TELT | Scottish Music Podcast

I’m delighted to be joined by Rab Allan, lead guitar player of the incredible Glasvegas for our first episode since August of last year. For anyone who is not familiar with Glasvegas, they shot to fame in 2008 with the release of their Mercury Prize-Nominated eponymous debut album that went to number 2 in the UK Albums chart and became a platinum selling album. Glasvegas followed that up with 'EUPHORIC // HEARTBREAK \' in 2011 and 'When The TV Turns to Static...' in 2013. After a 7 year absence, they return on the 2nd of April 2021 with their brand new album Godspeed. Rab candidly discusses a number of topics, including family dynamics, the city of Glasgow seeping in to the band's music, authenticity and social issues, touring in Sweden and seeing an ABBA member in a hotel, the emotional drain arising from extensive touring and hedonism, Scotland's money mentality, his favourite Scottish artists, Oasis, and of course, the return of Glasvegas and 'Godspeed.'

TELT returns with EP28 as Paris Street Rebels are welcomed on to the podcast. Ballingry's favourite sons exploded on to the Scottish music scene in 2019 after a string of incredible releases including 'Freakshow,' 'I Don't Wanna Die Young' and 'Nightcrawler,' which has racked up 100k streams on Spotify. Having won the famous Tenement Trail New Artist Competition and appeared at Neighbourhood Festival in Manchester, Kev and Grant tell me all about their whirlwind journey to date; you're in for a treat. We discuss growing up in Fife and it's influence, honing your craft before gigging, the 90s generation, thinking outside the box in regards to social media, suicide and it's uncomfortable place within rock, 7West studios, the lost art of the music video, their documentary, Buzz Lightyear, plans for the future and much more. 

After a couple of weeks off, TELT returns with a unmissable episode as I interview the man himself, Rennie from The View. The View are one of the most successful Scottish bands of the millennium, reaching number one in the UK Album Chart with their debut album 'Hats Off To The Buskers' and selling out shows all over Europe. Initially starting off as a stage tech for the band having been best mates with the boys growing up, Rennie quickly found himself as the 5th member of The View as he became the band's live and studio keyboard player from 'Which Bitch?' onwards. We discuss growing up in Dundee and musical influences, The View's initial runaway success and joining the band, working with producers such as Owen Morris (Oasis), Youth (Paul McCartney) and Albert Hammond Jr (The Strokes), sound teching and tour management, supporting The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, the hiatus, plans for the future and much more. 

It's an absolute honour to be joined by The Lapelles' Chris Ballantyne, Jack Anderson, Jamie Holmes and Leon Green. The Lapelles are, in my opinion, the seminal Scottish band of the 2010s. In their short time together, the boys, alongside their best friend and frontman, Gary Watson, reinvigorated the Scottish music scene with their distinctive brand of indie rock and infectious personality, paving the way for the incredible wave of successful acts that followed them. As many will know, Gary sadly passed away in August of 2016. Although the boys themselves recognise it wasn’t the album they were going to make, The Lapelles released their eponymous album in March of 2017 as a tribute to Gary, and it received universal acclaim. Gary was and remains a hero and icon to music fans across the UK. If you’re an avid listener of TELT or have even listened to the odd episode, you’ll no doubt have heard The Lapelles mentioned frequently. The influence these 5 boys have had on not only their friends and contemporaries but on a generation of aspiring musicians cannot be understated, and they have firmly cemented themselves as one of the most influential Scottish acts since the turn of the millennium. In this episode, we speak in detail about The Lapelles journey from East Kilbride teenagers to one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the UK over the past 10 years. We discuss growing up in East Kilbride & it's influence on their music, songwriting, Postcard Records & Orange Juice, famous headline shows at the 13th Note & Club Sabbath at the Priory, The Spaghetti Factory, 'Seventeen' getting played at half speed on the radio, support slots with The Last Shadow Puppets, The Kooks, Blossoms & The View, 'Grab Life By,' T in the Park, headline tours, friendship, Tenement TV Session, the album, legacy, the future of The Lapelles, what everyone's up to now and, of course, Gary Watson. 

