EMQ’s With The Loners
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Scottish Alternative Rock band, The Loners. Huge thanks to their Lead Vocalist/ Guitarist, Nath, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Hello, my name is Nath and I am the lead singer/guitarist for the band, “The Loners.” The Loners originally started as a two-piece acoustic/bass indie/pop band. This consisted of Nath and Ross. Ross decided to call it a day after around 2 years, just as our current drummer, James, joined the band. James had recently met Nath in the pub, while watching a football game. Through a mutual friend, they spoke about their love for playing live and being in a band.
Me and Mark were at university together and always touched on the idea of playing in a band, but with life taking over and following different directions, it wasn’t until 12 years later that Mark decided to join the new “The Loners” line-up.
This was the start of the new “sound” The Loners were about to develop. What once was an indie band has now developed into an alternative rock band.
How did you come up with your band name?
I always felt like a bit of a loner growing up, so it felt quite obvious to call the band, “The Loners.”
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
I am from a small town in West Lothian. The music scene is a lot better than it used to be and a few successful acts have already broken out into the mainstream music world. I think people are aware of Lewis Capaldi and The Snuts. There are so many other great bands that we gig with on a regular basis, particularly rock bands!
What is your latest release?
We are about to release our latest single, “Rock Star.” If you love guitar driven music, then you will love this!
Who have been your greatest influences?
I am a massive Stone Roses fan. I loved when they were originally indie and I am one of the few people who loved their second album, where they sound a lot more rock. I’m a massive Led Zeppelin fan as well, so that’s probably why I like the Roses’ second album. But I also love listening to a lot of Kasabian, The Music and Fleetwood Mac.
What first got you into music?
Probably my parents. Dad loved rock music and mum loved to dance, so there was always music on, when we were growing up. My brother played guitar and I was singing, so that fell into itself as well.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Right now, Kasabian. Love them!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Glastonbury looks amazing. Such a great vibe and it’s huge, so we’d hopefully get a few more fans after our slot!
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Nothing so far…a bit boring I’m afraid. Most fans just want selfies!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thanks for listening. If you haven’t seen us live yet, then you are missing the good stuff!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Freddie Mercury. He’s a proper rock star and musician.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love playing my favourite “hobby,” to other people. If one person enjoys the set – then we have accomplished what we set out to do. I hate the fact that people are only interested in your music, if you “have lots of fans.”
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
There are enough people in the world to listen to every artist… but it is a very cut-throat industry and unless you have a following, no one really wants to give you the time of day. I would change this, go back to the 90s and hope A&R reps would just go around the country looking for acts (like us!).
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Kasabian’s first album!
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl for the sound. Downloads for in the car!
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
We recently played “party at the palace” festival in Linlithgow. That was amazing. We saw Shed Seven and The Happy Mondays.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Something boring, probably! I think everything I do always relates back to music, in some way or another.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
- Morgan Freeman – just to hear him talk!
- Gordon Ramsey, so he could cook for us!
- Ozzy Osborne – just for obvious reasons.
- Carrie Fisher – again, she would have some great stories as well.
- Michael J Fox – Back to the future is my favourite film of all time!
What’s next for the band?
We’re about to release our new single, “Rock Star” so keep your ears open for this! Then potentially another small tour around the country next year, release more songs and hopefully play more festivals.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people? https://www.facebook.com/thelonersuk
https://www.instagram.com/theloners_uk/
https://twitter.com/thelonersuk
https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loners_uk
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1iI5bdYsG9kqM8rUAoclS5?si=ElHclgRbTuWJ3LdKZ64VFw
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
Definitely a roll, but I’d also settle for a bap!
Thank you for your time.
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.