Getting to know...The Social
As we look ahead to The Social's headline slot at McGeoch's, Greenock on Friday 28th February, we asked the band's drummer, Bryan Power, about the music that's made them the band they are today...
Tell us a bit about how the band got together?
"It all started early 2018 when Scott [Morrisson, guitarist], Andy [Pickett, singer] and myself got together with the idea of trying to get something off the ground. We met up once a week and had a jam and got writing songs and realised we had something good going and would need a bass player ASAP. We decided the best thing to do was get in the recording studio and have something to put out there for any potential bass player to here rather than trying out numerous people before they knew our style. It worked and Davie [Shaw, bassist] soon joined the band to complete the line-up."
Some of the members have been in numerous bands before The Social. Can you tell us a bit about your past experiences, any noteable achievements, gigs etc...?
"I’ve played in quite a few bands over the years. I’d probably say working with the producer Brian O’Shaughnessy would be up there, he's worked with bands like Primal Scream over the years. I also found myself supporting Mogwai in The Arches which was pretty cool too.
Favourite venue?
"The Barrowlands for being in the crowd, and the now defunct Glasgow Barfly of the ones I've played in."
Biggest musical influences?
"This is a tough one. As a drummer, I really like watching and listening to the likes of Oscar Harrison (Ocean Colour Scene) and Zak Starkey (Oasis, The Who) who are very technical although I can also look to guys like Jimmi Naylor from The Pigeon Detectives and think "where does he find the energy?""
Best gig you’ve been to...?
"Another hard one as I’ve been to some belters. Richard Ashcroft at The Barrowlands recently could be the one."
Top 3 bands?
"Ocean Colour Scene, The Beatles, Oasis"
T In The Park or TRNSMT?
"Is there really a debate?! T, of course."
THE SOCIAL: [L-R] Bryan Power (drums), Davie Shaw (bass), Scott Morrisson (guitar), Andy Pickett (guitar/vocals)
The Social Top Ten: Bryan's choice of tunes
First album you bought...?
"Struggling to remember but I think it was The Bluetones' Expecting to Fly"
Last album you bought...?
"Liam Gallagher – Why me? Why Not?"
Top 3 albums?
"Oasis - Definitely Maybe; The Beatles - Revolver; Ocean Colour Scene - Moseley Shoals"
Favourite festivals?
"Happy Daze in Millport - still tickets available if you want to come and see us there this year!"
Liam or Noel ?
"Liam, without a doubt! Noel's a Tory now, after all."
Non-musical inspirations...?
"Janne Lindberg!"
Irn-Bru: old or new?
"Old"
Dream collaboration...?
"Steve Cradock of Ocean Colour Scene"
First gig you went to?
"Dodgy at the Battery Park in Greenock (in 1996)"
Last gig you went to?
"The Libertines at the Barrowland in December"
And the next one...?
"Supergrass, also in the Barras" [That gig has now been, last week]
And finally, if you could have written any one song, what would it be?
"Ocean Colour Scene – Robin Hood"
