If you’re not already aware of Prides; first of all, where have you been? Second, continue reading this and make yourself aware of them. The Glasgow based trio have been making waves recently and are a worthy contender of my favourite band of the year.
Having formed under the name of ‘Midnight Lion’ – this year has seen them change their name, start from scratch and it has worked wonders! It’s almost unbelievable to think Brew at the Bog was their debut live performance as Prides. They’re heading up to Inverness to play Mad Hatters on Friday 1st November, so I caught up with lead singer, Stewart Brock .
On changing their name from ‘Midnight Lion’ to Prides, Stewart explained it was to allow them to have a fresh start and focus on their music. He expanded, “We had started to write material that was pulling away from the Midnight Lion sound and it just seemed to make sense. We hadn’t released anything from ML in while, and it really felt like it’s own thing. We had also moved from a 2 piece to a 3, so all the stars were aligned.”
In the scheme of things, the changes are all quite recent. They only became Prides at the start of the year. Since then, they made their debut live performance as sub headliners at Brew at the Bog; they played a string of festivals throughout the summer including Reading/Leeds and Belladrum; they were added to the BBC introducing playlist on Radio 1; and they’ve just returned from playing a couple of shows in New York.
“It’s been amazing. We’ve been so lucky that people have connected with the tracks, and with the live show in particular. It feels like we’ve been locked away writing for so long, it’s nice to be out and letting people hear what we’ve been up to. Looking forward to keeping busy in the next year.”
It’s no secret that the stream of talent coming from Scotland just now is relentless. Stewart talked about the impact this has had on Prides, and how they manage to stand out from the crowd: “I think it certainly opens some doors. For the first time in a long time it feels like people’s eyes are on Scotland. There have been some great successes recently, from all kinds of genres; Biffy Clyro, Twin Atlantic, Chvrches, Rustie, Paws, Hudson Mohawke, Frightened Rabbit, Honeyblood, the list goes on. Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, has always had an amazing scene, so it’s nice that it’s being picked up on, and we’re glad to be a part of it.
I think we’re informed by the bands we’ve been in before, the bands we listened to growing up, which brings an energy to our songs that helps. We also have an unashamed love of pop music, it’s all about trying to bring as much as we can to the table.”
Back in April they released “Out of the Blue” – it immediately put Prides on the radar and instantly became my pre-summer anthem. It’s almost impossible to not hit the ‘replay’ button – it’s a feel good synth/drum tune that will work it’s way into your head and leave you singing it for days. Setting the bar that high right at the start left us all wanting more:
“We’re working towards an album all the time, and have a really strong bunch of songs. We’re hoping to release an EP in the New Year, and seriously cannae wait.”
They’ve already made a few trips up to Inverness, and they make their return on Friday to play Mad Hatters. Inverness is widely noted as a city bands enjoy playing, Prides are no exception to this: “We Can’t wait! We’ve got a great history with Inverness. We always have such a good time, sure this time won’t be any different!”
Make sure to put it in your diary, maybe underline it a few times. You won’t want to miss this.
They play Hootananny on Friday the 1st of November.
Tickets on the door.
Check out Prides’ website.
