SLIX have quickly built a reputation as one of Scotland’s most exciting new rock bands. Especially across the past couple of years or so now, they’ve taken their sound from smalltown Gourock to festival stages across Europe. When asked about their favourite moment, “For us, the highlight has to be, Mad Cool Festival in Madrid. That was probably the biggest moment so far. We’d just done TRNSMT in Glasgow, which at 19 or 20 felt like the pinnacle… and then suddenly we’re in Madrid playing to this huge crowd. It was surreal.”
The band were quick to stress the role their community has played in their rise and success. “Even though we’re not from Glasgow, our community follows us there, and even down south or abroad. Some of them even came to Madrid! There’s a good community feel, when someone’s doing well, everyone hops on and supports.”
Scotland is at the centre of innovation, with all the new talent emerging from small towns and cities up and down the country. “The scene’s become way more diverse in 2024 and 2025. It’s inclusive now, not just punk or indie. You can go out in Glasgow and see a mix of bands on the same bill, all different genres, and it just works. It brings everyone together.”
Over the past couple of years, SLIX have really found their place in the industry. We asked them about how they have found navigating the industry so far: “At first it was daunting, definitely intimidating. The industry feels huge when you’re on the outside, but once you start making connections, even just conversations, it makes it feel easier. Having a solid manager helps too. When you’ve got people who have your back, it takes some of the pressure off.”
It was really nice to know also that they know exactly what it is that drives them forward, songwriting. “We’ve realised songwriting is everything. Gigging’s amazing, but you need songs that are undeniable. That’s our goal, to write music that people can’t ignore.”
It’s tough for bands to find their clear and definitive visual style that fully represents their sound. When asked about how the guys manage to balance everything, they had this to say, “Life gets in the way, jobs, relationships, everything, but once we sit down and start writing, it just takes off. You can’t force the magic. You have to give yourself space and time, and once you’re in it, it flows.”
“Now, we’ve got experience, big gigs, festivals, tours, and that makes us want to expand our sound, to really push ourselves. We want our songs to be undeniable.”
“Artwork and visuals are as important as the music now for us, you need to catch people at first glance. We’re lucky we’ve got Harvey in the band who runs our socials and has an eye for it. And we work with creatives from our hometown, people who know us personally, so it feels authentic. We could easily go to London and hire someone, but it wouldn’t have that personal touch.”
“We recorded it back in February and have been sitting on it since. This track breaks the mould of what we’ve been before, it shows where our heads are at creatively right now. We’re so proud of it.”
It’s also the first time they’ve co-written with their longtime friend and producer Johnny Madden. “He’s always been there, but this was the first time he really got involved in shaping a track with us. It just felt right, and it shines through in the song.”
And they’re not stopping there. “If Gut Punch is the baseline, everything after is only going to be better. We’re not slowing down.”
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Sadie Jean’s music has always been deeply personal, and she knows it “It’s the weirdest feeling ever to put out a song that’s super personal,” she says “Anyone can hear it, especially the person it’s about, which is kind of scary But it’s also really healing and therapeutic in a way I’ve never experienced before So it’s like a give and take” That vulnerability has become her trademark, and while the exposure can feel overwhelming, she’s learning to embrace it “I’m such a perfectionist I’ve only released like four songs in two years, which is just a great display of my indecisiveness and nervousness I always wonder, ‘Is this the right song?’ But I’m getting better now at releasing music faster, which feels good”
“I just moved to LA, and it’s been so nice having a good group of friends there In music, it’s hard to find really genuine, good people, so I feel super lucky to have that support system” Her friends are ever-present, in her socials, her shows, and her creative journey “It’s really special When people show up for you like that, it just makes everything better I feel really grateful”
“It’s so weird to want the same thing for as long as I can remember and then be living it In that MTV Cribs-style video I made when I was younger, I was literally writing songs about just wanting to be on stage. So I’ve been manifesting this my whole life.” But success hasn’t been without turbulence. “After my first song came out, I freaked out for like a year. I wasn’t used to anyone listening to me sing, let alone hearing such a personal song. It rattled me. But eventually I just looked at the good, it’s cool that people like my songs. The people who listen are so nice. Now I just feel lucky and want to do more.”
