negatives of lockdown as a strength.
How have you taken advantage of all the free time?
We’ve had time to sit down, re-evaluate what direction we want to go in and how we’re going to deliver that to people. What we can do to get people to Join Us. Our sound, our image and everything else. As I mentioned previously, we need to use what tools are available to us to continue moving forward, so we have conceptualised our next release. We have the songs there, we are going through them and picking them apart, changing things up, have a look at what works and what doesn’t. It’s been good to have the extra time to be able to do this and I think it’s definitely had a positive impact on our music.
What’s your first drink at the pub when we’re allowed out?
1 of everything multiplied by 5.
What are you most looking forward to at your first live gig back?
The whole build up to a gig, the coordination, organisation, the stress, all the rehearsals, everything leads up to that point of playing the gig. The feeling of when it’s time for you to go up to play, the adrenaline kicks in and you get in the zone. You see all the people who are there wanting to see you play, you seem them enjoying themselves, enjoying your music. It’s a feeling like nothing else, it’s that feeling we are excited to experience again. That and being absolutely caked in blood going nuts.
For those who aren’t familiar with you, how would you describe your music?
Manic and relentless with a dark and aggressive narrative.
If you could cover one song, what would it be and why?
There are so many to choose from, I think if we follow the theme for our upcoming release I’d choose ‘Look at Your Game, Girl’ by Charles Manson. It invokes such a strange feeling listening to his songs, putting our spin on it would be an experience
What’s your favourite Scottish artists / bands at the moment?
There are so many amazing Scottish bands just now. To name a few, I’d say Godeater, Bleed From Within and From Sorrow to Serenity.
What’s your favourite Scottish venue you have played at?
Another tough one, but for me I would have to say Garage Attic in Glasgow. Its so small and intimate, which I love. I’ve seen so many great bands there and have played some amazing shows. The sound is always great, we played our album launch gig there for INHUMATION, it was unreal.
Describe the Scottish music scene in 3 words?
Inspiring, exciting, heavy!
What do you think 2021 will be like on the gigging scene?
Busy! We’re all in the same boat at the moment, everyone is eager to get out and play some gigs. New gigs will come up and all the postponed shows will be rescheduled. I think being in lockdown has made people, myself included, realise a lot of things they take for granted. Like not being able to go out with your friends, go rehearse together, go out to gigs, play gigs, all of it. So I think a lot of people will be taking full advantage of the new found freedom once lockdown is lifted!
Should we expect any new music in the near future?
Yes, absolutely. We will keep moving forward, it will be slower than what we expected due to current circumstances, but we aren’t stopping. We have new material and have created a couple of surprises to help entertain people during lockdown. So keep your ears peeled. Stand with us.