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The Snuts
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The Snuts are a Scottish indie rock band formed in 2015, originating from West Lothian, Scotland. They have performed across the United Kingdom and Ireland.[1][2][3][4] The band consists of Jack Cochrane (vocals and guitar), Joe McGillveray (guitar), Callum '29' Wilson (bass) and Jordan 'Joko' Mackay (drums) and was formed when the members were in school.[5]
Key Information
History
[edit]Wilson, McGillveray and McKay went to primary school with each other and they met Cochrane at secondary school.[6]
Wilson has said "we’ve only ever really played music together so I can’t really imagine it any other way".[6] They have been influenced by the likes of the Libertines and Arctic Monkeys, and Scottish Ned culture growing up.[7][8] They have also said that "one of our biggest inspirations is not to sound exactly like everybody else".[7] Before going full time as a band, Cochrane was a joiner, Wilson was a slater/roofer, and Mackay was a mechanic.[9][10]
The band's debut single, the demo "Glasgow" was described as a 'stunning track with heaps of melody' and quickly lead to an ever since growing fanbase.[11] After releasing several other demo singles in 2016, the Snuts released the self-produced EP The Matador in June 2017.[12]
The Snuts released their first 'proper' single, "Seasons" in June 2018, described as 'conventional in a much-needed and refreshing way', a 'total throwback to the last renaissance of alternative music' and 'impeccably pieced together, designed to detonate on impact'.[13][14] The following month, they then played at Scotland's TRNSMT Festival at the King Tut's Stage.[15] In September, "Manhattan Project" was released, produced by Dave McCracken.[16] In November 2018, the band signed with Parlophone Records.[17] In March 2019, the band made their US debut at the South By South West festival in Austin, Texas,[2] and their first single under Parlophone, "All Your Friends", was released in May. It was produced by Inflo and was the first single from their second EP Mixtape. It was described as having "an irresistibly catchy raw edge and a massive chorus" and Cochrane explained that it was a "new twist on a familiar social stigma around the drug epidemic that nobody seems to want to talk about".[18][19]
In July 2019 they performed again at TRNSMT, this time on the Main Stage;[20] in August they performed at the Reading and Leeds Festivals and also at Victorious Festival.[21][22] The band's next single "Maybe California" was released in September 2019 and was produced by Rich Costey.[23] "Juan Belmonte", named after the Spanish bullfighter, and also produced by Costey, was released in October.[24] In January 2020, the Snuts released a cover of Bruno Mars' "When I Was Your Man" from sessions at the Firepit Recording Studios in London. Two further singles, "Fatboy Slim" (in "homage of Fatboy Slim's notorious set at Brighton beach" in 2002)[25] and "Coffee & Cigarettes" were released before March, whereupon the EP Mixtape was released. The EP consists of 5 songs which showcase different influences and 4 interludes, which are studio outtakes, giving a kind of informal feel to the EP.[26] The EP peaked at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart and also topped the Scottish Albums Chart, as well as the UK Vinyl Albums Chart.[27][28][29] Following the success of Mixtape, the Snuts quickly released their next single, a cover of the Lovin' Spoonful's "Summer in the City". Like their previous cover song, this was a Firepit session.[30] It was also featured in an advert for Strongbow cider in August 2020.[31]
The following single "Elephants" was released in June 2020 and was produced by Tony Hoffer. It topped the iTunes Singles Chart on the day of its release.[32] Cochrane described it as "another twist on our ever-growing diverse catalogue".[3] In August, the band supported the Libertines at a socially-distanced performance at the Virgin Money Unity Arena in Newcastle.[33] "That's All It Is" was released in September and features on the soundtrack to the video game FIFA 21.[34] A week later, the Snuts released "Always", with Cochrane saying "the song depicts the message of falling in love with someone who in turn allows you to love yourself".[35] "Always" was the final number one single on the Scottish Singles Chart before it was discontinued in December 2020.[36]
In December, the band announced the release of their debut album W.L. on 19 March 2021, later pushed back to 2 April. It includes 10 previously released singles, three of which featured on the EP Mixtape, and three previously unreleased songs. The deluxe edition also includes four previously unreleased bonus tracks.[37] In February 2021, a new single, "Somebody Loves You" was released in support of the Scottish Refugee Council, with the band donating the budget for the music video to the charity.[38] Before its release, the Snuts performed the album at Stirling Castle and it was later released as a live album.[39] W.L. debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, making the Snuts the first Scottish band to do so with their debut album since The View in 2007.[40]
