With his band making a debut performance at Upstairs on the 2nd of March and with a series of new recordings being released this year, we reckoned it was a great time to catch up with Iain McLaughlin.
Iain McLaughlin & The Outsiders Over The Years
The band have just returned to practice following a triumphant headline slot at Belladrum 23, was it part of the plan to have that much of a break?
No plan really, I’ve been busy in my role as a producer and taking every chance I can to enjoy my new family and the guys have been busy with their superb other projects. It’s always really great to get back in a room together.
Salvador’ sits as the only track available from the band for streaming, why has Salvador survived where other tracks have been removed?
The “WeAreAllOutsiders” album and “Falling Through The Dark” EP were removed from streaming services but I hasten to add that anybody who ever bought a copy still has them physically or digitally. The album was an incredible experience to record and a great first release, I loved those sessions and they were a great learning curve as well as an interesting document of that part of my career.
those records deserve to be captured in their full form
The songs have progressed so much over the years and I felt like I wanted to have a body of work that reflected that change. I’ve been working as producer since 2013 and the aforementioned EP was the first thing I ever worked on in that role and it will always have place in my heart but I’d call it a good demo really.
“Salvador” marked my first foray into capturing the band proper and I liked the results which led me to feel like the songs from those records deserve to be captured in their full form so i’ve been working on a new record called “Clarity” which will be coming out this year. All the instrumentals are done and I just need to finish the vocals.
The imposter syndrome is still there and i’d imagine will remain forever but it’s no longer the barrier it once was
Opening IMOUT Studios and working as a producer has been such an incredible process and I feel like the years have been hugely significant in not only my music apprenticeship where every day has been an opportunity to learn and develop but have also played a key role in my identity and acceptance of who I am as an artist. ( Check out IMOUT Studios via Instagram)
The imposter syndrome is still there and i’d imagine will remain forever but it’s no longer the barrier it once was. I make music because it’s who I am and i’m finally at peace with that.
You were one of the last acts to play Ironworks, how do you think the scene has adapted to the venue’s closure?
It’s very difficult to accept still, frustrating, upsetting even but i’ve been saying since that last night we were on the stage that it’s important to remember people are ultimately what make things happen. Those people are still around, case in point is what the Elephant Sessions are putting together later this year. That stuff is important, support it.
What are the most enduring musical influences on you and your music?
I really think that not enough people know about the absolute genius of Greg Dulli and everything he has been involved with. A true inspiration. In truth though, I just love anything that feels authentic to me. Whether that’s the gorgeous sonic landscapes of instrumental artists like We Lost The Sea or the sublime pop genius of “Glorious” by Andreas Johnson, if it feels real to me i’m into it.
When was the last time you were really impressed by a music act that was new to you?
I’ve been loving The Mysterines since I first heard that record. Was truly delighted to get to see them at last years Belladrum Festival, Not a new band to me but the Editors set at Glastonbury and basically everywhere on that tour was unbelievable, they’ve hit another peak and they were already superb. Easily one of the best bands of the last 20 years in my opinion and most recently I just discovered Jalen Ngonda on the recommendation from a friend. Incredible, incredible stuff.
Upstairs is a new venue / stage for the band, how are you feeling about performing there?
It’s gonna be great playing a club again, it’s been along time. It’ll be really interesting if not a little intimidating to be able to look everyone in the eye but I’m looking forward to it a lot.
What does 2024 hold for you and the band?
“Clarity” will be coming out followed by recordings of the other songs in our live set that have yet to be released anywhere other than bootlegged at gigs. After that there’s plans for 2 singles nobody has heard at all.
I’m looking forward to a year as an artist, a father and a husband.
Catch Iain McLaughlin and The Outsiders on the 2nd of March, Upstairs. Support from Daniel Gunn and Alan Hercher.
Would like to say a massive thanks to Iain for taking the time to answer our questions.