Rosie Watson from Kingdom Management (Walt Disco, The Ninth Wave, Lucia) joins me for the latest episode of TELT. Having switched lanes from graphic design a few years back, Rosie has been making a name for herself in artist management having worked with some of the most exciting names in the UK music industry during her stint with Kingdom, as well independently managing TELT favourites Dead Pony. This episode is a must listen for anyone looking to make their way in the music industry, whether that be as an artist manager or an artist. We discuss getting involved in artist management and what it is, what makes a good manager, standing out as an artist, the Scottish music scene, working during lockdown, how to get noticed, Dead Pony and so much more. 

Dale and Harry from SAMA Nominated Dundee psychedelic synth pop duo Beta Waves join TELT for the latest episode of the lockdown series. The boys have generously given TELT an exclusive sneak peak of the title track of their debut EP which is released on Friday the 10th of July, and 'Come On Over' is arguably their most exciting track to date. Since forming in late 2017, the duo have sold out shows across the UK with their unique brand of pop that has seen them perform at the likes of Belladrum festival, support their heroes Jungle at a sold out SWG3 and work at the Grammy Award winning Parr Street Studios that boasts a roster of artists including Stone Roses, Bjork, Echo & The Bunnymen, Pulp, Blossoms and Paolo Nutini. We discuss the band's journey to date and Scottish music as a whole, while touching upon pertinent issues in the music industry such as the power of music streaming giants... and much more.

Welcome to the Breakdown Series of TELT Podcast, where artists break down their most popular songs as they discuss the ideas, the influences, the processes and everything in between that made their chosen track great. For the very first episode of the series, I’ll be taking the lead as I discuss a song I wrote for my band, Bad Hombres, which was the first track from our debut EP, Protest As You Please. This episode features clips from The Beatles, Morrissey, The Fratellis, Fonejacker and Donald Trump.

The Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Organiser for the Musicians' Union, Caroline Sewell, joins us for the latest instalment of our special series. The Musicians' Union (MU) is the UK trade union for all musicians, representing over 32,000 musicians working right across the music industry. As well as negotiating on behalf of musicians with all the major employers in the industry, MU provide advice, services and assistance tailored to each individual member, and are behind every musician whether you are full time, part time, self employed or a student musician. In light of the worldwide COVID-19 Pandemic, the MU has never been more important and the work Caroline and her colleagues have carried out over the course of lockdown has been nothing short of inspirational. We discuss the MU and how it can help you, issues facing musicians in the light of the pandemic, problems with Brexit, increasing representation for women and BAME groups across the industry, how the MU is tackling all of these issues and standing up for musicians, why you should join the MU and so much more. You can join the Musicians' Union today for just £1 for the first 6 months. For more details, head to https://www.musiciansunion.org.uk/Join

I am delighted to be joined by one of my favourite bands, once described as 'a glorious mix of Interpol, New Order and Glasgow,' Glasgow's very own Slouch. Paul Burnett, Daniel MacRae and Mark Hunter are in the hot seat discussing their sonic transition from garage rock to 'modern day electronica' as they all about their journey to date that has seen the 5 piece widely tipped for big things. We discuss creating their own sound against the backdrop of the Glasgow music scene, favourite Scottish artists, sold out shows in Glasgow and Manchester, influences, recording at Sugar House in St Helens, keeping motivated during lineup changes, what motivates and drives their music, collaborating at 7West Studios with Jamie Holmes and Johnny Madden, train journeys through Wigan, lockdown, latest releases and so much more. 

