Glasgow is a huge part of who we are as a band, it’s crafted the sound and aesthetic of our music and I don’t actually know if we would be together if we weren’t from here. We all grew up around the city, so it’s hard to imagine our lives without it – it’s one of those places that you’re really proud to come from. From travelling around over the years, a lot of the people we’ve met seem to be embarrassed of where they come from which was always quite sad to hear – but it did also make us realise that we were lucky to get to come home to somewhere where it never felt like a drag. We’ve been very fortunate in getting to see a lot of the world because of our band, but there’s always something that pulls us back to Glasgow and it’s hard to imagine us being this band in another city.
It’s a geographically small city but so big in terms of character and culture. It rains constantly, so the urge to create things is probably enhanced as the opportunity to go outdoors is limited. It’s not a stereotypically beautiful city, but it’s rugged and there’s something in the architecture that’s reflected in the people which then influences the music, film and arts from the city so it all has this recognisable feel to it. Perhaps the thing I love most about the city is it doesn’t really matter what kind of band you’re in, be it a shiny pop band or a bizarre jazz metal outfit – you can kind of all relate to each other and feel like you’re part of one big musical community because you’re tied together by the fact that you are a Glaswegian band.
Bar Bloc
The scene of our first gig together as a band and a great place to see new and touring bands for free. Also does great food and it’s open late most nights. This was also the place where we had our first ever crowd surfer – the guy got squished against the ceiling.
117 Bath St, Glasgow G2 2SZ / bloc.ru
King Tuts
Tuts is one of those places that pretty much any band you could name in the last 20 years will have played on their way up the musical ladder. We released our first single on their record label and also had our first ever sold out show here.
272 St Vincent St, Glasgow G2 5RL / kingtuts.co.uk
Barrowlands
Not that we’re biased, but I do reckon this is the best venue in the world. I’ve had some of the best nights of my life watching bands in this venue – the atmosphere the room generates is something you need to experience to fully understand. We’ve been lucky enough to get to play here quite a few times and there definitely is something magic about the place which leaves you with something that goes beyond a normal gig.
244 Gallowgate, Glasgow G4 0TT / glasgow-barrowland.com
Love Music
This a record shop near Queen Street train station that’s been there as long as I can remember. There aren’t a lot of music shops left in Glasgow these days, but this one is still going strong. I don’t know many people that buy CDs anymore which is sad – it would be strange not have places like this which are a haven for music.
34 Dundas St, Glasgow G1 2AQ / Facebook
Nice N Sleazy
This is still the place to go if you’re in Glasgow late and don’t want the night to end. It’s on Sauchiehall Street where there’s quite a few venues – so it’s the natural place for bands to head to afterwards. I’ve had quite a few regrettable nights involving White Russians here – they always seem like a great idea at the time…
421 Sauchiehall St, Glasgow G2 3LG / nicensleazy.com
DryGate
This is a new brewery that’s opened up really close to our studio. It’s got an intimidating amount of beers on offer and also has a beer garden for the two weeks of sun Glasgow gets in May. This is where we’ll go on the pretence of ‘band meetings’ but really it’s just an excuse to drink beers with nice labels outside of our studio which is a sauna most of the year.
85 Drygate, Glasgow, G4 0UT / drygate.com
Twin Atlantic’s new album ‘GLA’ is out now.