The Xcerts

Formed in 2001 in the headmaster’s office of their Aberdeen school, The Xcerts comprise of Scottish trio frontman Murray Macleod, bassist Jordan Smith, and Tom Heron on drums. It wasn’t until 2006, with the departure of original drummer Ross Mctaggart, that they really began to progress and subsequently relocated to Brighton to concentrate on their music. The band are on the road in support of their fourth studio album, Hold On To Your Heart and hit Dublin’s Whelan’s on February 20.

The Beat: What’s new?

The Xcerts: We have a new record out entitled Hold On To Your Heart and we are just about to embark on a UK and Ireland headline tour. Shockingly enough, this will be our first time performing in Ireland so we are very much looking forward to it.

The Beat: When is the next gig?

The Xcerts: The tour kicks off on the 18th of February in Leicester. We haven’t played there in many years and it’s set to be a good one so we’re psyched.

The Beat: What has been your best gig so far?

The Xcerts: I’d probably say our last headline show at Scala in London. The place was packed out, we played great and it felt like the stars aligned that night for sure.

The Beat: Tell us about your new record Hold On To Your Heart.

The Xcerts: It’s a record about self worth and knowing you’re worth more than the pain and hurt life can sometimes throw your way. The balance between light and dark is much more present on this record than ever before. I want the listener to feel invigorated by the end of the album. We got tired of bumming people out, we want to make people dance so we wrote a record that would inspire people to do some living.

The Beat: Describe you music in one sentence.

The Xcerts: The soundtrack to a John Hughes movie that was never made.

The Beat: What Irish acts do you rate?

The Xcerts: Oh man, where do we begin? Thin Lizzy, The Pogues, The Waterboys, Rory Gallagher, U2, Snow Patrol, Villagers, And So I Watch You From Afar, Jetplane Landing, Fighting With Wire... the list is endless.

The Beat: What has been your favourite moment as a musician?

The Xcerts: I think working with Gary Clark may very well be up there for me. He produced HOTYH and I’m now convinced he’s my spirit animal. It’s a hell of a thing when something like music brings people together in a working capacity and you end up with a lifelong friend.

The Beat: What’s in store for you for the rest of 2018?

The Xcerts: We are going to be on the road pretty much all year and we are also going to be releasing more music. There are a few songs left over from the HOTY sessions that didn’t make the cut that we are still incredibly proud of and want people to hear. It’s going to be a busy year that’s for sure. The Xcerts play Bar Sub, Belfast, Wednesday February 21. Tickets priced £13 available at Ticketmaster and usual outlets nationwide.