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The Backline Newsletter - Issue 33
Issue 33
Allan Watson
January 15, 2026
The Backline Newsletter
Issue 33 - Thursday, 15th January 2026
Thursday, 15th January 2025
Editorial
January always has a slightly strange energy. The lights are back on, the venues are filling up again, and bands are shaking the rust off after a few weeks away from stages and rehearsal rooms. It’s not about going full throttle just yet. It’s about finding momentum again and setting the tone for the year ahead.
This week’s issue leans into that feeling. There’s imagination, character, and a sense of world-building running right through it, alongside practical tools for getting music made properly and a strong run of gigs to pull you back into live rooms across Scotland.
If 2025 is about trying things that feel a bit braver, a bit stranger, or just more you, this feels like a good place to start.
Artist Q&A - The TV Casualties
The TV Casualties aren’t just a band in the traditional sense they operate as characters pulled from different timelines, stitched together into a shared fictional universe that spills directly into their live shows. Part performance art, part horror-punk theatre, and part high-energy alternative rock band, their identity is as important as the noise they make. The band lean into this concept fully, often answering interviews in character, and it’s a big part of what makes their live sets feel unpredictable, chaotic, and genuinely memorable.
What follows is the band speaking entirely in their own words.
1. Who’s in the band, and what do they play?
We’re a trio consisting of people from vastly different era’s of time.
On bass and vocals is Nicolas Glassworth, a WW1 soldier with a dark past resulting from tampering with dark magic to save loved ones. Plays a very abrasive style on bass more towards the mid EQ inspired by players gone too soon like Lemmy from Motörhead mixed with more progressive styles from bassists like Geddy Lee from Rush and funk rock from Flea in RHCP.
On guitar and vocals is Tarsk Orin, a warrior from ancient Scotland with a background in Alchemy and what seems like magic without the crap magician style. Plays more on treble side of EQ to layer our sound with a lot of experimentation thanks to his collection of relics (pedalboard). Inspired by artists like Khruangbin, Idles and King Nun
On drums/percussion and some recorded backing vocals is 3-D Scarlet. 3-D’s from a post apocalyptic future from a biker gang. He has no real name so he gave himself one. 3-D Scarlet breaks more drumsticks than anyone else alive and energises himself like a wind-up monkey.
2. Describe your sound in 5 words or less
Glass:
Horror-Punk Inspired Alternative Rock
Tarsk:
High Energy Crimson Moon Juice
3-D:
Punk fuelled thrashy melodic horror
3. What was your first gig as a band?
Glass:
Our past is very confusing based on timelines. I remember our first gig as an open mic we all ended up at in Edinburgh when we fell through our portals here. Never knew these guys at the time. We had no idea what we were doing and people were shouting at us to play something thinking we were dressed up for effect. We were wearing what we always do. We picked the instruments up and jammed and ended up making something half decent to applause. I consider that our first performance technically but it really was just us improvising. Can’t remember the dive bar name.
Tarsk:
From what I recall in our sketchy past, portals and all it was a riot of a night filled with debauchery and frantic metalheads. We were a bit out of sorts from our regular attire but to our surprise the room was filled with folk eager to hear our crimson moon juice with laughs and all.
3-D:
If you’re talking one true all time show in your timeline, Legends, Edinburgh 11.9.2024
4. Biggest show so far and how did it feel?
Glass:
Tough one. Between our second ever headline show in Glasgow at The Record Factory or Supporting Ward XVI on their October 2025 UK tour at Ivory Blacks. Both shows had a great atmosphere but one I prefer to forget as we were a bit of a different lineup for the headline one. The Ward XVI one was nerve-wracking and full of mistakes but the crowd was great and it was a real challenge for us to match their energy. Their theme was great filled with inspiring Alice Cooper-esque theatrics and horror so for right in with us. They recently made 10th place in a poll on Metal Hammer’s album of the year 2025 alongside acts like Ghost, Spiritbox and Avatar so we were honoured to be support.
