Artist Spotlight: Rend Collective

 Released in June, your latest album FOLK! marks a new chapter in your music. How does this album reflect where you are musically right now, and what do you want listeners to take away from it?

I’ve always loved the idea that “folk music” literally means “people music” - it’s touchable and human. Musically we just wanted it to feel organic more than perfect. We left some imperfections in the final recording -  there’s an out of tune banjo here and there (is there such thing as an in tune banjo?!) - and we think it all adds up to a sort of raucous, rootsy sound that lives up to our Irish heritage.

Is there a dream venue you’ve always wanted to play?

What’s funny is I think we’ve been privileged to play most of the ones people tend to think of : Red Rocks, Madison Square Garden, The Ryman etc. BUT there’s a tiny little pub venue in Belfast called the Empire…It holds about 250 people, has sticky floors and the decor has this weird sort of vaudeville theatre vibe. For some reason it has completely stolen my heart, probably because my favourite local bands played there at a really formative time in my life. And we haven’t played it…yet! 

How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard you before?

I think Irish Folk rock about covers it. Think The Frames meets Noah Kahan.

Where do you usually find inspiration for your songs?

Most of it comes from lived experience - struggles, victories, good conversations around the fire. Being a Christian band we tend to run our lives through the lens of our faith. Our belief in Jesus has brought us a lot of hope personally and, without being obnoxious or exclusive about it, we want to share that hope with others. 

Best thing about playing in Scotland?

You’ll think I'm just saying this but all of our favourite shows are in Glasgow. Hands down the best audiences on the planet. I would describe you, in the best possible way, as absolutely unhinged.

Tickets for Rend Collective's show at the O2 Academy Glasgow next month are on sale now ⇾ More Info