Mark and Darren from Mark Sharp & The Bicycle Thieves join TELT for the latest lockdown session. Having cut their teeth in West Lothian's burgeoning music scene that produced the likes of The Snuts and Luke La Volpe, MS&TBT have incredibly sold out every single headline gig they have performed across Scotland and England. A steady string of releases since the band's formation in 2017 culminated in their widely acclaimed eponymous EP which crowned an incredible 2019, that saw the band supporting Lewis Capaldi across two nights at Edinburgh Summer Sessions and their own triumphant, sold out headline show at Glasgow's St Lukes in December. The boys have continued their meteoric rise in 2020, as they embarked on a sold out headline tour taking in Newcastle, London and Manchester, before once again supporting Capaldi at Scotland's largest indoor venue P&J in Aberdeen (15k cap). We discuss the West Lothian music scene & coming through at the same time as The Snuts and Lewis Capaldi, TRNSMT & sold out shows at the likes of King Tuts and St Lukes, giving back to the local area, using music as a force for good, dream support slots, top 5 bands of all time, eponymous EP and so much more. 

Producer at Magic Box Studios in Dundee Scotty Anderson joins TELT for the latest episode and is the first producer we've had on the podcast. Having started his career in music at the age of 17 by becoming The View's drum tech, Scotty traversed the lengths of the globe touring while also engineering the live shows of Scottish indie favourites such as The Lapelles and The Snuts. Scotty developed a passion for production and opened up his own studio (Magic Box) alongside friends Troy and Dan, where he has produced bands such as ST.MARTiiNS, Beta Waves, Vida, Parliamo and Model Aeroplanes. We discuss life on the road with one of the UK's biggest acts, musical inspirations, the passion that comes from working behind the mixing desk, the art of being a producer, behind the scenes in the studio and so much more. 

The new home of TELT Podcast is live. Access at www.teltpodcast.com or www.teltpodcast.co.uk  

'Out here in the perimeter there are no stars, out here we is stoned... immaculate.' Louis and Callum from Glasgow's Stoned Immaculate join me in the midst of May's heatwave for the 21st regular episode of TELT. Having broke on to the scene in 2019 with their own brand of 60s influenced rock, the Stony Macs' anthemic releases, such as 'Simmer,' have propelled them to one of the country's must see bands in spite of their infancy. We discuss using your platform as an artist to highlight social issues, releasing music during lockdown, influence of The Doors, Oasis &  Led Zeppelin, self producing a debut album in 2018, working at 7West, relationship with the Glasgow music community, upcoming debut EP 'Nah' and so much more.

Straight off the back of signing for Alan McGee's (Oasis, Jesus and The Mary Chain) Creation Management, Kirkcaldy's finest Shambolics join me for the latest instalment of TELT. The boys have ripped up sold out venues across the UK since their formation in late 2015 and have quickly become one of the most exciting bands in the UK. McGee, who famously signed Oasis having discovered them in King Tut's, said 'Shambolics could be one of the biggest bands in the world if we get it right,' and the sky is certainly the limit for Fife's favourite sons. Forbes, Lewis and Jordan discuss their roots in Kirkcaldy, Eggman Studios, reaching number 20 in Germany with Love Collides, songwriting, their relationship with Alan McGee, using music as a force for good, keeping motivated through lineup changes, sold out headline at St Lukes, lockdown, TRNSMT announcement, plans for the future and so much more.

TELT turns into somewhat of a group therapy session for this special episode as I welcome Craig Milroy (SWAY), Dillon Squire-Strong (Heavy Rapids) and Brendan Cairney (Bad Hombres) on to the podcast for a panel discussion. Having all been members of bands that have broken up recently, we discuss in detail the trials and tribulations that lead to bands biting the bullet in general as we relate them to our own experiences. Each panellist goes on to describe the impact that the break up had on their mental health and relationships between the band members, as we consider how differently things could have played out and contemplate any regrets we have about how it all ended. Finally, we converse over how our bands dealt with it publicly and the public front each of us put up personally as we came to terms with the loss.