“In ten years, I definitely see myself still doing this. Hopefully touring, making music, living the dream. And I really want to win a Grammy that’s the big bucket list thing”
“Music as a career is kind of made up it’s not a normal job. I try to take breaks, be a normal person, do normal things. You can’t force creativity, so I’ve been learning to give myself space.”
“The thing that helps me most is reminding myself to be as true to myself as possible No one else can do that No one else can be me So I’ve got to use that to my advantage” She admits she wasn’t always confident: “Sophomore year of high school, I was so scared to tell my friends I could sing I used to purposely sing bad in front of them because I thought it was embarrassing Eventually, I sent them a video of me doing a cover, it was the scariest thing I’ve ever done But it was the first step in pursuing music publicly I was really proud of that moment”
One thing Sadie Jean has learned is the importance of patience “I used to get so caught up in comparing myself to others Like, why are they doing this and I’m not? But I’ve realized everyone’s timeline is different You just have to focus on your own journey That’s been such a huge mindset shift for me”
Sadie has her new single, “Slow Burn” from her upcoming debut album, out now!
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THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES WITH ENTRY TO THE ‘ALL SHOOK UP’ AFTERPARTY BAR AFTER THE EXPERIENCE!
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Edinburgh born artist, Indoor Foxes, is having a whirlwind year. “It’s been completely overwhelming, honestly,” she admits. “I just didn’t expect it to happen so fast. After I put out the EP, I thought, okay, 2026 will be the year. And then, nope, it was like right off the bat. You’re playing this, you’re playing that, you’re going here, you’re going there. I had to really learn how to tour, how to take care of myself… and I still haven’t learned to drive!”
The speed of it all has taken her from Scotland’s grassroots stages to Reading, Leeds, and TRNSMT “I just couldn’t believe it Playing TRNSMT was so surreal. Bringing my mates backstage, getting the beers, looking out at the crowd,I was like, wow. I can’t believe I’m here.”
Despite her travels, Scotland’s music scene remains home. “It just feels really friendly,” she explains. “There’s competition, of course, but everyone’s pals with each other. There are so many collectives, and everyone knows everyone. It’s reassuring, you can walk into a gig on your own and bump into a friend. I love that.” Having moved back to Edinburgh recently, she reflects on Glasgow too: “I really miss it. Showing up to gigs and knowing someone will be there, it’s something special.”
When asked what’s kept her motivated through years of artistry, she doesn’t hesitate with: “Always doing it for myself. Always making music for me. It sounds selfish, but at the end of the day, I’m the one who has to live with it, promote it, and stand behind it. If people love it, that’s amazing, but I have to back it, no matter what. If something doesn’t feel right, I just don’t do it” That ethos guides her creativity “People know when it’s not authentic You see artists sign to a major, and suddenly the songs change, you can tell I want everything I put out to be 100% me. Even the visuals, the artwork, I make them by hand, cutting things out, paper-mâché, gluing it all together. The label helps with strategy and photography, but the core has to come from me.”
2025’s festival season has brought more than new fans. “I met so many amazing artists this year,” she smiles. “At Reading and Leeds, I met JD Cliffe and his team, who were so lovely. At TRNSMT I connected with loads of Scottish artists too And Clifford, oh my god, they’ve been so supportive and encouraging It just makes the whole experience better when everyone’s rooting for each other”
Indoor Foxes shares three key lessons: “First, do it for you. Don’t do it for fame or money, do it because you love making music. Second, don’t stop. I released my first single in 2018, and it’s only in the past year that things have really started happening. For years I thought, it’s never gonna happen, but I kept going because I loved it. And third, say yes. If opportunities make you happy, take them. That’s how you grow.”
With everything that’s happened, what stands out most? “It might sound silly, but when I released ‘Plant Pot Song’ and got 2,000 streams in 24 hours, that was huge for me. For a new artist, that meant the world. But TRNSMT… yeah, that’s the one. Being on that stage, in the sun, with my mates on the guest list, beers in hand, it was unbelievable. I was like, I can’t believe I’m here.”
