The Backline Newsletter - Issue 23

Issue 23

Author

Allan Watson
October 23, 2025

The Backline Newsletter
Issue 23 - Thursday, 23rd October 2025

The Backline

Fresh voices, small stages, and honest songwriting - your weekly hit of Scotland’s live music pulse.

There’s something special about artists who strip it all back, songs that sound like real life, not marketing copy. This week’s issue dives into a duo doing just that, alongside a packed run of gigs from sweaty club chaos to brilliance. Add a killer gear pick for the tone chasers and a familiar name making a big comeback, and you’ve got your perfect Scottish soundtrack.

Spotlight Q&A

This Week’s Feature Band: The Folk Drama

Rooted in Glasgow’s thriving grassroots scene, The Folk Drama are a partnership built on storytelling and chemistry. Aaron Wright and Violeta Bahena bring together folk, pop, and chamber textures, crafting songs that feel instantly personal. Beyond the stage, they’re the creative forces behind The Songwriters Hub at Bar Brooklyn a space that’s fast becoming a cornerstone of the city’s live circuit

1. Who’s in the band, and what do they play?
Aaron Wright – vocals, guitar, piano, writing the songs
Violeta Bahena – vocals, strings, percussion, writing the songs

2. Describe your sound in 5 words or less.
Where have I heard this?

3. What was your first gig as a band?
Our last gig was supporting Joyful in Edinburgh at Leith Depot. It was a fantastic night.

4. Biggest show so far and how did it feel?
Opening for Ben Ottewell of Gomez outside Manchester. It was a lovely theatre, great sound, and an amazing crowd.

5. Which Scottish venue feels like home?
Bar Brooklyn, Finnieston. We’ve hosted The Songwriters Hub there every Thursday for over a year. We love the space and all the staff!

6. If someone’s never heard of you, what song should they start with?
‘Referee’ it kind of sums up what we’re about.

7. One band or artist you’d love to open for?
We’d love to open for someone like Ron Sexsmith purely as we are such big fans. But that goes for any artist we love!

8. Who do you feel is really saying something with their music right now?
For us probably a band like Geese are saying something just now and making a solid impact. They are just out being themselves and it’s working. That’s our ethos aswell. 

9. What’s your biggest insecurity as a band?
It has to be the sheer volume of bands and music out there. It can be hard to separate yourself from the crowd.

10. What’s one cover song you secretly wish you could play
Cover wise we like doing artists like Harry Nilsson. Cheeky lyrics and bold statements! Some folk take exception to artists like that and for that reason it always makes us chuckle

Essential Gear : Boss BD-2 Blues Driver

The Boss BD-2 remains one of the most flexible overdrive pedals ever made. It’s beloved by pros and hobbyists alike for one simple reason: tone.

What it does:
Delivers that warm, tube like breakup that’s touch sensitive and full of life. Whether you’re chasing subtle grit or crunchy rhythm tones, it’s the perfect “always-on” pedal that enhances your amp’s natural voice rather than masking it.

Why we love it:
It’s dynamic, expressive, and works across genres - indie, blues, rock, country, you name it. A future classic that already feels timeless.

Pro tip:
Stack it with a clean boost or fuzz for an instant wall of tone.

Gig of the Week

THE ROYSTON CLUB - 24 Oct 2025, Barras, Glasgow

The rising North Wales outfit bring their sharp hooks and raw, nostalgic indie energy to Glasgow’s most legendary floor. Think early 2000s swagger meets heartfelt singalongs, this one’s for fans of jangly guitars, sweat-soaked choruses, and the timeless magic of the Barrowlands bounce.

Best of the Rest

NATHAN EVANS AND THE SAINT PHNX BAND - 25 Oct 2025,

Hydro, Glasgow

From viral sea shanties to polished pop-rock, Nathan Evans has gone from TikTok to arena status. With the powerhouse Saint PHNX band behind him, this show promises anthemic choruses, high production, and crowd energy fit for the Hydro.

SPYRES - 25 Oct 2025, Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh

One of Scotland’s brightest indie-rock prospects, Spyres are tearing up every stage they hit. Expect a high-octane set filled with melodic edge, blistering riffs, and the kind of youthful urgency that reminds you why live music matters.

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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