Stirling rockers play for Oasis boss

Feb 3 2010 by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Wednesday

DESPITE the name Stirling indie-rockers The Hype have always believed they are as much about the substance as the style.

Now it seems music industry leaders are also waking up to their talent, as they have been hand picked by one of Britain’s biggest behind-the-scenes players to perform at the opening night of his new venture.

Alan McGee is probably best known as the Scot who unleashed Oasis on the world through his Creation record label.

Although the label is now history McGee remains a music force to be reckoned with, especially on the club scene where his music events provide a platform for both emerging talents and established names.

His latest launches in Manchester this weekend and The Hype have impressed enough to make it on to the bill.

Stage

Sharing a stage with The Vortex whose line up includes former Oasis guitarist Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs – and who they previously met gigging last year at McQ’s in Bannockburn – far from being intimidated by the prospect, lead singer Ronnie Marshall (24) says the four-piece are raring to go – as 2010 looks set to be their biggest year yet.

“We had played a gig down in London and were approached by this guy who runs the nights with Alan McGee,” he said.

“He told us they were starting a new event in Manchester and asked us to take part on the opening night.

“We’re happy with our sound and how we work together as a band and it just feels like this is the right time to be playing in front of someone like that.”

With the band forming almost seven years ago Ronnie says it is simple “love of the music” that has kept them together all this time.

“We just enjoy doing it. We’re still all into the same kind of music and we really get a buzz out of it,” he said.

Drummer James McNally, also 24, agreed, saying the fact that The Hype have no leader as such – the line-up is completed by guitarist Andrew Rainey and bass player Gerard Aitken – allowed everybody to contribute equally to its development.

“With the songwriting it’s Ronnie who usually comes up with the words but most of the songs really start from a guitar part and then everybody just jamming along,” he said.

“If somebody doesn’t like something they’ll just say it, but we’ve never had any really serious arguments – maybe because we have pretty similar tastes anyway.”

A few confessedly “terrible” demos aside The Hype have taken their time when it comes to getting into the recording studio.

Their debut album, “Leave it All Behind”, is due for release soon however, with the band understandably excited at the prospect.

“The stuff we did before was with producers who basically just take your money and churn it out,” said Ronnie.

“When we decided we were going to do an album we wanted it done right and that’s why it has taken time.”

Completely self-financed the band managed to buy enough studio time to record an initial three tracks before having to save up again in order to eventually return and produce the further seven songs that make up the rest of the record.

“We’ve set up our own label for it and it should be out on iTunes some time in March,” said Ronnie.

Chance

“With things the way they are just now nobody’s really signing bands, but maybe if we already have the album there for them that’s some of the work done and they’ll be more willing to take the chance.”

And James added: “Even before it was all mixed and mastered we knew it was going to sound good.

“We’re really pleased with it and just hope other people agree!”

The Hype perform at Manchester’s Ruby Lounge on Saturday.

While a bus-load of fans are set to head down in support, those unable to make the trip can also catch them closer to home, performing in the latest Battle of the Bands at Stirling’s Cape in King Street on Friday night from 8pm.

More information on The Hype, plus the opportunity to hear some of their stuff, is currently available at www.myspace.com/thehypescotland.

lAre you a local band, singer or performer of a different kind with an interesting story you’d like to share? Why not email Gregor White at gwhite@s-un.co.uk to let the world know?