The Backline Newsletter - Issue 7

Issue 7

Author

Allan Watson
July 03, 2025

The Backline Newsletter
Issue 7 - Thursday, 3rd July 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 Artist: Erin Hephzibah

1. Do you play with a band or solo or a mixture?
I have been performing since I was 13 and have had a variety of band and solo experiences. My first act, Mandulu & Hephzibah (and then Kodak Ghosts) was a duo with my best friend which sadly ended during the Pandemic. Since then I've been exploring genres and performing with lots of very talented people. In early 2023 I joined Glaswegian Rock band The Ronain’s which threw me into the music scene after years of lockdown, the time I spent with this band was integral to me regaining confidence in myself on stage. After leaving the band I focused on solo work; creating an EP with British music legend Martin Stephenson, and finding musicians to form a band behind me. I also joined several musicians backing bands as a backing vocalist - which I recently had to stop as I was in too many bands to be able to focus on my own writing - you may have seen me at the EP/album launches of Johnny Barr & Becca Starr in early 2025. As of this point on am currently only in 2 bands, which is much more manageable, even though I'd love to be everywhere supporting my talented friends. You can find me performing under my own name, Erin Hephzibah, mostly solo/duo performances at the moment as i work behind the scenes to prepare the band, and another band called Frank’s House. Frank’s House were formed in 2024 and have since gone on to headline gigs at McChuills, King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, The Bungalow and Nice n Sleazy. We are an 8 piece that blends talent with silliness - our next headline gig is Friday Aug 1st in King Tuts.

2. Describe your sound in 5 words or less.
Can’t stick to one genre!

3. What was your first proper gig?
In 2017, I supported Paolo Nutini at Paisley Abbey as part of Mandulu & Hephzibah. I think it was 400 people definitely enough to fill my stomach with butterflies.

4. Biggest show so far and how did it feel?
In June 2025 I performed my original material, alongside my guitarist, to 1000 people in The Paisley Town Hall supporting Gerry Rafferty tribute ‘Right Down The Line’. The newly done up Town Hall looks amazing and the sound inside the main hall is stunning - it was a real privilege to be able to perform on that stage. The audience were so respectful and the reverb in the room was just **chef’s kiss**

5. Which Scottish venue feels like home?
After the pandemic I got a job working in Paisley venue The Bungalow - which is where I met over half of the members of Frank’s House. For a year I worked as the Events assistant and managed an all ages open mic every Sunday - this is where I really fell in love with the stage and the quality of the equipment in the Bungalow. Even after leaving, I still feel like a respected and loved member of the team and I don’t think that will ever go away.

6. If someone’s never heard of you what song should they start with?
“Destroying Dandelions” from my debut EP it’s got some lines I’m genuinely proud of. But “Raggedy Ann”, a co-write with my little sister that explores themes of chronic illness through the personification of a ‘poorly made’ doll.

7. One band or artist you’d love to open for?
I’m not sure I'd be able to limit it to one artist, there are so many talented people out there. I would love to support Glaswegian singer songwriter Cara Rose or if we’re throwing massive names out there I would love the opportunity to perform alongside Hozier.

8. Ever had a song idea that totally flopped live?
Not that i can think of. There’s always that one gig though were you try to encourage audience participation and they are just not for it. But in general i am quite good at reading the room. I did make the daft mistake of performing a Chappell Roan song in front of an older (definitely not queer) audience and that was a little weird, but I love that woman and couldn’t help but include a song in my only set during pride month

9. Are we in a golden age or dead zone for new music?
Unfortunately, I think the golden age of music died a while ago. Now, that's not me saying there's no good modern music - there definitely is - but as it’s almost impossible to make a living off of your music unless you have millions of listeners I would say the music industry is not functioning well. I have heard too many stories recently of artists, who many would consider successful, having major debt or just struggling to support themselves, their families and fund their projects. While the expenses to create music greatly outweigh the income brought in I'd say we’re going to remain in a dead zone.

10. When did you first feel like a “real” artist?
Honestly? I’m not sure I ever have. I still get imposter syndrome. But I make a living from performing—and that’s what I dreamed of as a kid—so maybe that’s enough.

Essential Gear

Why we love it
It’s a classic sounding overdrive pedal for the price of a decent takeaway meal. Perfect for indie, blues, and rock players wanting tube style warmth without a boutique price tag.

What it does
Delivers creamy, responsive overdrive close to the legendary Tube Screamer. With three knobs (Drive, Tone, Volume), it’s simple to use and perfect for beginners or seasoned players.

Best for
Anyone who wants a great drive pedal on a budget. Also excellent as a first pedal or for stacking gain with others.

Try it if you like
Classic overdrive tones, gritty rhythm sounds, and smooth solos without breaking the bank.

Gig of the Week

Girls Speak French – 4th July, King Tuts, Glasgow

It’s a quieter week before TRNSMT kicks off, but this one’s a banger. “Indie Sleazy” 4-piece Girls Speak French headline at King Tuts. Expect energetic, melodic chaos. If that’s your thing, get on it.

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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