Retro Video Club are only just old enough to remember VHS tapes, but they remember well the indie bands that influenced their sound. Drummer of the Edinburgh three-piece band, Kyle Grieve, chats to Blackpool Social Club ahead of their gig at Bootleg this Friday.
Tell us about Retro Video Club, who you are and how you came together as a band?
Sam [McGill, lead guitar] and Liam [Allison, vocals/guitar] are cousins and after growing up playing in different bands they came together to form Retro Video Club. A couple of years later Sam was filming a music video for a band I was in and then invited me to join. It was an offer I couldn’t refuse as I was a big fan of them.
Tell us about the name.
Yes we are just old enough to remember VHSs! Just… There used to be a shop in Edinburgh called Vogue Video that Liam used to pass on the way to a music store. We always wondered why it was still open and thought that maybe there was some kind of Retro Video Club keeping it alive, then the name was born.
Who are your musical influences?
We all like Bruce Springsteen and The Killers at the moment. That stadium sound they have it what we strive for.
What’s the music scene like in Edinburgh, and what other Scottish bands should we have our eye on?
There are some great venues in Edinburgh. Sneaky Pete’s is a superb venue that always puts on new bands so be sure to check out if you ever get the chance. We are friends with a band from Edinburgh called Happydaze who are electric.
Have you been to Blackpool before? Is there anything else you’re looking forward to doing while you’re in town?
I’ve been to Blackpool many times growing up but Liam and Sam will be popping their cherry this weekend. We are getting down early to go to the Pleasure Beach and play the bingo. I’m just hoping that Liam is tall enough to get on the rides.
You’ve supported bands like The Vaccines and The Libertines. What was that experience like?
Supporting some of our favourite bands is unbelievable especially when they are ones that influenced your music taste growing up. The Libertines show was one we won’t forget!
Indie music seems to be having a revival. Why do you think that is?
Indie music and guitar music especially feels real and honest to me. It seems to lend itself more to songs that come from the heart and it’s great to see our music resonate with other people all over the country.
Tell us about your latest single Dangerous and what’s next release-wise.
We released Dangerous earlier this year and shot a live video for it at our show in The Garage in Glasgow. It had only been out a week and the place was bouncing and everyone was belting the lyrics back. We are constantly writing new music and are excited for people to hear it.
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