As we head into another hot summer weekend, how about a little skindie. These are the kind of tunes everyone with any kind of music sensibility loves and how can you not. It’s fun, It’s political and the music wants you to get off your ass and move, so without any more of a delay from me….
Meet – The Begbies
1) For those unfamiliar with your bands history, can you tell us all how you all met up and decided to start a band?
The band started in 2009. Since then we’ve had various line ups and members. 2015 seen the band finally cement a full time line up and create the skindie sound we have now. Myself (Liam) and Gary (Vocals) have pretty much been in the band since the start. Gary used to perform acoustic sets on our local scene and we recruited him for the band after he supported us at a show at King Tuts in Glasgow. We added the brass section (Sally and Steph) and the keys (Callum) at the start of 2015 as we focused purely on intensifying our Skindie sound. Kieran (bass) and Scott (drums) completed the line up.
2) Who would you list as your musical influences?
The Specials, Madness, Desmond Dekker, Dr Feelgood, Ian Dury and the blockheads, The Clash, The Libertines.
3) What’s the coolest thing that’s happened to you as a band since you started up?
We’ve been lucky enough to have had lots of success over the past year or so. We have had our single selected as the single of the week by BBC radio Scotland. Topshop/Topman added our single to their global playlist. We’ve had national written press in The Sun, The Daily Record. It’s been a really cool few months.
4) What are your hopes and dreams as a band for the next few years?
To continue creating music and to have that music appreciated. I feel we have really stepped up, almost matured in terms of the songs we are now producing. We have a great mix across the band and are very lucky to be working with two amazing producers, Ross Hamilton and Mikey Bannister at Rocket Science Studios.
5) What are some of your favourite albums from the past few years?
The Balcony by Catfish and The Bottlemen, Royal Blood by Royal Blood, The 1975 by The 1975, Anthems for Doomed Youth by The Libertines.
6) Do you see any real use for social media, or is it all just a pain in the ass to keep with?
Some aspects of social media are class and can really help an unsigned band but, sadly, like most things, it’s all become about money. Facebook is pretty much dead unless you can afford to boost every single post and twitter is going the same way. I miss myspace.
7) Do you pay attention to reviews or comments from people about your music or do you just turn that noise off?
Depends on how constructive it is. You have to be mentally ill if you think 100% of the people will like your music. You have to take the good with the bad. I find it helps push the band forward. Sometimes people hear something you missed or never picked up on. That can help make the next record better.
8) If you could tour anywhere in the world, where would you want to go?
Mexico. Tequila, Burritos and sunshine.
9) Can music save the mortal soul or is just a good backbeat to your life?
I think music and your music choices makes you immortal. People will know everything they need to know about you by the records you leave behind. Bowie, The Clash, The Libertines……pretty cool dude. Beiber, Spice Girls, Gaga………a bit of a dick.
10) Any last thoughts for your fans?
If you’ve lost your faith and love in music. The end won’t be long.
The Begbies::
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