It’s that time again, when are man on the ground Desh Kapur Editor/Photographer All Music Magazine UK/Europe spotlights a bands or artists he thinks are going to have a big 2021 ; bands and artists we think you should check out to stay ahead of the curve
So welcome to SHAMBOLICS !!! Scottish purveyors of the finest Brit-pop inspired psychedelic song smithery around and i really dig them. The Shambolics are Lewis McDonald – Vocals/Guitar Darren Forbes – Vocals/Guitar, Jordan McHatton – Vocals/Bass, Jake Bain – Vocals/Drums, Scott Willamson – Keys/Vocals. As one of Scotland’s most exciting indie bands alongside outfits such as The Snuts , it is no surprise they have received clitical acclaim from the likes of This Feeling and Radio X, with Fred Perry hailing them as ‘one of Scotland’s best new bands’. Shambolics are destined for a career of unbridled success.
For Fan OF The La’s, The View, The Smiths and The Seahorses
So we decided it was time to have a little chat with guitarist/singer Darren Forbes to see where they came from, what they have been up to and what their plans for the future are.
What is the story behind your name?
Everything with us always seems a shambles. The name Shambolics just seemed pretty fitting.
What first got you into music? or Who inspired you to make music?
My mate stole 2 DVDs off his dad 1 was an Elvis live in 1970 DVD and 1 was an Oasis documentary. Elvis was the first musical influence I ever had I was obsessed with how cool he was. Then Oasis was the second they inspired me to make music. They were just lads off a council estate who became the biggest band in the world. It was really inspirational
How did you all meet?
The artwork to the single is the place I first met Lewis & Jordy. Its where we used to kick about as young teams drinking in the park and getting up to no good. We met Jake just through mutual friends in the fife music scene and I met scotty paws at college
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Dreamy rock & roll
What is your creative process like?
Me and Lewis usually write most of the songs but there is input from everybody we usually just jam one out in the rehearsal room from scratch or it could come from one of us on the acoustic
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
The Beatles
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thanks for all your support over the years. This year were gonna give you loads back
What is the most useless talent you have?
Probably the gym haha. I’m good at working out but I’m a permanent skinny f**ker.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Yes.. Just whatever music I’ve been into recently. Right now it would be paramore or olivia rodrigo
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Hustling
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Pretty much every city in UK. Favourite venues is a tough one. The last one we done was St Lukes in Glasgow and that was an amazing venue.
We have Edinburgh Caves 7th October and Cafe Drummonds, Aberdeen 8th October. TRNSMT Festival on 10th September
What is your favourite song to perform?
Probably Chasing a Disaster but I think this new song ‘Dreams, Schemes & Young Teams’ will be a live favourite.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Elvis, Every member of the Beatles, Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Nicks, Tupac to name a few
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Probably not fit to answer that in an interview haha
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Get the f**k out of the small-town mentality. If only I took that advice onboard alot earlier
What’s next for you?
We’ve got alot of re-scheduled gigs at the end of the year. We plan on releasing more new music towards the end of the year aswell.
SHAMBOLICS 2021 LIVE GIGS
3 Sept – Callendar House, Falkirk
10 Sept – TRNSMT Festival, Glasgow Green
24 Sept – Playground Festival, Giffnock Rouken Glen Park
7 – Oct – The Cave, Edinburgh
8 Oct – Cafe Drummond, Aberdeen
9 Oct – The Church, Dundee
SHAMBOLICS WILL RELEASE NEW SINGLE – “DREAMS, SCHEMES & YOUNG TEAMS”
– OUT NOW, VIA EGGMAN RECORDS
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My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago