SYNTHPOP trio Prides will release their debut album on the same day that they play the main stage at T in the Park. The Way Back Up is released on July 10 on Island Records.
The Glasgow-based band’s stock has risen significantly since they formed in 2013. After touring the country to packed venues and performing at last year’s Commonwealth Games closing ceremony in Glasgow to packed out crowds, Prides can look forward to big stages at Latitude and Reading & Leeds Festival, as well as their big T performance.
“It was a deliberate decision to coincide the album and the T in the Park performance,” says vocalist Stewart Brock. “Our songs definitely have that festival vibe ... and besides, what better place is there for an album launch show than T in the Park? It’s an absolute honour.”
Prides certainly have a sound that works on a big stage. The band aren’t remotely ashamed about reviving the most spectacular elements of 80s pop in their music.
“There’s a big 80s influence there and the music that we want to make is big sounding,” says Brock.
“We definitely have a natural tendency towards the dramatic. Making big pop tunes is a passion for us. I’m a huge pop fan.’’
However, the band’s rise to prominence hasn’t taken place overnight. Brock sums up the band’s philosophy: “It’s all about putting in the work. When you’re a band from Scotland you have to shout a bit louder.
‘‘The likes of Biffy Clyro, Twin Atlantic, Frightened Rabbit and Chvrches have done so well over the past few years because of perseverance, even if that means playing hundreds of shows.”
The members of Prides have played in several bands over the past decade. Following stints in punk outfits, Brock started writing more electronic music with drummer Lewis Gardiner under the project name Midnight Lion.
With the addition of guitarist Callum Wiseman, the band finally evolved into a full-blown pop beast.
“It was only when we started playing songs like Out of the Blue live that we realised exactly what we wanted to be,” says Brock. “Seeing crowds sing along to our songs at such an early stage was amazing. Our live shows have evolved a lot since then. Whatever we write now, we want crowds to connect with it.”
The Prides’ philosophy has no place for complacency. Over the last year, they have performed in Paisley, Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as touring internationally. And Brock, who moved up from England 12 years ago, has nothing but praise for Glasgow as a creative community:
“The scene here is incredible. It’s super-active, there’s a great sense of community. You can literally throw a show at any size of venue around the city and people will go. You have to be careful not to just get caught staying in Scotland because, to be honest, we still love playing here.”
There will be no let-up in their schedule this year. “After the summer we want to play everywhere,” stresses Brock. “We’ll literally play anywhere that’ll take us. We love this new record and can’t wait for crowds to know the songs better.”
The finished LP has been a long time coming, taking more than a year to complete. Brock is confident it will deliver exactly what fans have been waiting for.
“The biggest thing we wanted to do was write a pop record that meant something to people. We were keen for the songs to have depth and emotion, but also be accessible and work in a live setting. I hope we’ve done that.”
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