The Backline Newsletter - Issue 34

Issue 34

Author

Allan Watson
January 22, 2026

The Backline Newsletter
Issue 34 - Thursday, 22nd January 2026

Editorial

January always feels like a reset. New shows starting to stack up again, new releases landing, and that familiar sense that something’s building after the slowdown of December. The past few weeks have already delivered some standout moments on Scottish stages, and there’s a real feeling that 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for guitar music in particular. This week’s issue focuses on a band who are very much part of that momentum, alongside a gear pick that challenges how we think about monitoring, and a couple of gigs that are well worth leaving the house for.

Spotlight Q&A

This Week’s Feature Band: Heavyskint

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

Jacob Hunter - Vocals

Jamie Kelly - Guitar

Sean Reilly - Guitar

Rory McGuire - Bass

Joel Walker - Drums

Describe your sound in 5 words or less.
Big and moody. Jacob likes referring to it as ‘music for vampires’ so there’s also that

What was your first gig as a band?
Our first gig as a band was April 2025 in Mono supporting Cruise Balloon. It’s wild looking back and realising our first gig was less than a year ago. So much has happened in that time. Every show we have played since has sold out and we’ve all been taken aback by how quickly things have taken off.

Biggest show so far and how did it feel?
Our biggest show so far was our headline at King Tuts on January 10th. It felt like an important show for us - big stage, big occasion, sold out. Things came together exactly how we hoped and it felt truly amazing. It felt like we were all doing this for real, that we are a proper, serious band.

Which Scottish venue feels like home?
Every venue we’ve played has been so welcoming to us but I think it has to be Tuts. Our first gig there in August felt like a proper turning point for the band. To come back and headline was incredible

If someone’s never heard of you, what song should they start with?
‘Vice’ is currently the only song we have out. We’ve been amazed by the reaction it has received although I do think our next single ‘When Are You Coming For Me Jesus?’ (Out February 6th) is more reflective of what we are and where we are going as a band.

One band or artist you’d love to open for?
It’s hard not to go for the obvious answer and say Fontaines DC. Everyone looks up to them for a reason.

What’s the most dangerous thing you’ve done on stage?
Jacob and I staged a fight at our second show. The plan was he was to go for me during a guitar solo and I’d push him off going into the next section of the song. I found out the hard way that he is much stronger than me. We are never doing that again.

Are we in a golden age or a dead zone for new music?
Definitely a golden age - it’s such an exciting time for guitar music right now. Anyone who says otherwise needs to get their head out their ass and turn the cock rock pish off

What songs are your guilty pleasures?
We’re all massive boygenius fans although that’s definitely not something to be guilty about. Justin Timberlake is also a core fixture of the pre gig rotation - especially ‘Mirrors’. The bridge is generational.

Heavyskint Linktree 

Heavyskint’s next single is out on February 6th - presave link is below 

Essential Gear – SubPac X1 (Tactile Bass System)

Short description
The SubPac X1 is a wearable tactile bass system that lets you physically feel low frequencies through vibration rather than relying purely on speakers or headphones. It turns sub and bass information into movement you feel in your body.

Why we love it
It completely changes how you understand low end. Instead of guessing whether your kick and bass are working together, you feel it instantly. It’s also one of the most original bits of music tech around, once you’ve tried it, standard monitoring feels strangely incomplete.

What it does
The SubPac converts low-frequency audio into precise vibrations that transfer through your back and torso. It plugs straight into your audio setup and works alongside headphones or monitors, giving you a physical reference for bass without needing loud volume.

Best for
Producers working at home, drummers using hybrid or click-based setups, electronic musicians, and anyone mixing bass heavy music in small rooms or late at night. It’s also ideal if you struggle with untreated rooms or neighbour-friendly volume limits.

Bonus tip
Use the SubPac at very low levels at first. Once your body learns what “tight” and “muddy” bass feels like, you’ll start making faster, more confident mix decisions even when you’re not wearing it.

Gig of the Week


Overpass - Thursday 23rd January, The Poetry Club, SWG3, Glasgow
Overpass have been steadily carving out a reputation for intense, emotionally charged live shows, and The Poetry Club is the perfect room to experience them up close. Expect big dynamics, plenty of atmosphere, and the kind of performance that reminds you why smaller rooms often deliver the biggest impact.

Best of The Rest


Machine Girl - Wednesday 29th January, Galvanisers, SWG3, Glasgow
Chaotic, confrontational and completely unpredictable, Machine Girl’s live shows are closer to controlled mayhem than a traditional gig. Not for the faint-hearted, but absolutely unmissable if you like your music loud, fast, and uncompromising.

Naima Bock - Friday 23rd January 2026, Hug & Pint, Glasgow
A more reflective counterpoint, Naima Bock’s songwriting shines in intimate settings. The Hug & Pint suits her perfectly, offering space for subtle arrangements, rich vocals, and a crowd that actually listens.

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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