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the band were unable to go on tour until the end of July, whereupon they began a UK tour. In October, they briefly toured the US, before returning to the UK to continue their tour there. Between January and February 2022, the Snuts supported the Kooks as an opening act for their nationwide tour promoting their upcoming album 10 Tracks to Echo in the Dark. In June, they supported Louis Tomlinson along with Californian band Sun Room for a couple performances in Mexico.[41] The Snuts opened for Tomlinson again in 2023 on the North America leg of his Faith in the Future World Tour.[42] From 28 June to 1 July 2022, the Snuts were the opening act for Kings of Leon during the latter's When You See Yourself tour.[43]
In July 2021, the Snuts announced that they had already written their second album.[44] In November, the first single, "Burn the Empire", was released.[45] Several other singles were released in 2022, including a collaboration with Rachel Chinouriri entitled "End of the Road", and their album Burn the Empire was announced in June 2022 and released on 7 October 2022.[46][47] However, in early September, following an online campaign by the band to make Parlophone release the album earlier, the release date was brought forward to 30 September.[48] Burn the Empire peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart.[49]
Following the release of Burn the Empire, the Snuts decided not to renew their contract with Parlophone. Instead, they decided to leave and set up their own label, Happy Artist Records, with distributor The Orchard. On leaving Parlophone, Cochrane said that "throughout the last campaign it was clear our vision as artists and that of the label, had drifted apart significantly" and that "The Orchard felt like a safe home we could transition to smoothly. It was clear from the offset they understood the core values of The Snuts and the community that comes with us".[50] The first release on their new label came in May 2023 with "Gloria".[50][51] In November, they announced their third album Millennials, released on 23 February 2024.[52]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Certification | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [27] |
SCO [27] | |||
| W.L. |
|
1 | 1 | |
| Burn the Empire |
|
3 | 1 | |
| Millennials |
|
2 | 1 | |
Live albums
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| W.L. (Live from Stirling Castle) |
|
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [27] |
SCO [28] | ||||||||||||||||||
| The Matador |
|
— | — | ||||||||||||||||
| Mixtape EP |
|
14 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released. | |||||||||||||||||||
Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Peak chart positions | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [27] |
SCO [54] | |||
| 2016 | "Glasgow" (demo) | — | — | Non-album singles |
| "Proper" (demo) | — | — | ||
| "Sing for Your Supper" (demo) | — | — | ||
| 2018 | "Seasons" | — | — | |
| "Manhattan Project" | — | — | ||
| 2019 | "All Your Friends" | — | — | W.L. |
| "Maybe California" | — | 87 | ||
| "Juan Belmonte" | — | — | ||
| 2020 | "When I Was Your Man" (Firepit Session) | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Fatboy Slim" | — | 98 | Mixtape | |
| "Coffee & Cigarettes" | — | — | W.L. | |
| "Summer in the City" (Firepit Session) | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "Elephants" | —[A] | 2 | W.L. | |
| "That's All It Is" | — | 40 | Non-album single | |
| "Always" | —[B] | 1 | W.L. | |
| 2021 | "Somebody Loves You" | — | × | |
| "Glasgow" | — | × | ||
| "Burn the Empire" | — | × | Burn the Empire | |
| 2022 | "Zuckerpunch" | — | × | |
| "End of the Road" (feat. Rachel Chinouriri) | — | × | ||
| "The Rodeo" | — | × | ||
| "Knuckles" | — | × | ||
| 2023 | "Gloria" | — | × | Millennials |
| "Dreams" | — | × | ||
| "NPC" | — | × | ||
| "Deep Diving" | — | × | ||
| 2024 | "Millionaires" | — | × | |
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. "×" denotes periods where charts did not exist or were not archived.[C] | ||||
Music videos
[edit]| Year | Title | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | "Glasgow (Demo)" | N/A |
| "Proper (Demo)" | N/A | |
| 2018 | "Manhattan Project" | N/A |
| 2019 | "All Your Friends" | Ronan Corrigan and Hope Kemp[18] |
| "Maybe California" | Ronan Corrigan and Hope Kemp[58] | |
| 2020 | "Fatboy Slim" | Cassidy Burcher[59] |
| "Coffee & Cigarettes" | N/A | |
| "Don't Forget It (Punk)" | Animation by Ladybug Films[60] | |
| "Elephants" | Aella Jordan-Edge[61] | |
| "Always" | Michael Sherrington[62] | |
| 2021 | "Somebody Loves You" | Michael Sherrington[63] |
| "Glasgow" | N/A | |
