The Backline Newsletter - Issue 12

Issue 12

Author

Allan Watson
August 07, 2025

The Backline Newsletter
Issue 12 - Thursday, 7th August 2025

What’s This All About?

Welcome to The Backline Newsletter - your weekly fix of Scotland’s loudest and proudest. We’re here to spotlight the local legends, the DIY heroes, and the bands you need to know before everyone else claims they were first.

Each week, you’ll get:

  • A no-BS Q&A with a rising Scottish band

  • A must see gig of the week

  • Other shows worth leaving the house for

  • Gear picks, rehearsal room mayhem, and more

This is just the beginning - as we grow, expect deeper dives, more wild stories, and exclusive interviews not just with bands, but the venues, promoters, and characters who make Scottish music tick.

Let’s get loud.

Spotlight Q&A

This Week’s Feature Band:

Connect with : Stop The Suns From Setting

1. Who’s in the band, and what do they play?

  • Kels Jones – She might joke, “I’m just the singer,” but trust us, she’s so much more. Kels writes all the lyrics and vocal melodies, and somehow also manages to embody every teenage boy's rockstar fantasy. Total powerhouse.

  • Chris McFadden – Our very own guitar god. Chris writes most of the backing tracks and brings serious riffs, though he used to keep his talent under wraps. Now he's out of the closet and melting faces.

  • Dani Accogli – Bassist and absolute showstopper. Dani’s got wild energy and a stage presence you will notice. He brings the chaos—in the best possible way.

  • Panka Pongracz – Our drummer and rhythmic backbone. Panka’s an award-winning jazz drummer with the soul of a metalhead. She and Chris co-founded the band, and yes—she plays hard, fast, and flawlessly.

2. Describe your sound in 5 words or less.
Creamy Screamy – Alternative modern metal

3. What was your first gig as a band?
We played at Bannerman’s in Edinburgh, opening for the craziest Japanese band, Electric Eel Shock.

4. What’s been your biggest show so far—and how did it feel?
We opened for the Brazilian heavy hitters Eskrota at Hug & Pint. It was amazing, and we all became fans by the end of the night.

5. Which Scottish venue feels like home?
Bannerman’s—because that’s where we played for the first time. It’s always going to be special.

6. If someone’s never heard of you, what song should they start with?
We only have two songs released—we’re very proud of both—but of course we’re always evolving.

  • For the heavy-hearted: Rebirth

  • For those who love melody: Chest Cavity

7. One band or artist you’d love to open for?
How could we choose just one? We have so many favourites, but from the local scene, our dream is to open for Vukovi.

8. What’s something you’ve scrapped that you still think about?
We wanted to record a music video from the very beginning, but we keep pushing it back and being sad that we haven’t done it yet.

9. Ever played a show you regretted saying yes to?
Not yet—luckily!

10. What’s your unwritten rule as a band?
Never say no to an opportunity!

Essential Gear

Essential Gear: Sennheiser e906 Dynamic Microphone

Why we love it

The Sennheiser e906 is a stage hero for guitarists. It’s made to hang right over your amp, no stand needed, and captures crisp, punchy tones without the fuss. Think of it as the plug and play mic for live guitar cabs that just works, night after night.

What it does

This supercardioid dynamic mic is built for guitar amps, but it also shines on snare drums and brass. It features a 3 way presence switch (bright, neutral, smooth), and the flat faced design means you can place it flush against a cab no stand required.

Best for

Guitarists who want a reliable, pro level live tone with zero setup hassle. Also great for engineers needing a versatile, durable cab mic.

Try it if you like

Clear mids, tight lows, and more bite than an SM57. A go to for touring players and tone purists alike.

Gig of the Week

Oasis – Multiple Dates, Murrayfield, Edinburgh
The hottest ticket in town. Bucket hats and parkas at the ready—Gen X relives the '90s and Gen Z gets their first coming experience.

Best of the Rest

Mantel – 10th August, King Tut’s, Glasgow
Female fronted Glasgow alt rockers take the headline slot in support of their latest single.

Franz Ferdinand - 13th August, SWG3 Galvanisers Yard, Glasgow
Fresh off a Glasto high, the hometown heroes return for a big summer show.

From the Rehearsal Room

xxxxxx

Get Involved

Got a story from the rehearsal room, a feature you would like to see, a gig pick, or a gear review you want to share, or just want to plug some great Scottish music, suggest a band or get featured? Have you attended our gig pick - write a review we may feature it a future issue.

Hit us up at [email protected]

Like what you’ve read? It takes 5 seconds to sign up, it’s totally free, and you’ll get it straight to your inbox every Thursday.

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/backlinenewsletter