Introduction to the big time
Jenness Mitchell • Published 16 May 2012 09:30
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Kilmarnock trio Fatherson are riding high following the selection of live favourite Gone Fission for Radio One's BBC Introducing playlist.
Bassist Marc Strain (20) told the Advertiser, "It's incredible. I've not listened to as much radio in my life. It's sounds totally different on the radio and catches you off-guard."
It's been a crazy year for Marc, Ross Leighton (guitar/vocals) and Greg Walkinshaw (drums).
They released second single First Born on their own label, were picked up by Idlewild's manager Bruce Craigie, took home best Rock/Alternative Act at the prestigious Scottish Alternative Music Awards, and have supported two of their favourites - Frightened Rabbit and the always-amazing Feeder.
Last summer the band played to a packed-out T Break tent and are delighted to have been asked back.
Marc said, "T was one of our highlights. It's one of the best things we have ever done, so we can't wait to do it again."
In addition to T in the Park they will be performing at Belladrum (Inverness) and BFest (Wick), and are currently in the midst of a Scottish tour with The Xcerts - arriving at Glasgow's Garage tonight (Wednesday 16 May).
When playing live the addition of Elaine Glass (cello) and Chris Beltran (keys/guitar) helps to round off their impressive indie-rock sound.
Marc said, "Being a five-piece has helped our music. It keeps getting better and better and it's a nice feeling when you see the crowd singing your songs."
The main trio first met at Loanhead Primary School and then went on to Kilmarnock Academy together. At the moment Marc is studying accounting at Glasgow University alongside Greg (19) who is doing mechanical engineering. Ross (19) is across the city at Strathclyde University studying music.
Having only formed Fatherson in 2010, impressively their first gig was supporting Idlewild.
Marc said, "That was stressful. We had uni exams until the afternoon and then had to race down to Manchester. We turned up 20 minutes before the gig started, but it turned out great."
The band plan to concentrate on their music career over the next 12 months by taking time out of university to play more shows, festivals and to get into the studio.
Marc said, "You've got to give it your all. We're hoping to have the album out by 2013. We want it to be perfect, so will keep working on it. We won't rush it. We love travelling about and we're focused on building a following.
"In Scotland, especially Glasgow, there's a great atmosphere with musicians helping each other out. Scottish music is great at the minute and hopefully we'll move on and continue to get more recognition."
For more information on Fatherson, go to fatherson.co.uk, www.facebook.com/fathersonband, www.youtube.com/user/fathersonband or follow them on Twitter @fathersonband.
Marc's Quick Fire
Favourite song of the moment: Tellison's Freud Links The Teeth And The Heart.
Most embarrassing moment: When we were on BBC Introducing I told Ally McCrae that I only had five toenails collectively between my two feet. Someone listening later approached me at a gig and asked to see. It was recorded on camera and now has over 1000 hits on YouTube.
Biggest vice: I'm the organised one in the band, so I can be a bit naggy.
Pet peeve: Messiness.
Best quality: Being organised.
Worst quality: Being too organised.
Tea or coffee: Both.
Pubs or clubs: Pubs. I'm not a fan of clubs.
Karaoke number: I can't sing - I leave that to Ross - although I have been known to get up and sing Year 3000 by Busted.
Favourite superhero: Spider-man and Iron Man.
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 16 May 12
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