From late-night origins to headline gigs, Socialites bring bold hooks, romance-fuelled lyrics, and Trainspotting-level energy to the Belladrum stage.
Socialites, an energetic indie rock outfit hailing from the North of Scotland, formed in spontaneous fashion—born from a boozy post-band brainstorm and solidified within days. The band features Iona Fleming (lead vocals, rhythm), Kyle Steven (lead guitar), Sean Lewis (bass), and Rory MacDougall (drums).
Known for bold guitars, catchy hooks, and unapologetically big vocals, they open their Belladrum Festival 2025 set with unreleased crowd-mover “Fever in me.” This marks their first time leaping over the festival barrier and onto the stage—and they’re buzzing to make it count.
Who are you, and how did this band come to life? We are Socialites, a band from the North of Scotland consisting of Iona Fleming (lead vocal, rhythm), Kyle Steven (lead guitar), Sean Lewis (bass), and Rory MacDougall (drums). Socialites was born from a drunken conversation during a night out in the wake of a previous band. We managed to convince Iona to front a new outfit after a few too many. A couple days later we had our first practice and never looked back!
How would you describe your sound in a way that makes people want to listen? Energetic indie rock, with catchy hooks, bold guitars and big vocals.
For fans of…? We take influence from Sam fender, Killers, Inhaler and loads more. We love the music that we make, and We take influence from Sam fender, Killers, Inhaler and loads more. We love the music that we make, and we think our music taste is decent – so that would suggest we make decent music. The only way for you to find out if that’s a biased opinion is by listening for yourself.
What’s the first song in your setlist, and why does it set the tone for your show? An unrealeased tune of ours called Fever in me. It’s an upbeat one to open with, gets people moving straight away!
If you could steal one song from any act at Belladrum 2025 and claim it as your own, which one would it be? Jeremiah – The Joy Hotel. Vocals & backing harmonies are so good in that tune.
Belladrum is turning 21 this year! What does it mean to be part of a festival that has built such a strong legacy? We’ve been attending Belladrum for years. It’s good to see it growing every year and becoming such a big festival. We’re buzzing to be on the other side of the barrier for a change – hopefully the first of many!
What’s next for you in 2025? Any exciting plans for new music, touring, or collaborations? A few new singles in the works, and we’ve got headline show in Harpers, wick on the 8th of November. Will be posting info about that on our socials soon.
Which new and/or local acts inspire you right now? Wunderhorse, especially their live performances.
If your music were the soundtrack to a movie, which genre would it fit best, and what kind of story would it tell? Based on our sound probably an action. Lyrically though would probably be more romance, we’re quite often harping on about love and breakups.
Belladrum is known for its theatrical atmosphere. If you could perform inside a famous movie scene, which one would it be and why? The opening scene of Trainspotting, where Renton is bolting down Princes Street. Feel like the pace of that scene would match our sound pretty well.
If your band were cast in a film, what kind of roles would each member play? Iona would be the lead actress who forgets her lines, and the rest of us would probably be background extras trying (and failing) to steal the limelight.
With riotous energy and tongue-in-cheek charm, Socialites tear into Belladrum 2025 with a set built for movement, mischief and main character moments. Their festival debut signals not just arrival—but intent.
Socialites can be see opening the Bella Bar on Thursday at Belladrum 2025
Explore more Belladrum 2025 features, interviews, and artist previews on our Belladrum Festival hub