| "Burn the Empire" | N/A | |
| 2022 | "Zuckerpunch" (lyric video) | N/A |
| "End of the Road" | N/A | |
| "The Rodeo" | Alice Backham[64] |
Members
[edit]- Jack Cochrane – vocals, guitar (2015–present)
- Joe McGillveray – guitar (2015–present)
- Callum '29' Wilson – bass (2015–present)
- Jordan 'Joko' Mackay – drums (2015–present)
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Taysom, Joe (12 June 2020). "The Snuts share the thumping new single 'Elephants'". Far Out Magazine. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ a b "Music: The Snuts". The Herald. 23 December 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ a b "The Snuts Return With New Single 'Elephants'". Broadway World. 11 June 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Hayes, Stuart (26 October 2019). "The Snuts Live in Dublin". Vanguard-Online. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Snuts (17 August 2024). "The Snuts: Tracing the Historical Evolution of the Scottish Rock Band". The Snuts Merch. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
- ^ a b "Getting to know... The Snuts". Dork. 11 April 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ a b Lennon, Holly (1 November 2018). "The Snuts interview: 'Our biggest inspiration is not to sound exactly like everybody else'". Glasgow Times. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts | Fred Perry UK". www.fredperry.com.
- ^ The Snuts interview – Jack Cochrane and Callum Wilson @ESNS. YouTube. FaceCulture. 15 April 2020. Retrieved 14 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts: 'Sometimes you need to break away to be a better version of yourself' whynow". whynow. 24 February 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
- ^ "EP Review: The Snuts – The Matador EP". IndieCentralMusic. 4 January 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "EP Review: The Snuts – The Matador EP". IndieCentralMusic. 4 January 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Cushnie, Arissa (20 July 2018). "The Snuts' "Seasons" is an Electrifying Throwback". twostorymelody.com. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Murray, Robin (22 June 2018). "The Snuts Underline Their Potential On 'Seasons'". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Trendell, Andrew (6 March 2018). "Huge final TRNSMT Festival 2018 headliner and loads more names announced | NME". NME. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts – Manhattan Project". inflyteapp.com. 7 September 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts sign to Parlophone Records". Vital Music. 30 November 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ a b "LISTEN: The Snuts share new single 'All Your Friends' | Gigslutz". Gigslutz. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts Release New Single 'All Your Friends' Support Lewis Capaldi in November". MBC. 24 May 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "TRNSMT Festival 2019: Headliners, line-up, stage times & more". Radio X. 11 July 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "LIVE REVIEW: Reading And Leeds Festival 2019 | O2 Academy Birmingham". academymusicgroup.com. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts Setlist at Victorious Festival 2019". setlist.fm. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Murray, Robin (6 September 2019). "The Snuts Share Surging New Single 'Maybe California'". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts announce new single 'Juan Belmonte'". TotalNtertainment. 20 October 2019. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Pearson, Alex (21 February 2020). "The Snuts drop floor-stomping new hit 'Fatboy Slim'". IndieCentralMusic. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Hill, Oliver (24 March 2020). "The Snuts 'Mixtape EP' Review". Liverpool Guild Student Media. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Snuts | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "Official Vinyl Albums Chart Top 40 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts release 'Summer In The City'". TotalNtertainment. 25 March 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts Set To Feature in New TV Ad Covering The Lovin'". OriginalRock.net. 3 August 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "iTunesCharts.net: UK Songs Thursday, 11th June 2020". www.itunescharts.net. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Watson, Benedict (19 September 2020). "Interview: Jack Cochrane of The Snuts on bouncing back and moving forward". The Mic. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Whiffen, Marc (27 September 2020). "Released Today: The Snuts share bonus tune 'That's All It Is'". The Indie Masterplan. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ Whiffen, Marc (3 October 2020). "The Snuts release their second tune in a week with 'Always'". The Indie Masterplan. Retrieved 8 October 2020.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 27 December 2020.