Tarsk:
I’ll go for my own best vibe and that was our first gig back as a 3 piece with a slight detour dropping off our baggage in a far off portal. Wildcard promotions hosted a fabulous evening with David Leon, Skinny Imps and ourselves of course. There was also some haunting going on with the amps with sound interference that night so we felt right at our spooky home!
3-D:
Record Factory in Glasgow. Felt euphoric and invigorating.
5. Which Scottish venue feels like home?
Glass:
Legends (some still call it Opium) for me. Through different timelines been on that stage many times and every show has had a great crowd and welcoming atmosphere. Only 3 with this current band. Excited to perform there in February for a charity show with loads of great artists on the 13th February!
Tarsk:
I’d maybe go with Ivory Blacks in Glasgow as wether or not we are on form for the night we still manage to pull it off either way to showcase our brand of insanity.
3-D:
Probably Bannermans in Edinburgh, played many shows there now.
6. If someone’s never heard of you, which song should they start with?
Glass:
Shamelessly promoting my lead one “Teach Them Boys To Kill” though it’s very different to our other song “Idols” out soon. Goes from thrashy punk to more ballad-like alternative rock. Somewhere in the middle of those 2 is tricky to find. Our track Leather & Velvet has been described like System Of A Down on these things called steroids with a funk infusion. Take those 3 as you will. We appeal to many preferences in rock music which makes us stand out I feel and let’s us fit into all sorts of show types. Probably the King Gizzard influence coming in due to that.
Tarsk:
I’m with Glass there pretty much the same for me.
3-D:
Leather and Velvet let’s an audience know what they are in for and the one they all need to experience live. Just sheer chaos.
7. One band or artist you’d love to open for?
Glass:
Most of our key influences for sure so we usually all agree influence to Alice Cooper (in our dreams), System Of A Down, Ghost, The Darkness and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. I love a lot of heavier music by your time’s standards so feel we wouldn’t fit the bill for those guys. Trivium, Megadeth, Parkway Drive to name a few.
Tarsk:
Some killer bands we’d love to share the stage with but off the top of my head I’d really love Lime Garden, Paramore, King Nun, St Vincent and to go our more punky route Amyll and The Sniffers and The Chats would be fab!
3-D:
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
8. What’s one band or artist that shaped you that no one would expect?
Glass:
Mozart. Thee Mozart. That guy was the first rock star really if you think about it. Completely overshadowed all the other composers of that era from shear showmanship. Wonder how he’d deal with shifting ticket sales these days. If we’re talking your timeline, Sum 41. I get looks when telling people that until I make them listen to their album “Chuck”.
Tarsk:
I don’t know their name but it was long ago in ancient times and they played a stringed instrument I was unfamiliar with and wielding this unusual green plectrum. If we are talking in modern times then Men I Trust, their 2 live albums are such fluffy goodness.
3-D:
Blur.
9. What makes a band “authentic” to you?
Glass:
They look like they’re trying to blend their influences whilst feeling completely free on stage regardless of the crowd. If they also stand by their values preached as well. See a lot of acts that preach what the popular trend is for sake of cheers only for them to be caught out later.
Tarsk:
If they play and listen to each other on and off stage then that’s everything.
3-D:
Their live presence and inclusion of the audience members.
10. Ever played a show you regretted saying yes to?
Glass:
We never played it but MiniFest needs called out. If you’re an artist based in Glasgow or hell anywhere in Scotland and they email you offering the “opportunity” don’t take it as a big tip. Biggest scam for inexperienced bands we’ve ever noted. 3-D looked up on the internet after we rushed into stupidly considering it only to see nothing but bad publicity and exploitation of artist funds illegally to continually fund their game. You have to pay to register your band online and can only sell tickets via that website that people need to register to sign up for before you’ve even agreed to anything. It’s just such a faff for tickets and they run an outdated “pay to play” scheme where you have to pay by certain timepoints to ensure you spot with no refund even in horrible circumstances. One of us read on Reddit that someone was threatened with legal action because they cancelled short notice due to family passing away. There’s no cool off period yet they claim they’re crap custom word doc as legally binding when any decent solicitor will tell you there needs to be that plus certainty of a deal. I don’t know law that we’ll in these times but been educating myself lately. They prey on inexperienced artists particularly who are less familiar with what good deals look like. They’re able to take their show across the world thanks to their scaremongering for money from a supposed “legal team” by that email thing everyone uses yet they film you on video call with no consent or warning and yet use that as a threat too. We kept evidence of it all in case they ever try mess with us again. They also single out a band member to sign things instead of everyone to create a guilt trap to further scare others to give in to their rip off for money. All for a show with almost no attendees from their own lack of promotion efforts that they know other artists won’t match for their demand. For all the faff of that and not to play a show at all. Sometimes it’s the situations rather than the shows.
