Q&A: newshapes
Glasgow-based-pop-fuelled-post-hardcore trio newshapes are taking the alternative scene in Scotland by storm, only two years after their debut single. In 2023 the band released their debut EP 'i hope this finds you' to great response, with the EP currently being pressed onto vinyl by Line of Defence Records.
We caught up with Ian, Logan, and Troy to hear about their latest single ‘feel it’, desert island albums, and 2024 plans.
Your latest release 'Feel It' includes a huge guest feature from Scott Kennedy from Bleed From Within, how did that collaboration come about?
Ian: Logan and Scott have known each other a fair while and it was a total no brainer who to ask first when we wanted a heavy vocalist on the song and we are super happy he was down to do it.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the Scottish music industry, especially for heavier bands like yourselves?
Logan: Heavy music is doing well. Death metal in particular is absolutely thriving.
Ian: With alternative music you’ve got bands dropping their heaviest songs with their catchiest choruses. I see everyone around us getting better at honing their craft and it’s really enjoyable to see.
Which Scottish acts are you enjoying listening to at the moment? And who do you think could become the next big thing in Scotland/the UK/internationally?
Troy: There’s been some artists with real potential stepping out lately, personally my favourites right now are our friends in Lo Rays and Sixth Wonder, as well as Joshua Grant - just to name a few.
Ian: I’m a total sucker for Pop and Indie stuff these days and both Katie Nicoll and Bottle Rockets are smashing it.
Logan: I'm enjoying The Lafontaines just now, they're not new. But they've came back after a few years.
Tell us your three desert island albums.
Ian:
A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships - The 1975
Peripheral Vision - Turnover
Danger Days - My Chemical Romance
Logan:
American Idiot - Green Day
Scissor Sisters (self titled)
Nija - Orbit Culture
Troy:A Different Shade of Blue - Knocked Loose
Nella Vita - Grayscale
A Lesson in Romantics - Mayday Parade
If you could collaborate with anyone on future music, who would it be?
Ian: Either someone from the pop world on heavy song, or someone from the heavy world on a poppier newshapes hit. I think Tyler Joseph would absolutely nail the production of a heavy song.
Troy: Probably someone like George Daniel or Phillip Strand on the production end to keep it alternative.
Logan: Peter Gabriel.
Are there any particular newshapes songs that hold special significance for you?
Logan: feel it cause I played drums on it.
Troy: For me because, i love you is always going to have a special place, it was a song chosen for our debut EP just days before and the experience of writing and recording that track is some of the most fun I’ve had. Hearing the final track it never fails to bring up a few emotions.
Ian: wandering still gives me chills, it’s 100% my favourite song to play live. It just vibes.
And finally, what can we expect to see from newshapes throughout the rest of 2024?
Ian: New music! We took a long time to get feel it ready and we have more coming much quicker that’s going to be the polar opposite of feel it. Our debut headline show is in Edinburgh on June 29th at Legends which we are looking forward to also.
Catch newshapes at their debut headline show in Legends, Edinburgh this summer. Tickets available here.
Join us at Resonate 2024 on the 28th November at Platform, Glasgow. Final Early Bird tickets are still available and close to selling out! Click here for tickets.