- ^ Reilly, Nick (3 December 2020). "The Snuts announce debut album 'W.L.' and massive UK tour for 2021". NME. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts support refugees with their new single 'Somebody Loves You' | Gigwise". www.gigwise.com. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
- ^ Fulton, Rick (25 March 2021). "Snuts are "kings of Scotland" ahead of their Stirling Castle gig". Daily Record. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
- ^ "The Snuts win close race to score Number 1 debut album". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
- ^ "The Snuts Gigography, Tour History & Past Concerts – Songkick". www.songkick.com. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ Bright, Kenzie (28 April 2023). "Meet the openers for Louis Tomlinson's US Tour". The Indie Scene. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
- ^ Millar, Mark (22 March 2022). "KINGS OF LEON announce special guests for their 2022 UK arena tour". XS Noise. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ Mensah, Jenny (30 July 2021). "The Snuts have written their second album". Radio X. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ Richards, WIll (24 November 2021). "The Snuts return with fiery new single 'Burn The Empire'". NME. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ Lavin, Will (21 June 2022). "The Snuts announce second album 'Burn The Empire'". NME. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ Moore, Sam (5 May 2022). "Listen to The Snuts and Rachel Chinouriri team up on 'End Of The Road'". NME. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
- ^ Ackroyd, Stephen (13 September 2022). "The Snuts are going to #releasetherecord a week earlier, following their online campaign". Dork. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
- ^ "Slipknot vs George Michael vs The Snuts: Official Number 1 album revealed". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
- ^ a b Paine, Andre (23 May 2023). "The Snuts launch Happy Artist Records with The Orchard". Music Week. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ Dunworth, Liberty (23 May 2023). "The Snuts talk new single 'Gloria' and rekindling their roots in the indie scene". NME. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
- ^ Geraghty, Hollie (27 November 2023). "The Snuts announce new album 'Millennials' and share single 'Deep Diving'". NME. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- ^ "British certifications – Snuts". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 15 April 2023. Type Snuts in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
- ^ Peaks on the Scottish singles chart:
- "Maybe California": "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
- "Fatboy Slim": "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
- "Elephants", "Always": "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
- "That's All It Is": "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
- ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100 - 12 June 2020 – 18 June 2020". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
- ^ "Official Physical Singles Chart Top 100 - 09 April 2021 – 15 April 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 June 2021.
