FOR the next instalment of our TENEMENT TRAIL SPOTLIGHT series, we catch up with Glasgow band Alcatraz.
A couple of months ago, they were named the winners of our TENEMENT TRAIL X BELLADRUM competition, beating off hundreds of competitors to secure a place at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival in August and our very own all-dayer in a couple of weeks.
With frontwoman Eleanor at the helm, the band deal in straight-up grungy, alt-rock bangers – all big riffs, rhythms and sledgehammer choruses, citing the likes of The Mysterines, Wolf Alice, Queens of hte Stone Age and The Prodigy as influences. And despite only first emerging last year, they’re already making waves in the local scene, steadily developing their sound and making their presence known with each blistering live show.
Find out what they had to say about their upcoming set at TRAIL below and grab your tickets HERE.
How did it feel to win the TENEMENT TRAIL X BELLADRUM competition?
Oh, it was surreal. Once we got the message through, I immediately called the rest of the band, just screaming, saying, we’re playing Tournament Trail. It was a proper, like, we made it moment. Being from Glasgow and going to Tenement Trail over the years and seeing all the incredible bands playing, making memories, it was just like a huge moment for us all. We’re so incredibly grateful for this opportunity and to be able to say that we’ve played Tenement Trail.
What can we expect from your set?
An Alcatraz set is just a good time with good tunes. It’s raw, high energy. We really enjoy being on stage and we have so much fun playing the music that we love, but also interacting with everyone who comes down to see us. It’s just great.
How would you describe your music for those not yet acquainted? Who are your biggest influences?
Our sound is very grungy, punky, alternative, rocky, but recently we’ve been bringing in some more electronic influence with our new synth, so that’s been exciting. We take influence from so many amazing bands and like different genres, but I’d say the five we’re most inspired by are Queens of the Stone Age, the Mysteries, Wolf Alice, the Prodigy and the Doors.
Have you been to TENEMENT TRAIL before and do you have any memories of the festival?
The last TENEMENT TRAIL we’re going to was in 2022 and I seen bands like Spyres, Dead Pony. I saw Gallus for the first time headlining BAad, and I was absolutely blown away by them. I thought they were absolutely brilliant. More recently, last year and stuff, Declan Welsh and the Decadent West was amazing. We saw VLURE, one of my favorite Glasgow bands at the moment, who I think we all take a lot of influence from in the band. They were class. It’s always such a good atmosphere and vibe. Just out with your pals and stuff, listening to live music.
What makes Glasgow crowds the best?
Glasgow crowds just provide pure energy. No one’s afraid to dance or to sing along. Like, there’s always somebody up for starting a pit and we love that we’re able to be on the receiving end of that while we’re on stage and to feed off of that energy. But the most special thing about Glasgow crowds is it’s got to be the community. Everybody just knows each other, everyone’s friends. Like, it’s just great laughs and people who really care about the music and want to support you. And there’s no competition between all the other bands in the scene. Like, everyone just wants everyone to succeed and it’s just, it’s just so welcoming.
What else have you got coming up? What are your ambitions for the band?
2025 has been a really busy and amazing year for us. It’s kind of our first full year as a band. Our first gig was back in September 2024. But in this first year, to be able to have been to the places we’ve been, worked with, the people we’ve worked with, it’s been just crazy. Can’t even describe it.
We’re just going to take some time for the rest of the year to write some new music, chill out and kind of make a solid plan for 2026. We want to continue with the momentum we’ve got and build on it and really get, get stuck in next year and really grow as a band.
