Artist Q&A:

Rock N Reel

Q: How did you start as a band?

It all began with John MacKinnon, accordion, and Liam Donn, guitar and vocals, joining up with plans to start a band when Liam floated the idea on Facebook. Liam is studying applied music BA at University of Highlands and Islands. And having played previously with Ollie Sharp, drums, and Graeme Cameron, bass guitar in the past they joined in and the group evolved. John has come from the more traditional Mòd-based, Gaelic scene and brought the traditional music element and the others added the rock. We play traditional, rock, our own compositions; everything from Garry Innes to AC/DC. We are a hard working band of ex-Oban High School members, who are playing the local pub and hotel circuit and ceilidhs, also on the islands. We have just finished recorded material at St Mary’s Studio, Appin, which we hope to release later in the year.

Q: What and who are your musical influences?

Wolfstone, Pantera, Big Country and Skipinnish and Skerryvore along with Skipinnish, Skerryvore and Trail West.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Fringe Festival?

Chunks – looking forward to hearing them at Oban Live – and the great feeling around the town; hearing who is playing at all the venues around Oban. We will be playing the Lorne Bar which is one of our favourite venues.