- ^ Murray, Robin (21 December 2020). "Official Charts Seem To Have Closed Their Scottish Singles Chart". Clash. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
- ^ "The Snuts release music video for new single 'Maybe California". Talent in Borders. 7 September 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts pay homage to Fatboy Slim in new video". TotalNtertainment. 6 February 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ Emmett, Charlie (1 June 2020). "LITTLE INDIE : Track Of The Day :: The Snuts – Don't Forget It (Punk)". LITTLE INDIE. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ Knight, David (8 July 2020). "The Snuts 'Elephants' by Aella Jordan-Edge | Videos | Promonews". Promonewstv. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ Mack, Ali (5 October 2020). "LITTLE INDIE : Track Of The Day :: The Snuts – Always". LITTLE INDIE. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
- ^ "The Snuts Release 'Somebody Loves You', Raising Money for the Scottish Refugee Council". Northern Chorus. 5 February 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
- ^ "The Snuts head to Mexico for new 'The Rodeo' video". faroutmagazine.co.uk. 6 July 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
External links
[edit]- Official website
- The Snuts discography at Discogs
The Snuts
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and early career (2015–2019)
The Snuts were formed in 2015 in Whitburn, West Lothian, Scotland, by school friends Jack Cochrane on vocals and guitar, Joe McGillveray on guitar, Callum Wilson on bass, and Jordan Mackay on drums. The band emerged from the local music scene, drawing on their shared experiences as teenagers to create raw, energetic indie rock. Their early efforts focused on writing and rehearsing, laying the foundation for a sound rooted in youthful introspection and anthemic melodies.[6][7] In 2016, the band released their debut demo single "Glasgow," a gritty track that captured their hometown influences and quickly circulated among local audiences. This release coincided with grassroots performances at small Scottish venues, where the Snuts honed their live energy and began building a dedicated following through word-of-mouth and intimate gigs. By 2017, their momentum grew with a self-released EP titled The Matador, featuring tracks like the title song, "What's Going On?," and "Summertime," which showcased their evolving songwriting and received positive buzz in indie circles. That year, they marked a milestone with a sold-out headline show at Glasgow's King Tut's Wah Wah Hut in December, solidifying their reputation on the Scottish circuit.[8][9][10][11] The band's rising profile caught the attention of industry scouts during these small-scale performances, leading to their signing with Parlophone Records in November 2018. Prior to signing, they released their first official single "Seasons" independently in June 2018. Under the label, this was followed by "All Your Friends" in May 2019, which expanded their reach beyond Scotland. Later that year, the September release of "Maybe California" represented a pivotal moment, gaining traction through online sharing and social media, and introducing their music to a broader UK audience.[12][13][14][15]Breakthrough with W.L. (2020–2021)
In early 2020, The Snuts released their Mixtape EP on 13 March through Parlophone Records, marking a significant step in their rising profile. The nine-track collection debuted at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, while topping the Scottish Albums Chart and the UK Vinyl Albums Chart. Featured on the EP, the track "Always," released as a single on 2 October 2020, emerged as a breakout hit with its emotional introspection on love and vulnerability, garnering widespread acclaim for its raw delivery.[16][12][17] Building on this momentum, the band recorded their debut studio album W.L. with producer Tony Hoffer at Firepit Studios in London, capturing a blend of indie rock energy and personal storytelling. Released on 2 April 2021 via Parlophone, W.L. debuted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, outselling the competition by a narrow margin and becoming the first album by a Scottish band to achieve this feat since The View's debut in 2007. Key singles from the album, including "Elephants" (released 11 June 2020), showcased the band's youthful exuberance through its pulsating rhythms and themes of fleeting escapism amid social pressures, while "Glasgow" evoked Scottish identity with nostalgic references to the city's cultural heartbeat and personal connections.[18][19][20] The album's launch propelled The Snuts into broader media spotlight, with features in NME highlighting their anthemic guitar-driven sound as a revitalization of indie rock, and significant airplay on BBC Radio 1, including performances at Radio 1's Big Weekend in 2020 and "Hottest Record" recognition in 2021. This exposure solidified their status as emerging indie rock leaders, emphasizing themes of youth struggles and regional pride throughout W.L. To support the release, the band embarked on initial headlining tours across the UK, including a May/June 2021 run of sold-out shows and a subsequent September/October itinerary featuring venues like Glasgow Barrowlands and London's O2 Forum Kentish Town, drawing thousands and cementing their live reputation.[21][22][18]Burn the Empire and label transition (2022–2023)