VINYLJUNKIE
Autumn Spins: Fresh Pressings and Timeless Returns
As the days get shorter and the evenings draw in, autumn is shaping up to be a prime season for vinyl lovers. From eagerly awaited reissues to surprising new releases, there’s plenty for collectors and newcomers alike to explore. Whether you’re filling gaps in a long-running collection or picking up a few seasonal essentials, now is the perfect time to drop the needle.
Top of the autumn pile is Florence + The Machine’s Everybody Scream, pressed on limitededition red vinyl with alternate artwork Florence’s ethereal vocals and dynamic instrumentation make this a standout release, perfect for those crisp autumn evenings when you want music to fill the room Another cinematic highlight is Howard Shore’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring soundtrack, now available on coloured vinyl Whether you’re revisiting the epic score or discovering it for the first time, it’s an immersive experience that suits cosy nights in
For pop enthusiasts, Perrie Edwards’ solo debut Perrie drops on pink vinyl this month Her fresh, energetic sound brings something upbeat to autumn playlists and is a welcome complement to heavier reissues Meanwhile, fans of classic new wave and pop-punk shouldn’t miss Blondie’s No Exit (Expanded & Remastered) The expanded coloured vinyl edition brings new life to a timeless album, a reminder of why Blondie’s blend of punk attitude and pop hooks remains irresistible decades later
And for those who love a bold, contemporary listen, Hayley Williams’ Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party arrives on limited-edition highlighter yellow vinyl in early November Her introspective lyrics and dynamic soundscapes offer a compelling, modern addition to any collection
Autumn is also an excellent time to hunt for secondhand treasures Charity shops, local fairs, and independent record stores often hold overlooked gems waiting to be rediscovered. A clean copy of a long-sought album can still surface for next to nothing, and the thrill of discovery is something no digital playlist can replicate.
Vinyl care remains just as important in the cooler months. Keep discs upright, away from radiators, and use anti-static sleeves. A clean stylus ensures your records sound their best, while the act of flipping sides, examining the cover, and letting one track bleed naturally into the next is an experience streaming simply can’t replicate.
Whether it’s a vibrant new pressing or a hidden secondhand find, autumn is the perfect season to explore, collect, and most importantly, enjoy your vinyl
For all things vinyl and more
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Anthony Kavanagh, known to many as 90’s pop icon “Kavana”, has released a brand new brutally honest memoir, “Popscars”. Anthony shot to fame in the 90’s at just eighteen years old, gracing magazine covers, with hits reaching the top 10 in the UK. In our interview we spoke about his experiences of transforming from Anthony Kavanagh to "Kav," the pop star persona, and the challenges of hiding his true identity, and of course his new book “I wanted to write something that I would want to read myself That means it had to be honest, raw, no holds barred, and just vulnerable”
“Popscars”, takes the reader through Kav’s life, his rise to fame, his struggles, and ultimately his recovery, his survival. “When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, other people connect. They go, you did that? Well, I did this once,” he explained. “It was mixing all that together with the pop stuff. But really, when I started writing about what happened after fame, that’s when it was like… whoa.”
From an early age Kav took his inspirations from music stores - from the covers of Smash Hits Magazine, totally enticed by the pop industry. It was naive, but it was very ambitious. Things did just align,” he recalled. “I kept saying it and saying it, and then it just happened There was no theatre school, no connections I became obsessed with just, could I be on that Smash Hits cover? Knowing I had the goods to sing, why not me?”
Music and creativity were also prominent in his household, so when you really look at this background and context, it’s really no surprise how Kav came to be. “My sister was 20 years older than me, like my cooler mum. She’d pump out Madonna and Kate Bush. My dad loved music too - he carried his radio everywhere, blaring Elvis or Frank Sinatra. I was surrounded by icons. It connected to me. I just became like, wow, this is an amazing world.”