Adam and Sam from the incredible pop duo HYYTS join me for the latest episode of TELT. The boys have enjoyed a whirlwind few years that has seen them catapulted from humble beginnings in Glasgow to signing a record deal with one of the world's most famous record labels and playing at The Hydro. HYYTS provide a unique insight into issues in the music industry having experienced so much in their short career to date that has seen them tour Eastern Europe and push the boundaries of pop to the next level. We discuss the importance of performance and visual aesthetic, developing and progressing experimental sound, the lost art of the music video, signing their record deal with Warner and going full time, the new 'punk,' debut EP, The Low Sound, plans for the future and so much more.

Fresh off the back off releasing the second single from their upcoming debut EP, Diamond Doll, Jack and Joe from The Roly Mo join me on the latest episode of TELT. Having broke on to the Glasgow Punk Scene at the beginning of 2019, The Roly Mo enjoyed unprecedented success in their first full year of gigging as they amassed over 100k streams, signed to 7West Record Label AND joined the roster at Paradigm Talent Agency. The boys discuss Glasgow, their releases to date in detail, the importance of community in music, their meteoric rise and so much more as they recount their marvellous journey to date. 

Host of the famous 'Blethered' Podcast, Sean McDonald, joins TELT for the latest episode in our special series. Blethered is a podcast like no other and nothing is off limits. From challenging life stories to social commentary, mental health issues, modern culture and more, Sean never shies away from asking hard questions and his relaxed and open style brings out the very best in his interviewees. With over 50,000 listeners per month, Blethered is without doubt one of the nation's most popular podcasts. Sean takes me through his journey with Blethered, discussing openly his experience living in Barcelona for 6 years and the cultural differences between the Catalan city and his native Glasgow. We focus on the art of interviewing, his emphasis on honest conversation, having a platform to shine a light on social issues, music, podcasting, plans for the future and so much more.   

Having released their debut album 'Poor Girls/Broken Boys' at the tail end of last year on the same day they were voted Scotland's best live act at the SAMAs, Paisley's The Vegan Leather are a band that need no introduction. From supporting Paolo Nutini at Edinburgh's Hogmanay Party to playing to massive festival crowds at the likes of TRNSMT and Kendal Calling, TVL have a CV that most artists around the world would envy. Marie and Gianluca discuss selling out King Tuts, coming through at the same time as the likes of The Lapelles and The Ninth Wave, playing at the Barras, the message behind their album and so much more as they take me through their journey to date. 

I'm joined by Alan Sharp (Pleasure Heads), Barry Dolan (Gallus), Blair Crichton (Dead Pony), Eamon Ewins (Gallus) and Ryan Hunter (Fabric Bear) for the first ever TELT Pub Quiz. We split the quiz/game into three different rounds; Mastermind, Who Wants to Be A Millionaire and Dream Band. Friendships are put to the test as this game of knowledge, deceit and ridicule culminates in one man being declared champion. 

The fantastic Matt Hickman from Brownbear joins me for the latest episode of TELT. Matt discusses his incredible journey from the town of Largs to supporting The Libertines at Hyde Park and playing sold out support shows at Europe's biggest venues such as Barrowlands and the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam. Brownbear have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music and made a name for themselves across the country, culminating in the release of their highly anticipated debut album 'What Is Home?' in 2018 and a sold out headline show at Glasgow's famous King Tut's. Matt tells us all about the ups and downs along the way, while we discuss a range of topics such as discrimination in the music industry, the evolution from album culture to single culture, politics in music and so much more.

I'm joined by the legendary Vic Galloway of the BBC for the latest episode of TELT. Vic talks openly and honestly as he details his unlikely journey from aspiring musician to the top of the broadcasting for new music. We discuss Vic's background in music and his influences, how we landed his first radio role at BBC Radio 1, being the first radio presenter to give a platform to artists such as Biffy Clyro and Franz Ferdinand, while he details his own career as an artist. This is a must listen for aspiring artists and music fans alike, as Vic lays out what you need to stand out to BBC Radio presenters and who he's tipping to make the breakthrough in Scotland.