In June 2022, The Snuts announced their second studio album, Burn the Empire, initially set for release on 7 October, though fan demand prompted Parlophone to bring the date forward to 30 September.[23][24] The album debuted at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart, marking a strong follow-up to their debut despite not reaching the top spot.[25] Thematically, Burn the Empire explores societal critique through politically charged lyrics addressing corruption, inequality, and social justice, while also touching on personal growth and introspection amid fame's pressures.[26][27] Tracks like the title song deliver urgent calls for change against systemic issues, blending rebellion with hopeful resilience.[28] The album was produced by longtime collaborators Nathaniel "Detonate" Ledwidge and Clarence Coffee Jr., with co-writing credits shared among band members Jack Cochrane, Joe McGillveray, Callum Wilson, and Jordan Murchison, alongside external contributors like Coffee.[28] Promotional singles included "Zuckerpunch," released in February 2022 as a punchy critique of superficiality, and "The Rodeo" in June, which captured the band's evolving energy with its anthemic hooks.[29] During the album's rollout, The Snuts faced growing tensions with Parlophone over creative control, including frustrations with release timelines and artistic direction that impacted their mental health.[1] These issues culminated in their departure from the label in late 2022, as the band sought greater autonomy to align their output more closely with their vision.[30] In response, they founded the independent label Happy Artist Records in early 2023, partnering with The Orchard for distribution and emphasizing artist well-being to avoid the major-label pitfalls they experienced.[31][13] Critics praised Burn the Empire for its polished production and sonic maturity, noting a shift to a more refined indie rock sound with varied textures compared to the raw urgency of their debut.[27] Outlets like Clash highlighted its "superbly varied, highly consistent" quality, awarding it 8/10 for blending protest energy with accessibility, while NME commended the album's balance of political bite and optimistic drive, rating it 4/5 stars.[28][26]Millennials era (2024–present)
In February 2024, The Snuts released their third studio album, Millennials, on 23 February through their independent label Happy Artist Records. The album debuted at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart, selling 9,620 copies in its first week and marking the band's highest charting release to date. This independent venture followed their departure from a major label, allowing the group to retain full creative control over the project.[32] Millennials explores generational anxieties, coming-of-age struggles, and societal materialism through its 10 tracks, blending indie rock with electro-pop and disco influences. Key singles included "Deep Diving," released in November 2023, which addresses masking emotional pain with escapism, and the title track "Millennials," alongside "Millionaires" in January 2024, critiquing the pursuit of superficial wealth. The album was primarily self-produced by frontman Jack Cochrane in collaboration with the band's live engineer, emphasizing raw, unfiltered energy that underscores their newfound autonomy.[3][33][34] Throughout 2024, the band promoted Millennials with an extensive UK tour, including sold-out headline shows at Glasgow's Barrowland Ballroom and appearances at festivals such as TRNSMT, Tramlines, and Truck Festival. International efforts extended to North America with performances in cities like Boston and a promotional tie-in with Sky Sports for the Scottish Premiership season. On social media, the group shared insights into the advantages of label ownership, highlighting reduced pressures and a focus on authentic fan connections over commercial demands.[35][36][37] In 2025, The Snuts performed at Newcastle's Come Together Festival on June 8 alongside Kings of Leon. They also collaborated with artist Ellur on the track "The Wheel," released in September, and delivered a stripped-back set as part of Jack Daniel's Revive Live series on October 23 in Newcastle. Later that year, they are scheduled to support The Wombats on their UK arena tour in December, with dates at Utilita Arena in Newcastle on 5 December, bp pulse LIVE in Birmingham on 6 December, and Windsor Hall in Bournemouth on 7 December.[38][39][40][41] The shift to independence has been met with positive responses from the band, who cite enhanced creative freedom as a catalyst for more joyful and experimental music-making, free from major label constraints. This approach has also fostered organic fanbase expansion, with the group emphasizing direct engagement and mental health advocacy to strengthen community ties.[42][43][1]Musical style and influences
