What Scotland's Indie Artists' Spotify Wrapped Look Like!
words by Joe Craig
The time has come around once again where our listening habits are exposed to the world. Some of us are strangely proud; others embarrassed beyond belief.
I am talking, of course, about Spotify Wrapped.
Those who follow artists on Instagram will be familiar with the annual posting of each and every top 5 they sneaked into. But seldom do we get to peek behind the curtain and have a look at what the artists themselves listen to.
But this year, thanks to a few willing participants, I bring you that chance! Below you can examine the Spotify Wrapped of bands across the country, and an exciting up-and-coming solo artist too, and some explanations to go with their listening
There were some interesting excuses, of course. I will avoid naming names, but one artist declined on the grounds that his Wrapped simply couldn’t be correct, only for another member of the same band to suggest he was hiding the fact his own band would be in it! And another has blamed his mother for his own inclusion, so it’s up to you to decide if you believe him…
Another artist needed to take some time to reflect over what the right excuse was for having Taylor Swift in the number 1 top artist slot! You’ll see who that was very soon.
Have a look and see how these compare to your Spotify Wrapped!
Robbie McNicol – Forgetting the Future
Robbie is the frontman of Thurso indie rock band Forgetting The Future. His top 5 artists include classic indie rock inspirations The Beatles and Oasis, modern rockers Arctic Monkeys and Catfish and the Bottlemen, and fellow North Scotland representatives Neon Waltz! He explained his decisions to me:
“I love the Beatles because their music radiates positivity and somehow is still incredibly relevant today, they were way ahead of their time!
“Oasis might not be the most technical band, but you can’t deny they write absolute bangers. Just pure rock and roll all without a care in the world. Their passion for music and dedication to get to the top inspires me as a musician.
“The Arctic Monkeys are probably the most diverse band of the last two decades, starting off with an album like ‘Whatever People Say I am, That’s What I’m Not’ with their youthful twangy indie rock sound sprouting all the way into jazzy rock and roll with some mean attitude like their latest album ‘Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino’ just proves how much they can do and still blow everyone’s minds! And that’s why they are one of my Top 5 bands!
“Neon Waltz have always been local heroes to us. They have become something so important up where we are from in the north Highlands because of their passion and consistency! Also, they are very nice boys who put on very great gigs.
“I first came across Catfish And The Bottlemen a few years ago just after they released “The Ride” and became completely obsessed with them! At first, I hadn’t listened to them and wasn’t very keen to because of how popular they were becoming. I guess I didn’t really want to conform in a way! But once I first heard them, I was obsessed and couldn’t stop listening to them! That’s what a great band will do to you!”
Joshua Grant
Joshua is a singer-songwriter, known for his track ‘Edinburgh’ which this year reached number 1 of the Scottish Singles Sales Chart! I also noticed on his Instagram story that he was watching OTR 2020 and took part in the Meet the Speakers Conferences.
Joshua’s top 5 include The 1975, XXXTENTACION (who helped inspire his new track ‘Lay Me Down’), Machine Gun Kelly, Scotland’s own The Snuts and HIMSELF!
“The 1975 - these guys get a lot of hate. Yes, the lead singer says some very questionable things but they do know how to put on a show. I think I’ve seen them 6/7 times live now throughout all their albums and they keep getting better. The post punk banger ‘People’ from their newest album is mad, definitely one I’ve had on full volume when no one is looking. ‘Too Shy’ from their new album as well, I love dancing to that one in my kitchen. Just good vibes, good tunes.
“Joshua Grant - This incredibly handsome, multi-talented, intelligent artist is already one of the all time greats. Contrary to my massive ego, I hate listening to my own songs. This has placed here because I share my Mum’s Spotify... I promise!
“XXXTentacion - another controversial one here. I just love his music. It’s raw and different to anything else out there. His lyrics are real and I just think he was a great artist gone too early.
