VISTAS - From Bannermans to The Barrowland
Words by Amy Middleton
Vistas formed only a short four years ago in the Scottish capital, making their live debut at Edinburgh’s Bannerman’s Bar on the Cowgate in January 2016. Since then we’ve seen them soar into the stratosphere supporting indie icons like The Wombats and Circa Waves, selling out venues across the UK, and racking up over half a million monthly Spotify listeners. In May of this year Vistas released their debut album ‘Everything Changes in the End’ which reached number 2 on the Scottish Album Charts this summer, and in 2021 they’ll take to the stage at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom. Frontman Prentice Robertson reflects on the band’s journey so far, future dream gigs, Scotland’s ones to watch, and offers words of advice for emerging bands.
How did you feel before and after your live debut at Bannerman’s?
Before the show we were all really nervous because we were playing a full new set of songs and we put loads of work - or what we thought at the time was loads of work - into that debut show. After we played, I do remember thinking that the set seemed different to any other set I’d played with other bands, and I think we all felt we had something special with Vistas.
Was there a specific moment that you started to feel as though ‘big things’ were coming your way as a band?
Definitely when our track ‘Medicine’ was added to a few big Spotify playlists and we saw our streams doubling by the day. I think it’s a really important point for any emerging band when people they don’t know start listening to their tunes.
What are some specific highlights from the last four years? Any stand-out gigs? Do you have a favourite city/venue to play?
I think all of our headline shows have been a real highlight. I find it very hard to pick a favourite because it always blows me away that people will get in a room to come hear our tunes live. A few definite highlights have been our headline shows at St. Luke’s in Glasgow, La Belle Angele in Edinburgh, Manchester Academy, and Dingwalls in London. Reading and Leeds, Community and Truck Festival were also amazing. Playing to those massive crowds never fails to feel special.
In a 2016 interview you said that playing Barrowland Ballroom is a collective life dream of the band’s – how does it feel for that to now be a reality?
It honestly doesn’t feel real and I don’t think it will feel real until a few weeks after we’ve played it. Just can’t wait and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who got a ticket.
Now that you’ve ticked off the Barras, what’s the next dream gig?
We’d all love to play Japan one day, fingers crossed.
Why/how do you think you’ve cultivated such an avid, loyal fanbase in such a short space of time? What do you think attracts fans to Vistas?
I think people are just into the tunes and I think people can tell they come from a genuine place. That’s something we don’t ever want to lose. I think Spotify has been hugely important too in getting our tracks in people’s ears that maybe wouldn’t have come across them.
What Vistas achievement are you most proud of?
A very boring answer unfortunately but I think it would be our debut album ‘Everything Changes in the End’. I’m proud that we managed to put it out during this crazy time too and glad that it connected with so many different people.
Are there any new bands making noise in Scotland that you’d describe as ones to watch?
We’re all big fans of St.Martiins from Dundee, Swim School from Edinburgh, and Avaera from Perth.
Are there any Scottish bands you look up to?
We absolutely love We Were Promised Jetpacks and Dananananaykroyd who are sadly not together anymore. Young Fathers and Chvrches are great too.
What words of advice do you have for young emerging talent in Scotland?
Just keep plugging away at your song-writing and try to make your tunes the best they can be. Forget about everything else that goes along with being in a band and just hone in on your songs, because once you have those down everything else becomes easier. Also learn how to pack the boot of your car really well so you don’t need to hire a van!
MEET THE FANS
I also had a chat with three Vistas fans: Kayleigh, Sam, and Gregor, who each opened up about how they first heard about Vistas, why fans are so drawn to the band, and why Scotland’s music scene is so exciting.
When did you first hear about Vistas?
K: An old friend of mine showed me them as they were from close to her hometown. I think this is only when they had the Medicine EP on Spotify and I just loved it.
S: I first heard them through Spotify Discovery in 2018
G: I first heard about Vistas when Sign Language was released, but I never actually listened to the band until the Medicine EP came out. I remember seeing it had so many streams and wondered what the hype was about.
What do you think it is about Vistas that has resonated with fans so much for them to take off as much as they have?
K: I think they have a really special place in their hearts for fans, really giving their time to chat to them after shows and interacting with a crowd during a set.
S: I think most fans can relate a lot in the sense that they are still young lads making it in the industry. They always seem like they truly put everything into their gigs and honestly work so hard to make sure they respond to fans on social media. Fans appreciate that.
G: It felt fresh and new from a Scottish band. A lot of Scottish bands, at least in my opinion, were going down a route of a rougher sound and a bit grittier. Vistas had a very polished sound and very catchy lyrics. I think that’s what people love about them. They’re also some of the nicest and friendliest people I’ve ever met in the scene. People realise very quickly when they meet Vistas that they are just three normal guys that enjoy making music.
How do you feel about the music scene in Scotland?
K: I absolutely love the Scottish music scene, there are so many talented artists all over the country. Vistas were the first band that really got me hooked on the small indie scene Scotland has to offer and now I seek out as much indie music as I can. We have a really strong music scene and we should be proud of that!
S: I love the music scene in Scotland. I think bands like Biffy and CHVRCHES are amazing, they started out in venues like King Tuts and really prove that you can have small beginnings in Scotland and make it big.
G: The music scene in Scotland is very strong at the moment with lots of genres being represented. From pop to metal to pop punk to alt rock to indie. There’s a band in Scotland for absolutely everyone. At times it can feel very cliquey and sometimes you can feel like certain people get all the opportunities. But once you get in and find the bands you like and get on with, it’s one of the best scenes in the UK. Also, a venue like the hydro means a lot for Glasgow. It brings so many bands and events to the city that we could never have imagined. It’s a very important venue for Scotland, and the world.
Listen to Vistas’ debut album ‘Everything Changes in the End’ on all streaming platforms now.
Limited edition copies of the album on vinyl, tape, and CD are still available here.
Tickets for their 2021 UK Spring tour are on sale now.
Prentice Robertson is speaking on our “MAKING MONEY FROM STREAMING” where panelists sit down to discuss their practical tips for building a streaming presence, what worked for them and how you can build your streaming audiences across all streaming platforms.