Genre and characteristics
The Snuts' music is primarily classified as indie rock, incorporating elements of alternative rock, post-punk, and punk energy to create a dynamic sound.[7][44][45] Their style features energetic guitar riffs, anthemic choruses designed for crowd sing-alongs, and raw, versatile vocals that shift from intimate serenades to passionate screams, evoking a sense of urgency and emotional depth.[3][45][46] This combination draws comparisons to early Arctic Monkeys in its adolescent charm and gnarly textures.[45] Lyrically, The Snuts explore themes of working-class Scottish life, youth disillusionment, and social issues, often drawing from the Ned culture of their West Lothian upbringing—a subculture marked by raw, unfiltered expressions of youth rebellion and everyday struggles.[47][48] Songs address poverty's ties to crime, media manipulation, technology's isolating effects, and the rage against systemic frustrations, reflecting personal laments like the impact of drugs on childhood friends.[29][49][50] These narratives capture the mundane joys and harsh realities of millennial existence, emphasizing heartfelt stories of growing up in Scotland.[45][3] The band's production style has evolved from the lo-fi, self-recorded demos of their early releases to a more polished, stadium-ready sound in later albums, achieved through collaborations with producers like Tony Hoffer.[46][3] This progression maintains an emphasis on translating their high-energy live performances into recordings, prioritizing direct, efficient sessions that capture the band's cohesive feel over extensive external input.[3][51] Instrumentally, The Snuts employ a classic rock setup with dual guitars for layered, dissonant textures, driving bass lines that anchor the rhythm, and straightforward drumming that propels the fast-paced tracks.[46][51][45] Guitarists Jack Cochrane and Joe McGillveray utilize a range of electrics like Fenders and Gibsons, often modeled through amps for versatile tones, while bassist Callum Wilson's contributions provide gritty, supportive grooves.[51]Influences and evolution
The Snuts' musical influences draw heavily from the British indie and rock traditions, with the Libertines serving as a primary inspiration for their approach to lyrical storytelling that weaves personal narratives with vivid, street-level observations.[52] The band's frontman Jack Cochrane has cited the Libertines' raw, confessional style as shaping their early songwriting, emphasizing themes of camaraderie and youthful rebellion.[53] Similarly, the Arctic Monkeys have profoundly impacted The Snuts' incorporation of witty social commentary, influencing their sharp, observational lyrics that critique everyday absurdities and cultural shifts while maintaining a cool, detached edge.[54] Oasis further contributes to this foundation, providing a blueprint for crafting expansive Britpop anthems that blend anthemic choruses with working-class ethos, evident in The Snuts' drive for stadium-ready hooks.[55] Scottish roots also play a pivotal role in their sound, with Franz Ferdinand exemplifying the angular, dance-infused indie that informs The Snuts' rhythmic energy and regional pride.[56] Bassist Callum Wilson has highlighted Franz Ferdinand's debut album as a favorite, reflecting how such local acts inspire their fusion of post-punk urgency with melodic accessibility. Local punk scenes in West Lothian and broader Scottish underground circuits have additionally shaped their lyrics, infusing a sense of regional identity through references to small-town struggles, Ned culture, and community resilience that ground their music in authentic Scottish experiences.[9][57] The band's sound has evolved significantly from their formative years, beginning with the raw, garage-rock energy of early releases like the The Matador EP, which captured a gritty, lo-fi aesthetic rooted in high-energy riffs and unpolished vocals.[54] By their debut album W.L. (2021), this foundation expanded into more structured indie rock, but it was Burn the Empire (2022) that marked a bolder shift toward expansive production incorporating electronic elements, experimental guitar textures, and punk-infused protest tracks, as the band sought to escape the "jangly indie" pigeonhole through collaborations with producers like Clarence Coffee Jr.[54] This progression continued with Millennials (2024), where the sound brightened into indie-funk, disco-pop, and stadium-rock anthems, featuring resampled beats, string quartets, and harmonious layers that reflect a more optimistic, genre-blending maturity.[58] Following their departure from Parlophone Records in 2023 to establish their independent label Happy Artist Records, The Snuts adapted by prioritizing artistic freedom, which enabled a riskier, poppier direction unburdened by major-label constraints.[13] This transition incorporated fan feedback through direct engagement, such as Discord communities and leveraging supporter pressure to accelerate releases like Burn the Empire, fostering more personal and introspective elements in their recent work that resonate with audience experiences of growth and authenticity.[13] As of November 2025, the band has teased new material via live streams, hinting at further evolution in their sound.[59]Band members
