CHECK OUT THE RANTS INTERVIEW HERE!
Saturday nights at Glasgow’s most legendary nightclub, The Garage, have been a staple of the city’s nightlife culture since the early ’90s, known for its sweat-soaked dancefloors, rowdy crowds, and late-night chaos that has shaped generations of Glasgow partygoers. But beyond its reputation as a nightlife institution, The Garage has also long been a key stop on Glasgow’s live music circuit, hosting everything from up-and-coming local acts to touring bands breaking through on bigger stages.
On this occasion, it’s The Rants who step into that spotlight, bringing their own growing reputation for high-energy performances to one of the city’s most iconic rooms. Fresh off a run of increasingly notable shows across Glasgow’s live circuit, the band continue to build momentum, now adding The Garage to a list of venues that reflects just how far they’ve come in a short space of time.
First of all, I have to ask — the band name, The Rants. Where did that come from?
Finn: “We can’t quite remember how it first came about. We had a terrible name before — The Cities — and we didn’t really like it. I can’t remember who suggested it, but someone said, ‘What about The Rants?’ and we just went, ‘Aye, we’ll go with that.’ That’s pretty much how it happened. It’s definitely better than The Cities, so that was that.”
You’ve been performing together since early 2024. How did the band first come together?
Finn: “The Rants was a band for a wee while, then we asked Logan to join and it all just kind of fell together. Shay and I have known each other for fifteen or sixteen years, and Shay knew Logan through college. Fraser just turned up, we had a rehearsal, and we were like, ‘That was pretty decent.’ It all came together very naturally.”
Since your early days, you’ve expanded your touring footprint considerably, selling out shows at some of Glasgow’s most iconic venues, including King Tut’s, St Luke’s and SWG3, as well as playing further afield in Manchester and London. How does it feel to add the legendary Garage Nightclub to that list?
Finn: “It feels great. Any gig is fun to play, whether it’s a pub show with twenty people or a bigger venue. As long as people are enjoying it, that’s what matters. This is definitely one we’ve been looking forward to.”
Fraser: “It’s lovely to properly return without certain things holding us back this year. Strong bones and a full band—it’s just nice.”
Logan: “Are you referring to the fact that you broke both your feet last year?”
Fraser: “Aye.” (laughs)
Logan: “This is the second time we’ve played this venue in the last year. The first time, Fraser broke both his feet two days before the gig, so he played the whole set sitting on his amp wearing two moon boots. This time he’s not, so that’s nice.”
(The band erupts into laughter)
Logan: “Although, by the way, I nearly broke my foot yesterday.” (laughs) “I absolutely cunted it down the Green.”
Finn: “Can we swear?”
(I nod.)
Finn: “Aye, good.” (laughs)
Logan: “Right, I’m gonna tell this story real quick. I pure cunted it right to the bottom of the Green and this maw and her wean drove by with the most confused and disgusted look on their faces because it was a proper riddie of a fall. It must’ve gone on for about fifteen seconds. I didn’t even fall all the way down—I somehow got back up halfway through it—but it was still a pure riddie, man. Thankfully I didn’t break anything. I was limping about afterwards and everything, but we’re all good.”
Discovery Music Scotland always likes to explore how Scottish roots shape an artist’s work. What’s the most Scottish thing about your music that might not be obvious to listeners outside Scotland?
Finn: “That’s a really good question, actually. Compared to our previous EP, I’d say my accent comes through a bit more in my singing, and even in the backing vocals. There’s definitely more of a Scottish accent there, which is quite noticeable.
“Beyond that, a lot of the bands we grew up listening to — Biffy Clyro, Del Amitri, There Will Be Fireworks, Frightened Rabbit and Jacob Alon — have shaped the soundscape around us. Those influences have naturally found their way into our own music, and it’s something we’re very proud of and should continue to be proud of.”
Logan: “I think we’ve stopped being affected by the Scottish cringe, if anybody’s ever heard of that. We stopped being embarrassed about our Scottishness and about making music from that perspective. That’s definitely helped us stand out more, and it’s allowed us to grow and evolve into our own sound.”
Finally, we’re always on the lookout for new music. Are there any up-and-coming artists or bands from the Scottish music scene that we should have on our radar?
Finn: “Guevara, Rowan McVicar — pan to Rowan, there he is, that’s our boy — and Papercut Peach.”
Logan: “That’s a good answer. The Rooks.”
Finn: “Aw God, The Rooks?!” (laughs)
Shay: “Leisureland.”
Fraser: “Oh no, that’s mine!” (laughs)
Logan: “That was his answer!” (laughs)
“Frank’s House — we’re really passionate about these bands.”
Fraser: “Esther’s Wife.”
Logan: “Slow Dance, Sister Madds, Fraser McCallum, Paparazzi, Fall From Grace, Alcatraz, and Oedipus and the Mama’s Boys. There are so many amazing bands from Glasgow and the surrounding area.”
The Rants have new music and digital media coming soon over the summer so stay tuned!!!
CHECK OUT THE RANTS INTERVIEW HERE!
Photos and Interview by Rachel Bissett