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The Backline Newsletter - Issue 20
Issue 20
Allan Watson
October 02, 2025
The Backline Newsletter
Issue 20 - Thursday, 2nd October 2025
What’s This All About?
Welcome back to The Backline! This week we’re catching up with Element 95, a band who’ve quickly evolved from pop punk roots into something heavier and more atmospheric, their new single Ashes is on the way, and it’s one to look out for. We’ve also picked out some massive gigs, from Feeder’s return to Glasgow to the punk soul explosion of The BellRays, plus our gear pick puts the spotlight on budget friendly but pro sounding KZ ZS10 Pro in-ear monitors. Dive in and get your weekly fix of Scotland’s live music scene
Spotlight Q&A
This Week’s Feature Band: Element 95
Responses for the band came from lead guitarist and vocalist Kevin Alexander
1. Who’s in the band, and what do they play?
Kevin Alexander - Lead Guitar / Vocals
Megan Alexander - Drums
David McIntosh - Bass
David McCord - Rhythm Guitar
2. Describe your sound in 5 words or less.
Emotional, Honest, Heavy, Fun, Punky
3. What was your first gig as a band?
Our first show as a four-piece was at the Grassroots venue Roots in Dundee. Class wee venue, but sadly it closed down not long ago.
4. Biggest show so far and how did it feel?
We joined Preston heavy rockers Vices on a two-date Scottish tour. The biggest gig was at Audio in Glasgow. Seeing a band of such high calibre was a wake-up call, it really pushed us to work harder on our writing and performance. The professionalism was inspiring.
5. Which Scottish venue feels like home?
Easy, The Banshee Labyrinth in Edinburgh. Best atmosphere, and we’ve never had a bad show there. Everything’s just so cool.
6. If someone’s never heard of you, what song should they start with?
If you like our pop-punk roots, start with Lessons. But to hear where we are now, check out our most current single Ashes (out soon).
7. One band or artist you’d love to open for?
Dayseeker, Rain City Drive, or Alice in Chains - I know you only asked for one
8. Who do you feel is really 'saying something' with their music right now?
Dayseeker. Their music speaks to me on a very personal level because of my own mental health struggles. Rory Rodriguez is a phenomenal lyricist and 100% honest.
9. What’s your unwritten rule as a band?
Everything we write has to be honest and true to ourselves not what we think people want to hear or what fits a scene. We are who we are. If you don’t like it, tough!
10. What’s the sketchiest venue you’ve played?
Probably The Monarch Bar in Dunfermline or The Hive in Edinburgh. The Monarch feels like a time warp back to the ’80s with some shady characters (in a fun way). The Hive… well, it’s a nightclub, and let’s just say it wasn’t a very pleasant experience.
Essential Gear - KZ ZS10 Pro (IEMs)
Why we love it
The ZS10 Pro delivers pro-level monitoring without draining your wallet. With 4BA + 1DD drivers, you get clarity, punch, and excellent isolation.
What it does
Cuts through stage noise so you can actually hear your mix. Vocals, guitars, and drums stay clear without overpowering each other.
Best for
Bands and vocalists wanting tight, reliable monitoring without bulky wedges.
Try it if you like
Crystal-clear sound in loud rooms, a comfortable in-ear fit, and live mixes that actually translate.
Gig of the Week
Feeder - Friday 3rd October, O2 Academy, Glasgow
Alternative rock legends return with a setlist of anthems and new material. A class night in store of nostalgic soaring choruses, driving riffs, and a crowd that knows every word.
Best of the Rest
The BellRays - Wednesday 8th October, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
Blues punk soul firepower. Expect sweat, grit, and Lisa Kekaula’s powerhouse vocals shaking the walls of Tut’s.
CMAT - Wednesday 8th October, Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow
Alt pop’s queen of wit and heartbreak. Big choruses, theatrical energy, and the Barrowlands magic. Unmissable!
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.
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