I would say the cream chinos that I’ve got on are a sign of how far we’ve come.
Joe McGillveray, The Snuts.
The Snuts are one of Scotland’s hottest bands at the moment and were a great hit with the crowd at this year’s TRNSMT. reSound had a quick catch up with drummer Jordan ‘Joko’ Mackay and guitarist Joe McGillveray before they took to the Main Stage to see how they were feeling about this landmark gig, happening one year later than planned due to their last minute cancellation last year due to Covid, as well as chatting about their new single, album and tour, the close-knit unit The Snuts really are and how Joe’s trousers show just how far they’ve come over the last few of years.
Your new single The Rodeo was Radio X’s Record of the Week and was premiered on Radio 1 as the ‘Hottest Record In The World’. What impact is it having on you guys? Is it a big deal?
Joe: Definitely. Things like that are massive milestones. It gives a sense of validation to the work that we’re doing so it’s always great hearing things like that.
So what can we expect from The Snuts’ new album Burn The Empire? Any surprises?
Jordan: We’ve collaborated with an amazing artist called Rachel Chinouriri on a track called End Of The Road, and the songs that are left are definitely Snuts but I suppose they’re new Snuts. We were in a studio the middle of nowhere when we recorded the album so there was just this pure sense of freedom when writing it.
And is there a tour planned following the release of the album?
Joe: Yes there’s definitely a tour in the works. The Scottish dates have just been announced for The Usher Hall in Edinburgh, O2 Academy in Glasgow and Ironworks in Inverness.
It’s great when bands take their tour beyond the central belt and visits cities like Inverness. It sounds like you haven’t forgotten who’s been rooting for you from the start.
Joe: Totally, we get so much support up there so it’s nice to give back.
So do you feel more pressure playing festivals or your own gigs?
Jordan: I enjoy festivals, I mean they are what they are, you just go along, do your thing and then you’re off.
Joe: With festivals it’s almost like there’s not enough time to get nervous, but I would say with TRNSMT, because we had the slot last year and it was very last minute that we had to pull out – at 4 o’clock in the morning one person tested positive for Covid then throughout the day the rest of us were dropping like flies – because I was so geared up for playing last year’s show and it got taken away from us, this one feels extra special.
What can we expect from today’s set? All the hits?
Jordan: Yeah, all the tunes, a couple of surprises, all the cool stuff. It’s definitely going to be our biggest production for sure, we’ll do the new single, things like that.
And it certainly was their biggest production yet. From the anthemic cries of The Rodeo, and guest appearances from Bemz and Rachel Chinouriri to the unabashed swagger of All Your Friends and pulsing groove of Fatboy Slim, they had the boisterous audience in the palms of their hands. There was also no ignoring that popular chant “F*** the Tories” with lead singer Jack Cochrane pointing out “you’re on the BBC and I’m not going to stop you”. Then again, that’s no surprise really with their new album’s title track Burn The Empire referring to the injustice young people are up against from corporations and politicians and the need to obliterate this for a more equal society.
Jack’s a great frontman but if he decided to quit, would any of you be up for that role?
Jordan: Na, there’s no one to take his place. Jack’s a natural frontman.
Joe: I think 29 (Callum ’29’ Wilson, bassist) enjoys standing on the old monitor desk every now and then but I think we’re quite a solid unit.
Jordan: There’s naebody as good as him (looking at Joe).
Joe: Yeah, and I’ve never played with another drummer.
Aw I’m welling up over here…
Joe: If one of us left it would all just kind of fold and all that, I imagine.
Well it sounds like they’re a solid bunch, glad to hear it!
The Snuts are highly regarded by Louis Tomlinson and you’re supporting him on his world tour. Did you guys ever consider going down the X-Factor route?
Joe: No, not at all, it was never a path to success that we really looked at. When we first started out we were more interested in the actual standing in pubs, like in our home town, and playing shows than the fame thing. The fame was never really the aspiration.
So your home town’s Whitburn in West Lothian, in between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Where does your allegiance lie?
Joe: Eh, I didn’t like the face that you pulled when you said Whitburn.
Oops I didn’t ever realise I was doing it… but in my defence point out that I live in a Fife town renowned for the scent of lino…
Jordon: Ok, fair do’s then.
Joe: So how can your turn up your nose at Whitburn then?
Hmmm I’m out numbered here…where are those Shambolics lads when I need them? So Glasgow or Edinburgh?
Jordan: I like the west.
Joe: Yes, we’ve always kind of aligned with Glasgow. Whitburn had lot of overspill from the Gorbals and tenements so we’ve got lots of people in Whitburn with super strong Glasgow accents.
Jordan: In Whitburn if you go even a mile to the east you get more of the Edinburgh ‘eh’ twang.
I’ve read that you’ve been inspired by Scottish ned culture. Is that related to where you’re from?
Jordan: Yeah, well me definitely. I mean where we’re from it was just the culture that we had, you know we all wore our hats pointing to the sky!
Yep I know your type, sonny Jim.
Joe: I would say the cream chinos that I’ve got on are a sign of how far we’ve come.
Jordan: I’m still wearing trackies…
I fear for those cream chinos, of all the colours too…
Joe: Aye, they’re going to be mockit (aka filthy) later on, they’re single use chinos, don’t tell the vegans! *
So, back to live music, what’s your preference – gigs in traditional venues like the Barrowlands, stadium gigs or festivals?
Jordan: The Barrowlands gigs we did are still my favourite.
Joe: I think they’re different animals and both have their pros and cons. At Glasto a couple of weeks ago we weren’t in the biggest of tents or stages and it was a little bit rough and ready, you’re put on the stage, you’ve got 20 minutes to get your stuff on stage then you plug in, off you go then straight back off again. But then sometimes I think when it’s a headline show I’ve got too long to get inside my head and start stressing out about stuff. Sometimes we get a 45 minute soundcheck and it can be great at the start but then near the end something will go wrong, sometimes less prep is better.
So, Glastonbury or TRNSMT?
Joe: I’d say TRNSMT
Jordan: TRNSMT so far.
And I think after the reaction to the incredible show they put on afterwards, that answer will remain a reSounding TRNSMT for a while yet.
* NO chinos were hurt in the making of this interview.
The Snuts’ new album All Your Friends is out on October 7 and the tour starts on 2 October in Bristol. You can pre-order a first access bundle here:https://www.thesnuts.co.uk/. Tickets go on sale at the end of the month.
Interview and Words: Shirley Mack @musingsbymarie
Pictures: Calum Mackintosh @ayecandyphotography