More about: The CureThe Twilight Sad
Put aside any thoughts of Buckfast or shortbread, by a country mile, the best export that Scotland has ever given the world is its music. From Orange Juice to Chvrches via Frightened Rabbit, Biffy Clyro and Franz Ferdinand, countless class acts have crossed Hadrian's Wall to make the world a better place.
Another band leading the charge are Gigwise favourites and the practically flawless, The Twilight Sad. Being handpicked by The Cure to support them on their upcoming, 5mammoth world tour is testament enough to their greatness.
Away from Robert Smith and co, The Twilight Sad are among the stellar names performing at Electric Fields in their native Scotland at Drumlanrig Castle from 26-27 August, alongside the likes of Primal Scream, Everything Everything, Public Service Broadcasting, Erol Alkan and many more.
To celebrate, we asked frontman James Graham to talk us through his favourite Scottish bands of the past and the future, as well as a handful of underrated gems.
PAST
Cocteau Twins
"One of my favourite bands of all time. I listen to them all the time but I've been listening to them a lot over the past eight months. Liz Frazer has one of the most beautiful voices ever, and they are from Grangemouth which is 15 minutes from where I live."
The Blue Nile
"Brendan who plays keys in The Twilight Sad also played keys for The Blue Nile, they don't play a lot of gigs but he's played live with them since 2006. He also played with Paul Buchanan when he released his brilliant solo album Mid Air. I got into them pretty late on but now I think they are one of the best Scottish bands of all time. Hats is one of my favourite albums."
Remember Remember
"Remember Remember released three albums on Mogwai's Rock Action Records, but unfortunately split up last year. I was at their farewell gig in Glasgow and it was a celebration of what a great band they were."
FUTURE
Man Of Moon
"I'm pretty sure you'll be hearing a lot about these two young Edinburgh lads this year. They've supported us on two separate tours now. They are a brilliant live band and are only going to get better."
Sacred Paws
"Sacred Paws are a tremendous Glasgow/London-based band who put out an EP on Mogwai’s Rock Action label last year. They’re a pretty amazing fusion of pop melodies, wild guitar parts and off-kilter rhythms. Their songs have an infectious, feel-good element of joy about them. In short, they’re just a great pop band both live and on record."
Martha Ffion
"We played with Martha at last years Edinburgh Festival for Vic Galloway's BBC Scotland radio show. She was on before us and I missed her set because I went to the pub for some dutch courage before we played. The next day I went on the internet and listened to her music. Since then I've been a fan and I'm looking forward to seeing her play. She's singed to Turnstile Records from Wales which is cool. "
Vladimir
"Vladimir are a young band from Dundee. They've supported us on two separate tours as well. They've also supported The Fall on quite a few occasions which is very cool in my book."
UNDERRATED
Kathryn Joseph
"I wouldn't say that Kathryn is underrated, as I and many many other people rate her very highly. She won the Scottish Album of The Year Award. Her debut album is beautiful and I want as many people to hear it as possible."
Adam Stafford
"I've known Adam for a long time, since our debut album actually. He's consistently released brilliant albums. His new record Taser Revelations is out soon and I'm very much looking forward to it."
Errors
"Again I don't think Errors are underrated - I just think they should be bigger than a lot of bands that make electronic music and sell out arenas around the globe, as Errors are much better. "
Full dates for The Cure's UK tour with The Twilight Sad are below. For tickets and more information, visit here.
Tue November 29 2016 - MANCHESTER Arena
Thu December 01 2016 - LONDON SSE Arena Wembley
Fri December 02 2016 - LONDON SSE Arena Wembley
Grab your copy of the Gigwise print magazine here.
More about: The CureThe Twilight Sad