We have an absolutely incredible guest in Gordon Smart joining us for the fourth special episode of TELT. Gordon speaks openly and honestly about his exciting career in the media to date. We discuss growing up in Kinross and T in the Park moving to the area, musical influences and background, his time as editor of The Sun's 'Bizarre' column in the 00s, going on tour with Kasabian and befriending Noel Gallagher and watching the breakthrough of Scottish bands such as Franz Ferdinand and The View. Gordon reflects in some mistakes he's made while at The Sun, before discussing his current role as a presenter at Radio X and who he's tipping for the future. Plus so much more. You can't miss this one.

The incredible rise of Spyres is one of Scottish music's greatest success stories of 2019. From fans of Glasgow's burgeoning music scene to one of the must see bands in the country in the space of 12 months is made all the more incredible by the fact that the oldest member is just 18. Keira and Jude discuss their journey to date, including their Spotify success, signing to 7West Music record label, announcing Jesus and The Mary Chain support, TRNSMT and much more. 

Fresh off the back of releasing the incredible 'One Last Time,' Fabric Bear's frontman Ryan Hunter joins TELT for EP13. From songwriting to 150,000 streams in a whirlwind 2019, that included a SAMA nomination for Best Rock Act, Ryan tells host Jack the Edinburgh band's journey to date. 

Host Jack Conlon, Blair Crichton (CRYSTAL), Barry Dolan (Gallus) and Eamon Ewins (Gallus) discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the music industry for Special Episode 3 (SP3). This episode was recorded remotely via Zoom. 

Housekeeping EP2. Thoughts on the podcast moving forward in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. 

The incomparable Glasgow-based Fauves join TELT for EP12. Ryan (lead vocals and guitar) and Ciaran (drums) discuss in detail their story to date and provide an insight in to what makes them tick.  Intro: Bathe (Fauves) Outro: Deerhunter (Desire Lines)

Barry Dolan (Gallus) and Blair Crichton (CRYSTAL) join me for the first ever panel discussion on TELT, as we discuss whether we can differentiate between the artist and their art in light of the current 'cancelled' culture. Using Morrissey and his most recent racist outbursts as a case study, we discuss the importance of tackling and raising awareness of these issues in the current climate, and we weigh up both sides of the argument as to whether or not we can still appreciate an artist's art in spite of their gross misdemeanours.   Intro: Bigmouth Strikes Again (The Smiths) Outro: M5 (Sports Team)

Fresh off of back to back sold out headline shows at Glasgow's Room 2 and King Tuts and announcing a massive slot at TRNSMT festival, Piero and Marc from Voodoos discuss their story to date.   Intro: Feels Like I'm In Love (Kelly Marie) Outro: Relax (Frankie Goes To Hollywood)

Alan and Robin from Glasgow Garage Rock band The Vanities feature on the 10th regular episode of TELT. From supporting The Stranglers and Buzzcocks to single & EP releases, The Vanities discuss their journey to date through the Glasgow and wider UK music scene.

Josh Casey from J-Bone Collective joins TELT this week. Josh founded J-Bone as an independent music promotions company focussing on bringing up and coming rap and grime artists to Scotland. Three years after founding the company, J-Bone regularly promote sold out gigs in the o2 Academy and SWG3 for the likes of Giggs, Skepta and AJ Tracey, a feat never before accomplished for an independent promoter. Josh tells us his story to date thus far. 

Joining TELT for the first ever Special Episode (SP1) is former Celtic player and host of the famous Open Goal Podcast, Si Ferry. Si talks openly about music, his upbringing at Celtic and career at Swindon under Paolo Di Canio, as well as taking us through the journey of the Open Goal Podcast. Along with Paul Slane and Kevin Kyle, they take to a sold out Hydro in May for Open Goal LIVE and they have a lot in store. 

