An Seòmar, Inverness’s newest music venue, will host a night celebrating the past, present, and future of the music scene on Saturday, May 31st. Iain McLaughlin and The Outsiders will headline the event, joined by special guests Lucid Liars and James Mackenzie.
Ahead of the show, DJ:X caught up with Iain, James, and Lucid Liars frontman Rikki Mackenzie for IGigs.
“Why this gig?” I asked Iain McLaughlin — frontman, songwriter, and producer of arguably one of the most recognisable original bands to come out of Inverness in the last 15 years.
“It’s about new experiences,” he says. “I always like doing new things, and I’ve known the people at the venue for a long time. I want to see what it’s all about.”
He adds, “It’ll be nice to walk into the venue and have everything already there. The last time we did something like this, we had to build a venue in a nightclub.”
He’s referring to The Outsiders’ headline show at The Botanic House last year, where they transformed a space known for international DJs into a rock venue for one night only.
When I asked how the lineup came together — The Outsiders sharing the stage with Lucid Liars and James Mackenzie — Iain said:
“I like the other acts as people. I’ve worked with Rikki and Lucid Liars in the studio, and I like the way they do things — doing it for the love of it and staying DIY.”
Speaking about Lucid Liars’ DIY approach, Rikki adds:
“This past year especially has been about making things happen for Lucid Liars. We’ve been really selective — playing the gigs we want to play, not because we have to.”
The band has impressively taken their sound to rural corners of the Highlands while still appearing in Scotland’s major cities.
On James Mackenzie’s involvement, Iain keeps it simple:
“James is home and he’s here. Let’s do a gig together.”
James, who recently returned from living and performing in Germany, reflects:
“The last big thing I did with Iain was a release and tour back in 2011. It’s nice to come full circle — we’ve both gone off and done our own journeys.”
“Since moving back,” James continues, “I’ve been playing a mix of older and new material. My set will definitely bring something different to what people might expect.”
“Iain and James have both been huge parts of the scene over the last 15 years,” says Rikki. “It’s important to earn the respect of your peers while still doing your own thing — and we hope to be a big part of what’s coming in the next 15.”
Our chat ends with Iain sharing his hopes for the gig:
“I want to do everything I can to show the opportunities and possibilities for a rock n roll band who live here. Not just for mainstays of the music community but for the next wave also. I want people to see there’s life in rock and alternative music in this city – and they’re a huge part of it.”
