Interview with The Loners

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

For all 3 of us, like most kids, our parents listened to music. So straight away, we are listening to what they listened to. Mark and I are 80s kids, so the 80s, 90s music boom in the UK had an influence on us. But let’s be honest, who doesn’t listen to music? It can fix everything and anything! We all have jobs, so music is more “the dream” for us all. It’s more than just a hobby.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I don’t think a day goes by when we are not listening to music. When listening to music, it usually gives me ideas on what to write about – I steal ideas from other musicians all the time! We also have kids, so that takes up a lot of our time!

 How long has your band been around?

The Loners started off as a 2 piece acoustic/pop band. After about two years, James joined and our then bass player, left. I called Mark on the same day and asked him to join us. So I think we have been together 4 years now. 6 in total for “The Loners.”

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

James and I are based within a small town in West Lothian. The music scene wasn’t that impressive until the last few years, where we have now seen quite a few established artists coming from our area. It’s great for us as it draws some attention to the area. Mark stays closer to Glasgow, which has always had a big music scene. Again growing up in the 80s and 90s has had more of an influence on what we write about and I also write about current affairs...so maybe our area has had an influence on our music.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

I (Nath) have always felt like a loner growing up. It just felt really easy and apt!

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

The first time we played Party at the Palace festival was great. We were just a duo then and it was my first time playing a festival. We played alongside James and Cast. That will stick with me for life!
The 3 of us also played a local gig in Bathgate not long after the Covid restrictions had lifted. That was a great night as everyone was game and out to enjoy themselves.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

We all like playing at “Box” in Glasgow. It always has a great sound and busy atmosphere. Bannermans in Edinburgh is also a good venue. I personally haven’t played King Tuts (yet!) but James and Mark have, in previous bands, so that’s where I'd like to play.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Ok this is easy – definitely a festival (Glastonbury?) alongside BRMC, Wolf Mother, The Vines, Kasabian, The Stone Roses, Foo Fighters. It would be an expensive ticket, but we’d probably play for free!

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

This is the hardest industry to break...so you will be playing to 2 people sometimes. It doesn’t matter – it’s never bothered us. As much of a cliché as it sounds, we do it for the music. We love playing together. If people come and see us, that’s great. We just want people to enjoy themselves.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Start playing live, sooner!

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

This changes from time to time. I wrote a song called, “You.” That’s mainly about my daughter. “Dirty Lies” actually makes me a bit angry as it’s basically about the current political issues we have. So all emotions are opened up, when we play these songs!

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

 Rock Star is my current favorite and we plan to record this soon. Winning Now is usually the song we get asked to add in our set-list.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

 I write lyrics all the time. Sometimes at 3am in the morning I will grab my phone and write down something I have heard or put together. Our best songs are the ones that take minutes to write. I put a guitar riff to it and chords. I usually record it and send it to James and Mark and 9 times out of 10, they love it as well and we play it at the next rehearsal. Everything and anything inspires me to write. Again, a bit of a cliché.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

This is my favorite part – when I write something, I just want the audience to relate to it, in however way the initially do or feel. They don’t need to understand what I am saying as long as they are feeling something and they can relate in some way.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Yeah all the time. I think we wouldn’t be good if we didn’t. We are all good at suggesting something and we always try it, even if one of us thinks it’s a bad idea. Usually when we play it, we decide if its good or not.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

We are playing Party at the Palace on the 12^th August and then recording a new single on the 25^th August. We then have a charity show in Paisley (The Bungalow) at the end of September. Then another gig in Paisley at the start of December (The Keg) and then 2 weeks later we play The Attic in Glasgow. Next year we will do it all over again and try and get a tour sorted.