“The Snuts - I mean come on... obviously. Already the greatest to ever do it in my eyes. Only a matter of time until the world thinks the same. Guitar music is BACK. And The Snuts are leading the way.
“Machine Gun Kelly - whoever thought it would be a good idea to take MGK from rap to pop punk deserves a medal. One of my favourite albums this year ‘Tickets To My Downfall’ heavily influenced by another favourite of mine, Blink-182. It’s maybe a bit commercial for what punk is meant to be but I have a lot of fun listening to MGKs vocals and Travis Barkers drumming SLAPS.”
Alice Johnson - swim school
Alice sings lead vocals and plays guitar in Edinburgh indie band swim school. Her top 5 includes beabadoobee, Loyle Carner, swim school inspiration Wolf Alice, Dayglow and Chappaqua Wrestling!
“beabadoobee: An amazing new artist I discovered this year - I love her music and how you can tell that she doesn’t hold back she writes and puts out songs she loves.
“Loyle Carner: I’ve loved his music for a few years, but his music seemed to get me through lockdown, his lyrics and melodies are mesmerising and interesting.
“Wolf Alice: Wolf Alice are my biggest inspiration and made me fall in love with indie music, the vast amount of genres that they cover in their song writing is incredible - Ellie will always be my biggest inspiration in life!
“Dayglow: I heard “can I call you tonight?” by Dayglow and fell in love with the band and the rest of their tunes, they write classic indie bangers that remind me of summer.
“Chappaqua Wrestling: After Lewis showed me “football” by them, I couldn’t stop listened to the rest of the bangers that they have released - I love the diverse sounds in their songs and I’m always excited to hear what they release next!”
Sam McGill - Retro Video Club
We’ve found our Taylor Swift fan – it’s Retro Video Club’s guitarist, Sam McGill!
Sam’s other picks were the legendary Bob Dylan, Phoebe Bridgers, Wallows and our first artist to be picked twice, Dayglow!
“Taylor Swift - Deservedly takes my top spot after releasing my favourite album of 2020. Songs are great and so is the production.
“Bob Dylan - Never really listened to a lot of Bob Dylan until recently but really got into him during lockdown. My second top artist and takes 2 spots in my top 5 songs too. ‘Don’t Think Twice, it’s Alright’ is maybe my favourite song ever.
“Phoebe Bridgers - Third year in a row that Phoebe Bridgers has been in my top five. Between all of her other projects and her two solo records, there’s a lot of great songs to listen to. A lot of sad songs too, and sad ones are always the best ones.
“Dayglow - Really great debut album. Was looking forward to seeing them in Stereo back in March but obviously it wasn’t to be. ‘Hot Rod’ was in my top 5 songs.
“Wallows - A second consecutive appearance for Wallows in my top 5. My favourite songs are ‘Pleaser’ and ‘Only Friend’.”
Reece Dobbin - Dancing on Tables
A third pick for Dayglow! And it’s from the drummer of Dancing on Tables, Reece Dobbin!
His other picks include second appearances for The 1975 and Wallows, and first appearances for Blossoms and The Band CAMINO!
“Wallows - I was extremely late to the party. I knew a couple of songs up until lockdown, then rediscovered them and obsessed over the album, hence why 4 of my top 5 songs are wallows songs!
“The 1975 - This probably made the list from playing ‘Tonight (I Wish I was Your Boy)’ on repeat. Great band but was surprised they made my list.
“The Band CAMINO - A perfect blend of guitar driven pop music. As soon as live music comes back, they will blow up.
“Blossoms - A nostalgic one. Blossoms were the first band I ever saw blow up - from 300 cap venues to where they are now. ‘Falling for Someone’ off their latest album is probably my favourite song they’ve released yet.
“Dayglow - Fuzzy Brain was one of my favourite records of this year, even though it’s been out for over a year. A very talented guy with a knack for writing and self-producing a catchy upbeat indie tune.”
So there you have it! How did it compare to your own Spotify Wrapped?