Tarsk:
We wanted to help out at Ivory Blacks in Glasgow for their local showcases last year in January as they had quite a few reach outs and I recall us all just being burnt out to hell and assumed we’d be on first as a fairly newer band in Glasgow and we never managed to get many people to show. It was cold and rainy and just miserable. We couldn’t wait to leave early. We also ran late that day adding to stress due to horrendous traffic. When we arrived we found out the sound guy was running late and we were told we’d be the headliners despite the band before us selling way more tickets. We all cried to the heavens in despair knowing we’d have to be there till very late. Looking back it was funny and it was our first headline show and that gig proved to us that we could be a suitable headliner as we also got a huge crowd reception and people even asked for picks and wanted us to sign things for them! Massively mixed feelings about it. There’s been worse but that comes to mind. Saying that Ivory Blacks does great things for grassroots music with they showcases. They recommended us to the tour organiser for Ward XVI that year and got the chance to support them so mad how things turn out!
3-D:
One of the Ivory Blacks shows in 2025. Felt unorganised and like we were out of place with the rest of the bands. Sometimes helps exposure but this one was way out of our style.
TV Casualties Links
Catch them Live
January 22nd 2026 – The Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh
February 13th – Legends, Cowgate, Edinburgh
Essential Gear - RME Babyface Pro FS
Short Description
RME’s Babyface Pro FS is a pro-grade Mac-compatible audio interface built for rock-solid stability, detailed conversion, and flexible routing. It’s compact enough for desktop use but powerful enough to handle multi-microphone drum tracking, electronic triggers, and hybrid recording setups with ease.
Why We Love It
This is one of those interfaces that just works, day after day, session after session. It’s known in pro circles for its class-leading drivers, ultra-low latency, and exceptionally clean preamps, which means what you track actually sounds like what was in the room. For drummers and hybrid rigs, that reliability is gold.
What It Does
The Babyface Pro FS captures audio with precise converters that reveal nuance and punch in drum kits and percussion. Its flexible front-end lets you plug in multiple microphones or DI sources, while its digital features, TotalMix FX routing, zero-latency monitoring, and USB-C connection help keep your workflow tight. Whether you’re recording acoustic kits, electronic pads, or a combination of both, it gives you clarity and control you can trust.
Best For
Drummers, producers, and hybrid performers who need professional-grade tracking on a MacBook without lugging a large rack. It’s ideal for recording full kits, layered percussion, or complex setups with multiple inputs and monitoring needs.
Bonus Tip
Use the Babyface Pro FS with TotalMix FX to create custom monitor mixes for drummers you can feed a different mix with click and ambience back to your player while keeping the recording dry, which is a pro trick for tight timing and better takes.
Gig of the Week
The Strikes - Friday 16th January, Audio, Glasgow
A sharp, energetic live band hitting one of Glasgow’s most reliable grassroots rooms. Audio’s sound system suits punchy, riff-driven sets perfectly, and this one feels like a proper January reset gig. Loud, busy, and forward moving.
Best of the Rest
Biffy Clyro - Tuesday 20th January, P&J Live, Aberdeen / Wednesday 21st January, OVO Hydro, Glasgow
Two massive Scottish homecoming shows from a band that still treats live performance as a serious craft. Expect scale, emotion, and a catalogue built for arenas without losing its edge.
Emmylou Harris - Friday 16th January, Emirates Arena, Glasgow
A rare chance to see an actual legend whose influence runs quietly but deeply through modern songwriting. A calm, reflective counterpoint to the louder end of the week’s listings.
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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