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The Backline Newsletter - Issue 13

The Backline Newsletter - Issue 13

Issue 13

Allan Watson
August 14, 2025

The Backline Newsletter
Issue 13 - Thursday, 14th 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: In Vertigo

Q&A

1. Who’s in the band, and what do they play?
There are four of us in the band: Coast on vocals, McGowan on guitar, Richie on bass, and Scotty on drums.

2. Describe your sound in 5 words or less.
Alternative, loud, theatrical, varied, energetic.

3. What was your first gig as a band?
We were originally known as The Keiths. We were offered our first gig at Nice n Sleazy in June 2024, playing alongside amazing acts like Limerence and Papercut Peach. After a few lineup changes, our first gig with the current lineup was New Year’s Revolution at King Tut’s in January, supporting the great Caseveti. With our name change and the release of Klay, we played to a packed Room 2 in April.

4. Biggest show so far—and how did it feel?
We’ve played great venues such as SWG3 Warehouse and Classic Grand Main Hall, but our biggest show has to be King Tut’s. We brought in over 100 people for a support slot, which led to us being offered our headline show there on 25th July—where we aimed to bring in even more than last time.

5. Which Scottish venue feels like home?
Charlies Loft in Milngavie. We all went to Douglas Academy in Milngavie, so we had a great turnout of local faces. The staff and support bands (Radiola and The Low Hanging Fruits) were very welcoming and made it a fantastic night. The free beers were also a nice bonus.

6. If someone’s never heard of you—what song should they start with?
Klay is currently our only song on streaming platforms. It’s a theatrical track with punchy guitar and a pounding rhythm section, influenced by early 2000s alternative rock. It hit 1,000 streams in 24 hours and was played on UK and US radio. We’ve got three more singles planned for release by the end of the year.

7. One band or artist you’d love to open for?
It would be a close call between Deftones and Linkin Park. They’ve heavily influenced our sound and stage aesthetic, and people who see us live often agree.

8. What’s something fans don’t understand about being in a band?
Wanting to punch each other in the face on a surprisingly regular basis.

9. One moment you genuinely thought: “We’re gonna get kicked out.”
When McGowan’s wee brother started a rammy in the crowd, followed by Coast’s mum flinging a loaf of bread on stage—within the same five minutes.

10. What’s a mistake you keep repeating?
Trusting Scotty to play without a metronome. We tend to regret that decision halfway through a gig.

Follow In Vertigo:
TikTok: @in_vertigo_band
Instagram: @in_vertigo_band
Spotify: In Vertigo

Essential Gear: DW 5000 Series Bass Drum Pedal

Why we love it
The DW 5000 is a legend. For decades, it’s been the go-to pedal for drummers who want buttery-smooth action, rock-solid build, and serious power underfoot. Whether you’re blasting through metal double-kick runs or laying down tight funk grooves, the 5000 just feels right.

What it does
The dual-chain drive delivers a perfect balance of speed and control, while the adjustable spring tension lets you fine-tune the feel. The non-slip base keeps it locked in place, and the build quality means it’ll still be going strong in ten years.

Best for
Drummers who want a pedal that can handle any style and survive any gig—from pub gigs to world tours.

Try it if you like
Consistent speed, smooth rebound, and the feeling that your pedal is an extension of your foot. The DW 5000 is the standard for a reason.

Gig of the Week

The Maccabees – 20th August, Barrowland, Glasgow
Twenty years since their debut album, The Maccabees bring their polished live show to Glasgow.

Best of The Rest

Been Stellar – 19th August, The Art School, Glasgow
New Yorkers who have supported Fontaines D.C. You can hear touches of My Bloody Valentine, The Strokes, and Black Grape in their unique sound.

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]

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