Renfrewshire band are on the up

From the school grounds to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – a Renfrewshire band are looking to rock 2023.

The Lines, who are made up of members from Houston, Bridge of Weir and Lochwinnoch, started the band when they were in school but after their stride was knocked due to Covid the band are looking to make 2023 a big year for them.

Harry Gallacher, lead singer and guitarist, Marc Serann, lead guitarist, Matthew Kennedy, bass guitarist and Michael Macgee, drummer and backing vocalist all appeared on the BBC stage at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019 after starting to make music together in 2017.

The experience of being able to play at such a coveted venue and occasion was “huge” according to drummer Michael but they were also nervous due to the occasion.

Speaking to the Express, Michael said: “The BBC gig was one of those points where it didn’t feel real to us. It was one of those performances where it sticks out in our heads.

“I have to say I was really nervous at that one because the BBC is a huge, massive corporation, so to be a part of that was incredible.

“We have played at King Tuts, The Garage, The Bungalow etc but to have had that opportunity at that time was sensational.”

The band members at that point were in their stride as they were looking to make a name for themselves by putting their music, personalities and performances out there for all to see.

However, in 2020 when it looked like the only way was up for them the Covid pandemic hit and everything went into lockdown.

Michael says at this time it was tough as people couldn’t get together and that they practised in his garden when they were allowed.

But despite the difficulties, the experience enabled them to improve on their songwriting together.

Michael added: “At the start of 2020, we had three gigs a month for the next six months in advance including a festival supporting bands like Ash and Kings of Leon but that all fell through.

“Although a lot of it fell through because of Covid you could see that there was an increase in gigs and popularity that year.

“We thought that was going to be our year.

“At that point, we were totally different people and I’d say that there was a big jump in songwriting and that was something we all noticed.

“Because we couldn’t practise with each other we still wanted to improve and the musicianship definitely went up.

“As soon as we started getting more gigs lined up again that was when we agreed we would take it more seriously.

“We were growing a lot faster than we ever thought we would.”

Now as they stare at a blank canvas in 2023 The Lines are looking to make a huge impact in the music scene with gigs in Glasgow coming up and also more performances from them elsewhere in the country too.

The band are currently writing as many songs as they can that their fans will enjoy, with Michael comparing lead singer Harry to a “music machine” when it comes to writing songs.

Having the opportunity to break into the Glasgow music scene is one that the band are looking forward to, with Michael confirming that their dream venue would be the Barrowlands, one that is popular to gig goers due to its intimacy, music equipment and iconic history.

However, as much as that is their plan Michael confirms that Paisley and Renfrewshire still have a special place in their hearts.

He said: “That first gig we did together back at the start was special as it was a charity gig in the Bridge of Weir for a terminally-ill girl called Amelia and we were trying to raise money for her to go to Disneyland.

“It was something we were very passionate about doing.

“Playing in our home town is great, especially Paisley, as we have played there more times than I can count and we love it every time.

“However, getting to play in a place like Glasgow is special in itself and one that we are excited to try as many people won’t know us and to be able to bring our music to new people will be amazing.

“But as I said, Paisley is amazing, especially The Bungalow which is one of our favourite places to play.

“The lighting is great, the sound engineers are great and you can really connect with the fans.”

Paisley is amazing, especially The Bungalow which is one of our favourite places to play Michael Macgee