We start the new decade with a bang by getting one of Scotland's most exciting bands, Pleasure Heads, on board for EP8. Hailing from Falkirk, the boys have become of the nation's must see live bands after causing havoc in across the UK. Breaking into the famed Glasgow punk scene in 2017 with their incendiary debut track 'Concrete Lips,' the band have become favourites with new music fans and indeed their contemporaries, and you'll struggle to attend a gig in Scotland without seeing someone decked out in Pleasure Heads' merch. Having released their incredible debut EP 'Excuse The Filth' and played a series of sold out headline shows across Scotland in the past 18 months, Euan Purves, Ross Coulter and Alan Sharp tell me their story so far and discuss their plans for the future.

House Keeping Episode 1. Just a quick word on the absence over the past six weeks and some thoughts on 2020.

Anna and Blair from the incredible Dead Pony (known as CRYSTAL when episode was recorded) tell me their story on the podcast this week. From early successes in supporting Paolo Nutini and being involved in Tony Visconti's (Bowie, T Rex, Thin Lizzy) Unsigned Heroes on Sky Arts to showcasing at Wide Days, being nominated for two SAMAs (Scottish Alternative Music Awards) and a summer festival season which included TRNSMT, YNot? and Truck Festival, front woman Anna and guitarist Blair leave no stone unturned in discussing Dead Pony's incredible journey to date.

Chrissy Loomes of DF Concerts joins the podcast for EP6. DF Concerts are the biggest concert promoters in Scotland, booking festivals such as TRNSMT and managing world famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, where Chrissy books events. Chrissy tells us his story so far, covering everything from how he pursued a career as a promoter and the Scottish music scene as a whole, to what it takes for bands to grab attention of DF. A must listen for anyone wishing to pursue a career in music. 

Heavy hitters SNASH are welcomed on to the podcast for EP5 this week. Having exploded on to the scene with goliath track 'White Out,' the boys have cultivated an enormous following up and down the country. Building on their early promise with incendiary live shows supporting the likes of Baby Strange and Strange Bones, and releasing a steady stream of heavy guitar tracks culminating in their acclaimed debut EP 'Conspiracy Theories,' frontman Connan and bassist Mark tell us their version of events thus far.

Due to release his debut album ‘Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold’ in just over two weeks time, Declan Welsh joins me on the podcast for this episode. Having built a huge following in Glasgow and supported the likes of The Proclaimers, Squeeze and Ocean Colour Scene, Declan and his band The Decadent West have taken their distinctive brand of honest, politically charged rock across the UK and Europe. Recently hand picked to play Glastonbury’s Left Field Stage by one of his idols Billy Bragg, Declan and I discuss his story so to date. 

John Jokey, owner of The Priory Bar in Glasgow, joins me for EP3. The Priory has acted as the focal point for Glasgow's burgeoning music scene over the past few years, hosting now famous raucous live shows and providing up and coming talent the opportunity to cut their teeth, and spawning an all encompassing musical community (which kickstarted the careers of artists such as Gerry Cinnamon) in the process. Jokey has been at the centre of it all, and he tells me his story to date. *Slight buzz on this podcast due to technical difficulties while recording, apologies*

Ahead of their sold out headline show at King Tut's Summer Nights Festival, Barry Dolan and Eamon Ewins of Gallus join me for EP2. Having built up a huge following in Glasgow after exploding on to the scene with their distinctive sound and raucous live shows last year, the boys detail their incredible journey so far. 

Kieren Webster joins me on the podcast for our first episode. Kieren discusses the early days of one of the most successful Scottish bands of all time The View and their rise to success, taking us through the story of every album, the gigs, the events and the people which gave the band international success. We also discuss Kieren's upcoming solo project Web and his excitement for the future. From the unprecedented debut album going straight to Number One in the UK to rubbing shoulders with the likes of The Stone Roses, Primal Scream and The Libertines, to getting barred from the USA and hilarious tales from touring and recording, this episode is a must listen to for fans of The View or indie rock in general.