Joining the rich lineage of musicians who have come out of the historic town of Paisley, DRIFT are an electronic duo who merge the folk influences of songwriter Linzi Clark and the electronic stylings of producer Andrew Quinn.

A mix of fate and common interest brought the pair together back in 2018, a shared affinity for disco and 80’s dance a key starting point for their sonic relationship to blossom.

Having pursued different paths in music up until that point, Andrew a music and technology teacher and part-time DJ/producer and Linzi a songwriting Masters student and seasoned solo acoustic performer, they discovered an immediate chemistry that just had to be explored further.

Since then, the pair have successfully carved out their own unique space in Scotland’s music scene, combining Linzi’s love for lyrics and melody with Andrew’s carefully trained skill for musical arrangement to craft a sound that is deeply atmospheric as it is wholly intoxicating.

They wear their electronic influences on their sleeves, the likes of Air, Daft Punk, Moderat, Metronomy and Sylvan Esso have all been cited as inspirations, but their delicately rendered sound is also intrinsically linked to the songwriting tradition of artists such as Kate Bush. Regina Spektor and Julia Jacklin.

After releasing a series of well received singles throughout 2018 and 2019, DRIFT have made their presence known with a number of acclaimed performances around the country, notably at King Tut’s New Year’s Revolution, Sofar Sounds, a hometown headline slot at The Bungalow in Paisley, Edinburgh International Magazine Festival and support slots with The Vegan Leather.

They have also gained continued support from the likes of The Skinny, TENEMENT TV, Amazing Radio, BBC Radio Scotland, Podcart and more. DRIFT have also made a long lasting impact on the Scottish music scene through their own individual pursuits.

In 2019, Linzi launched a series of songwriting workshops for young women aged 16-25 in Renfrewshire. The incredible initiative was designed to tackle the gender gap in the music industry, to inspire a new generation of songwriters and to create a sustainable collective of women who support each other through their music. Following the success of the project, the pair have found new purpose and drive, piling all of their creative inspiration into some of their most meaningful work to date.

DRIFT have announced the release of their brand new single Lifeline on Thursday 2 July. 

Already a firm fan favourite and a staple of their mesmerising live shows, Lifeline is the sound of a band who are cementing their position as one of Scotland’s most promising new bands.

Linzi said of the track:

I wanted to explore the secrecy and vulnerability in really letting go. That authentic moment we all get at times when you step outside of your own body and have a light bulb moment, letting go of ego and your own ideas of yourself and how you’re seen to others. It’s sensual but with an underlying edge of vulnerability. It’s about treading the line between lust and love and not wanting to commit in fear of losing that spark. Wanting to delve into the moment without the aftermath of doubt and fear and only wanting to show a certain side of you, without anything too real. Eventually confronting that head on, being challenged to ask yourself why.

This is one of our favourite songs to play live, when the bass swells and finally drops into that pulsing rhythm of the intro, it leaves room to weave my vocals in and out in the safety of a big bed of bass. I can let loose during this track. We normally play it near the end of our set so I’m naturally more in the zone, it feels like a lights going down moment. It’s a sexy song, it’s like our Clark Kent moment, we’ve whipped off our dream pop shades to reveal a sexy dark dance tune and we’re here for it. Lifeline was also the first glimpse of Andrew’s incredible vocals too, I love performing it live with his harmony on the chorus, the first time we performed it, it felt like a moment of really coming together as a duo for the first time. We’ve definitely been exploring that more when writing new material.

 Andrew adds:

Lifeline started off with the keyboard stabs from the chorus then I built the song up from there. I had all the components, melodic bass part and some nice sounding textures but the song still wasn't sounding great. After experimenting in the studio a bit with vocals and guitar we decided to go with a more prominent guitar sound and strong vocals which really tied the song together and has become a feature of our sound as a whole.

Lifeline starts off with a synthesiser that gives the track a very atmospheric vibe, that is inviting to the ears before Clark’s vocal kicks in with the words “you and me, I find I’m ready to explode and expose the magic stars” whilst accompanied by a heavy bass and sonic drum beat.

The track has a gorgeous chilled melody that really hooks you and ensures that the tune has your full attention from its melancholic dreamy beginning through to the wonderful dance beats that continue.

Lifeline, introduces a new dynamic for Drift as for the first time Quinn enters the vocal domain usually reserved for Clark, but if anything rather than upsetting the normal balance it takes the track to a new level as his fantastic harmonies actually showcase and raise Clark’s already enchanting vocals to an even higher level.

With there being no dancefloors currently available, then I will have to describe Lifeline as a kitchen party banger, order the disco ball and sprinkle some cosmic glitter and be prepared to boogie the night away, this track is both toe tapping and head nodding at the same time.

Drift continue to grow with each new release and Lifeline is no exception this is another track that will enhance their growing reputation as one of the main purveyors of electro pop in the country.

Give Lifeline a stream now:

https://open.spotify.com/album/13uLAXQ2IYQ4Qgj9EGnTnf?si=NBau-J5lSpGy1DhZNMGBEA

Watch the official video for Lifeline below:

Drift can be followed on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Spotify:

https://www.facebook.com/driftband0/

https://instagram.com/driftband_?igshid=rydjca4nvnff

https://twitter.com/drift_000

https://open.spotify.com/artist/1vrevjLkp9lFVmsjjlMRcy?si=v_tWzVM2SQW7OdporKfL-g