This weeks Questions for the Band features the fantastic Edinburgh indie rockers The Bright Skies, I caught up with them just before we went into full lockdown !! As usual I will let them introduce themselves.

A gentle start, for those that don't know the band that well. can you tell us a little bit about yourselves ?

We’re a band called The Bright Skies, a four piece indie/pop/alt/rock band from Edinburgh.  We consist of Liam McLennan (rhythm guitar and lead vocals), Kallan Glynn (lead guitar), Frankie Linn (bass) and Blair Russell Simpson (drums).  We started in 2016 and have loved it ever since! 

Who are the bands musical influences ? 

Our musical influences would be mainly Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, Stone Roses but more recently (for me personally anyway) Vampire Weekend, Blossoms, Bruce Springsteen.  A bit of a mix I know but I’m into a lot of stuff!

What is your writing process ? Music or Lyrics First ?

We tend to chop and change.  We go with what feels natural, whether that’s lyrics first or music we take what we have and roll with it.  Kallan and I will write something and take it to the band and then it’ll get developed there until it’s recording ready.

What difficulties have you encountered as a band ?

Over the years we’ve had a couple of lineup changes, trying to find replacements who fit the band ethos, image, and someone who we can get along with is the main issue.  Blair and Frankie weren’t part of the original lineup, but they’re like family now.

What is your favourite and least favourite parts of being in a band ?

For me, my favourite is going out on stage and performing for people who want to hear some good tunes.  It’s a great feeling going out there and seeing people enjoying what you’re giving to them, it’s the reason we all do it at the end of the day.  On the contrary’s though, I think the worst part is the waiting around all day between soundcheck, doors and stage time.  It can be a gruelling day but nothing a few pints afterwards can’t sort out!

Tell me, what is on your rider at a gig ? 

We have a lot of beer, crisps, nuts, bottles of water.  Sometimes a meal deal chucked in for good measure too.

If you could choose to support any band who would it be and why ? 

For me, personally, it’s be Vampire Weekend - they’re my favourite at the moment.  As for the rest of the lads I think the artist they’d like to support the most would probably be Arctic Monkeys, or Oasis.

Looking ahead for this year, what are your plans ? can we expect new music ? and do you have any ambitions that you want to fulfill this year ? 

We’re in a bit of a pickle due to the lockdown this year, we’re hoping to get something else new out to add to our release of Tokyo.  We’re playing the Hive in Edinburgh on the 13 of June (if we’re not still in lockdown!) so we’re buzzing for that, it’s a class venue and we can’t wait to get back out in front of a crowd.

And finally, if you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why ? 

For me it would be Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend, for the rest of the lads I’m not so sure they’d probably all be different!

Thanks to Liam for that great insight into the band, and a good catch up on their influences and future plans, although unfortunately I think their planned gig at Hive will inevitably fall victim to the virus.

The Bright Skies can be followed on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Spotify:

https://www.facebook.com/thebrightskiesband/

https://instagram.com/thebrightskiesband?igshid=3rm1dix63uup

https://twitter.com/TheBrightSkies

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ic8lAos8FdrMMQJde34Rg?si=ZU-uzug9Svi7QuFuLV1zWQ