Current members
The current lineup of The Snuts consists of its four founding members, who formed the band in 2015 while attending school in West Lothian, Scotland.[60][61] Jack Cochrane is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, serving as the primary songwriter for the band.[62][60] Joe McGillveray plays lead guitar and provides backing vocals, having been part of the group since its formation.[60] Callum '29' Wilson handles bass guitar and backing vocals, contributing to the band's core sound as a founding member.[60] Jordan 'Joko' Mackay is the drummer and percussionist, providing the rhythmic foundation since 2015.[60]Former members
The Snuts have no former members, maintaining their original four-piece lineup since the band's formation in 2015.[7][63] This stability has fostered long-term chemistry among the members, enabling a consistent evolution in their sound without disruptions from personnel changes.[64]Discography
Studio albums
The Snuts have released three studio albums to date, each showcasing their evolution from indie rock anthems to more introspective and energetic explorations of modern life. Their debut, W.L., marked a breakthrough with themes centered on youth, friendship, and escapism in a post-pandemic world. Subsequent releases, Burn the Empire and Millennials, reflect the band's growing confidence, incorporating diverse production influences while maintaining their signature raw energy. All albums have achieved strong commercial performance in the UK, with certifications and sales underscoring their fanbase loyalty.W.L. (2021)
Released on 2 April 2021 through Parlophone Records, W.L. is the band's debut studio album, which debuted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, selling 20,455 units in its first week. The album explores key themes of youth, capturing the vibrancy and uncertainties of early adulthood through upbeat, guitar-driven tracks infused with nostalgia and resilience. It received a BPI Silver certification for 60,000 units sold in the UK.| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Top Deck" | 3:57 |
| 2. | "Always" | 3:36 |
| 3. | "Juan Belmonte" | 3:22 |
| 4. | "All Your Friends" | 3:29 |
| 5. | "Somebody Loves You" | 3:47 |
| 6. | "Glasgow" | 4:13 |
| 7. | "No Place I'd Rather Go" | 3:53 |
| 8. | "Boardwalk" | 3:26 |
| 9. | "Maybe California" | 3:24 |
| 10. | "Don't Forget It (Punk)" | 3:01 |
Burn the Empire (2022)
The second studio album, Burn the Empire, was released on 30 September 2022 via Parlophone Records and peaked at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart, selling 14,068 units in its first week. Produced by Clarence Coffee Jr., known for his work with artists like Dua Lipa, the record features a polished yet urgent sound, blending indie rock with electronic elements and themes of rebellion and introspection. It highlights the band's transition to a more expansive production style following their label signing.| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Burn the Empire" | 3:07 |
| 2. | "Zuckerpunch" | 2:30 |
| 3. | "The Rodeo" | 3:04 |
| 4. | "13" | 3:10 |
| 5. | "Knuckles" | 2:40 |
| 6. | "End of the Road" (featuring Rachel Chinouriri) | 3:41 |
| 7. | "Pigeons in New York" | 2:31 |
| 8. | "Hallelujah Moment" | 2:15 |
| 9. | "Cosmic Electronica" | 3:57 |
| 10. | "Yesterday" | 3:02 |
| 11. | "Blah Blah Blah" | 2:53 |
Millennials (2024)
Millennials, the band's third studio album, was independently released on 23 February 2024 through their own Happy Artist Records imprint, debuting at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart. This self-produced effort emphasizes creative control, with a raw, high-energy aesthetic that critiques generational disillusionment and personal growth, marking a pivotal shift to independence after parting with Parlophone. The album's DIY approach underscores the band's desire for artistic autonomy in an evolving music industry.| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Gloria" | 2:32 |
| 2. | "Millionaires" | 3:00 |
| 3. | "Yoyo" | 2:48 |
| 4. | "NPC" | 2:47 |
| 5. | "Butterside Down" | 2:43 |
| 6. | "Novastar" | 2:57 |
| 7. | "Dreams" | 2:47 |
| 8. | "Wunderkind" | 3:14 |
| 9. | "Deep Diving" | 2:59 |
| 10. | "Circles" | 2:40 |