REINVENTION
Based on the way in which the music industry was built back then, and the time period itself, the music industry bosses didn't just take Anthony Kavanagh as he was. “When the manager said, Anthony Kavanagh is too longwinded, he dropped the ‘gh’ and turned me into Kavana, like Madonna, like Elvis. Suddenly, I’m Kav. I became this new identity to hide behind.”
In our interview Anthony laughed remembering this moment: “I’d look in the mirror going, I’m Kav, hi! Anthony, the sensitive, shy, gay lad with imposter syndrome became Kav, the cheeky chappy Northern lad. Parts of me, but hiding all the other parts. It was like Clark Kent turning into Superman.”
“I was obviously gay, and that was always in the back of my mind. But they wanted the template that worked, teenage girl fans, a certain look, the solo boy band vibe I went along with it Cav was cheeky, charming, and fun, but Anthony stayed hidden for years That part of me had to figure itself out much later”
MONEY
At the beginning of the memoir, Kav details the amount of money that was included in advance’s to launch his career off the ground, massively contrasting the lifestyle, he was leaving “We lived on a council estate My mum and dad weren’t working I’d been at McDonald’s So when that deal happened, I was ready But I soon realised money did not bring happiness It made me comfortable, sure, but it didn’t make me hugely happy.”
“I’d go to the cash machine and take out £200 a day, and I didn’t even know what to do with it. I’d buy CDs, and they’d still be in the wrapper a week later. It was fleeting. It never really filled me.”
When you read the “Popscars”, you get an essence for Kav’s true passion for music and writing. It comes across as one of the most prominent positives in Anthony’s life at the time. He said in our interview, ““I was terrible at everything else. But music came naturally. My manager asked, Can you write songs? I said yes, even though I hadn’t written one in my life. But when I tried it, it just happened naturally. That’s when I realised: if you want to last, it’s in the songwriting. That’s where the substance is.”
BREAKINGSHAME
“I felt a lot of shame and embarrassment for a couple of decades of being the has-been 90s pop star. Add addiction on top of that, it’s not a great mix. But writing this book… It's probably the most important thing I’ve ever done creatively. I’ve laid myself bare. I’ve relived all that time, but given it meaning.”
His various promotions, interviews, appearances for “Popscars”, has prompted a moving response “When I said on Lorraine that my DMs were open, my god, did I get messages People said, I was drinking this morning watching you when you said that Thank you I can’t get into long conversations with everyone, but I can point them towards what helped me. There’s something powerful in saying, "I've been there too.”
Shame will keep you isolated and could kill you. As long as we’re breathing, there’s a chance. That’s what I want people to know.”
NEWMUSIC
One thing we were curious about prior to the interview was Kav’s stance with music today. When prompted with the question, would you revisit and create more music? He said: “Honestly, I’ve not been confident enough to do music because I thought no one would be interested. But once I got sober, the creativity came back. I thought, let the book come first, get me back out there. Now I’m thinking, maybe I will. Why not?”
So what sound does he imagine? “I tend to write on piano, so it can be a bit melancholy. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a sad banger, right?” he laughed We told him, “The world needs to dance”
MOTIVATION
Of course revisiting his own past and trauma, has been a hugely difficult task, however it has been necessary to Anthony’s survival. “I couldn’t have done this book at one year sober. I needed solid foundations. Recovery is like a tree, it has to have roots, or it’ll blow over. Now I’m strong enough to look back and put it out there.”
“I’ve got a post-it on my cupboard that just says, You’ve survived it. Because we all have. Every single thing we thought would break us, we’ve survived it. That’s what I remind myself of when the fear creeps in.”
PROUDEST
MOMENTSOFAR
Anthony’s journey has been complicated. The memoir “Popscars” is an addiction memoir. He has had low points but has survived and is now using his experiences to support others. The TRi THIS Music team has been incredibly inspired by his story, and we are so excited for what comes next.
As always, our final question, what is your proudest moment so far? Who better to ask? Kavana paused before answering: “I could say buying my parents a house, or winning the Smash Hits award. But if I’m to be really honest… My proudest moment is writing this book. It’s the most honest I’ve been, the most creative I’ve been, and I took the risk to get it out there. We have to take risks in life, don’t we?”
