IN the second edition of our TENEMENT TRAIL Radar Spotlight series, we chat to new pop-rock outfit Bottle Rockets.

Set to make their TRAIL debut in a few weeks on 7th October, the festival will mark another milestone in the band’s fledgling career. Since releasing their debut single last year, they’ve cultivated a strong reputation in and around the local music scene, securing support slots with the likes of Uninvited, The GOA EXPRESS, SPINN and Voodoos. And a slot at TRAIL is sure to spur on their growing ambition.

Pulling from a range of genres and styles, the band’s sound takes inspiration from grungy alt-rock, eighties new wave, shoegaze and modern rock – resulting in a luscious combo of dreamy vocals, shimmering guitars and punchy melodies. Check out their recent single ‘Backburn’ below.

In the meantime, you can check out our chat below to find out more about their inspirations, ambitions and what to expect at TRAIL. The band will also be appearing at our sold-out TRAIL pre-party next week at VEGA alongside Junk Pups.

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TELL ME A BIT ABOUT YOU AND HOW DID YOU START? 

Our musical journey began when John and Sam, both fresh out of high school, bonded over their shared love for music. They spent countless hours jamming in their garages and dreaming of forming a band that would make a mark on the music scene. Fast forward a few years, and in 2021, our vision finally came to fruition when Kenzi joined as our front-woman. Her powerful vocals and stage presence brought a whole new dimension to our sound, and it was then that we decided to make the band official. Our amazing bassist, Andrew, became a permanent member after initially helping us out with our first couple of gigs; we decided we had to keep him. Our debut single, “When I Tell You,” was like a declaration of our unity and musical identity, and it marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in our lives.

WHO ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY? 

As a band, we’re constantly pushing boundaries and experimenting with genres. Currently, we find ourselves drawn to the raw energy of alternative rock and the haunting allure of Grunge. We love music that features “shoegaze” tones and heavy instrumentals, creating a dreamy yet intense atmosphere. Bands like ‘Softcult,’ ‘Slow Pulp,’ “The Smashing Pumpkins,’ and ‘Deftones’ have been pivotal in shaping our sonic landscape recently. We take inspiration from these legends but infuse our own experiences and emotions to create something entirely unique. Our music is a whirlwind of emotions, seamlessly weaving catchy choruses with mesmerising soundscapes that leave audiences yearning for more.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST MOMENT AS A BAND SO FAR?

Selling out our debut headline show back in December was a surreal and heartwarming experience. Witnessing our fans singing along to every word and feeling the energy in the room was indescribable. However, for John, it was an even prouder moment when we had the opportunity to support ‘SoftCult’ – a band he had been listening to for years and looked up to. Sharing the stage with them was a dream come true and a testament to the heights we have achieved as a band. Those moments reaffirmed our commitment to pursuing our passion and connecting with our audience through our music.

WHAT ARE YOUR DREAMS AS AN ARTIST? 

As artists, our dreams know no bounds. We envision a future where our music transcends borders, taking us to iconic venues not only in Scotland but across the globe. We want our music to resonate with people on a deep level, inspiring and comforting them through life’s highs and lows. Playing at renowned festivals like ‘TRNSMT’ and collaborating with fellow musicians who share our artistic vision are aspirations we hold dear to our hearts. Our ultimate dream is to leave a lasting impact on the world through our music, and as long as we have passionate listeners, we’ll continue striving for greatness.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOUR SET AT TENEMENT TRAIL? 

Our set at Tenement Trail is going to be an electrifying experience that you won’t want to miss. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions as we take you on a journey through our most captivating songs. We’ll hit you with infectious choruses that will have you singing along at the top of your lungs, and then we’ll immerse you in the depths of our mesmerising instrumentals that will leave you spellbound. Whether you want to dance, headbang, or simply enjoy your pint while soaking in the atmosphere, our set will cater to all. Expect an unfiltered display of our passion for music and a connection with the audience that’s bound to be unforgettable.

WHAT ACTS DO YOU WANT TO SEE ON THE DAY? 

The lineup at Tenement Trail is incredible, and we’re buzzing to catch some of our favorite acts live. We’re huge fans of Lacuna, and their energy on stage is infectious. Anytime they’re playing, count us in the front row, singing along with all our hearts. Tina Sandwich is an artist we’ve heard so much about, and we can’t wait to experience her set and witness her musical prowess firsthand. And then there’s Walt Disco – a band we’ve listened to for years but haven’t been lucky enough yet to witness their live performances, so that’ll be a great way to end the night.

WHAT IS YOUR FESTIVAL MEMORY?

John: “We’ve gone to PRIMASOUND for the last two years, so we’ve been blessed to see some of the world’s best acts, such as Tame Impala, Gorillaz, and Rosalia. However, seeing the 1975 at Leeds Festival last year was our favorite memory. The set was like a compilation of their greatest hits.”

Kenzi: “My favorite festival memory has to be the last T in the Park in 2016. I vividly remember my friends and I rushing to the Radio 1 stage to watch the 1975. They had just released their second album at the time, and we were so excited to hear it. When they came onstage, the sun was setting, and it was the most beautiful pink sky. I’ll never forget it. It was amazing having that experience with everyone around me. No one really had phones on them either, so everyone in the audience was able to immerse themselves in the performance and just dance. Truly 10/10.”

WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU GOT COMING UP ? 

As well as playing at Tenement Trail, we’re scheduled to release at least one more single in the week leading up to the event. It’s our most catchy and dancey song we’ve written.