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The Backline Newsletter - Issue 6

The Backline Newsletter - Issue 6

Issue x

Allan Watson
June 26, 2025

The Backline Newsletter
Issue 6 - Thursday, 26th June 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: Shotgun

Connect with :
Instagram | Apple Music | Spotify

1. Who’s in the band, and what do they play?
Martin O’Hare - vocals, guitar
Kris McMaster - vocals, guitar
Paul Slaven - drums
Colin Brown - bass

2. Describe your sound in 5 words or less.
Sexy

3. What was your first gig as a band?
Nice N Sleazy’s, Glasgow - May 2024

4. Biggest show so far and how did it feel?
Metro, Saltcoats with The Complete Stone Roses. Still new, but it felt massive.

5. Which Scottish venue feels like home?
Metro in Saltcoats, our third time there was last weekend.

6. If someone’s never heard of you – what song should they start with?
“Pillz”

7. One band or artist you’d love to open for?
The Rolling Stones (Paul would argue Pet Shop Boys though...)

8. What’s the best gig you’ve played to the smallest crowd?
Sleazy’s, Glasgow. First as “Shotgun” after years as “Confusion” - the energy was unreal.

9. One song you wish you’d written?
Not What I Needed – Car Seat Headrest

10. What makes a band “authentic” to you?
Doing your own stuff, your own way.

Essential Gear

The Fender Mustang Micro

Why we love it:
Whether you're backstage, on the tour bus, or just trying not to wake the neighbours, the Fender Mustang Micro is a lifesaver. It’s a headphone amp that plugs directly into your guitar or bass, giving you great amp tones and effects anywhere — no rig required.

What it does:
This tiny unit includes amp models, onboard effects, Bluetooth streaming (jam along with tracks), and a rechargeable battery. No cables, no pedals — just plug in and go.

Best for:
Musicians on the move, bedroom players, or anyone squeezing in a quick session.

Try it if you like:
Practicing silently, travelling light, or not getting shouted at by your flatmates.

Gig of the Week

Sophie B. Hawkins - 2nd July, King Tuts, Glasgow

"Right Beside You" and "As I Lay Me Down" defined the '90s for many. Sophie marks 30 years since her debut album dropped. A rare chance to catch a true icon in one of Glasgow’s most intimate venues.

Best of the Rest

The Teskey Brothers – 1st July, Usher Hall, Edinburgh
Aussie 7-piece soul outfit on a 2-year world tour. 3 albums in, and now reaching UK ears - maybe Australia’s best kept secret?

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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