The Ashtones

Hailed as ‘the best thing since sliced bread’ by the Metro newspaper, The Ashtones are headed for big things.  An atmospheric rock band from my hometown of East Kilbride met by chance at a party through mutual friends and decided to have a practice together. The band held their first gig at Ivory Blacks a mere two weeks later. I have known the band members for a number of years and was present at their first band practice which was now nearly two years ago. The band consists of David Gillies, 18, lead vocals and lead guitar. Calum Denny, 19, bass. Connaire McGuinness, 17, guitar and Calum Murray, 18, drums. Over the past two years the band has worked relentlessly hard to become noticed in the Glasgow music scene. With countless gigs and EP releases in 2011, the band is gaining in popularity every week.  Having already released ‘Amplification Situation’ and ‘Like Lightning’, they are now currently in the studio working on their third EP to be released this year.  The band supported Jody Has a Hitlist and The Angies at the O2 ABC2 before having the privilege to headline the same venue in November.  In July they also played at The Tall Ships Festival in Greenock, supported A Day Overdue and headlined the Oran Moor Festival in June.

So far, 2012 is looking to be an eventful year for the band. Their risky decision to alter their style of music has finally paid off.  Critically acclaimed blues musician Ben Poole is touring the UK after playing Glastonbury last year and The Ashtones have been chosen as his support for his King Tuts gig on the 23^rd of March.  Furthermore, they have been scouted by RCA Records and are heading down to Carlisle on March 25^th to play a showcase for the label which is home to bands such as Kasabian, The Strokes, Justin Timberlake and Kings of Leon. They also have the opportunity to record their first ever music video which they hope do to this month as well.

If all goes well in March, this could be the big break the band has been hoping for.  

The Ashtones also receive a lot of support from East Kilbride including gaining an unlikely fan in East Kilbride MSP Linda Fabiani and have set up a fan base which regularly attends their gigs. One fan in particular, Jason Small, has recently made a documentary on the band titled ‘TheWorld At Your Feet’. The band also has a successful Facebook page and you can follow them on Twitter for regular updates!

2012 certainly looks like a big year for the band, with an upcoming EP release and potential life changing showcase in a matter of weeks; The Ashtones  have the world at their feet.