Long Read // The Snuts are expertly crafted, honest and pure on new album 'Millennials'
The Snuts have captured the attention of thousands in recent years with their undeniable ability to muster up classic tracks, resulting in a pair of stunning records in the form of ‘W.L.’ and their sophomore piece ‘Burn The Empire’. Just a month out from their third studio record, ‘Millennials’, I caught up with bassist Callum Wilson to discuss their current state of affairs: from the new album, to the run of shows which is to follow.
From the off it felt apt to ask of the mood in the camp of the band. “Really good” was the response that Wilson gave, seemingly full of excitement ahead of the record. He went on to elaborate:
“This has probably been the most positive, least stressed album campaign we’ve had. It feels like there’s a lot less pressure on us now”.
This feeling has almost certainly played a role in the music that the band have come to produce. The material put out by The Snuts in the run up to ‘Millennials’ hasn’t been constricted to a specific sound, in fact it’s demonstrated the group’s ability to master a variety of styles, whilst remaining memorable with their traditional stamp on things.
This less pressurising feel was attributed to the team that the band have around them. The bass player was full of praise for the team surrounding the band, signifying the fact that everyone is working towards “what’s best for the band, as opposed to what’s a good look, or what sells better. It feels like it’s a much purer version.”
After learning about how the group are feeling as the record is ready to be set free into the world, it seemed apparent to take things right back to the beginning. Just how did ‘Millennials’ come to be?
Wilson explained that the process had begun in 2022. He explained how, after chats with their record label, they had planned to go up to the North of Scotland to demo some new music. The experience was spoken of in high regards, with Wilson speaking fondly of their producer, who they had known for a long time. The bass player explained the importance of this, saying “We’ve known him for years, he’s been part of our live crew for years.” This made for a hugely successful time when recording.
“There was none of the getting to know each other stuff, so we went straight in. 5 songs came really easily. I think we left the session with 8.” He explained how the record label loved them, and suggested it was probably some of the band’s best material. Unfortunately, though, the group and label would go their separate ways.
“We knew we had these tracks and they were great, and we were like let’s just go back to where we got them.” Another trip to the north of Scotland saw The Snuts find their rhythm once more, with another two-week period resulting in more tracks, leaving them with around 16.
Interestingly, Wilson made it clear that there wasn’t a plethora of tracks to whittle down, they focussed on those which they possessed and really made them achieve their full potential. This is extremely noticeable when it comes to listening to the band’s new material. It seems to have been expertly crafted, honest and pure. All of this makes for such a great and diverse sound across the record.
One track which we delved into in our conversation was the recent single ‘Millionaires’, which has become another of the brilliant tracks put out to precede their third studio album. Wilson seemed to be buzzing with the track, and it’s reception, saying that the group have found the reaction to have been “super positive”. He expressed that the band “wanted to launch [the new year] with a total, undeniable song. Big chorus. One you could really feel.” The track really is undeniable, and this may be the most apt word to associate with it. It truly is one that people have lapped up since it’s made its way into the world.
As was a common theme throughout my chat with the bassist, he expressed his desire to perform ‘Millionaires’- as well as the rest of the record- live. He said, “I feel like the full record is one that will translate so well into a live environment.”
This is something that I feel will be picked up by all who listen to the new record. It really does feel as though it’s been crafted for the stage. I asked Wilson about the forthcoming schedule of live dates, from intimate album gigs to taking on some of the UK’s most widely known festivals.
He couldn’t hold back a grin as he said, “It’ll be amazing to be in front of people again”, before explaining how the live dates would vary from acoustic to full-band shows, meaning The Snuts get the chance to perform their new material in a range of styles.
When talking of these tour dates, it couldn’t be ignored that the band have sold nearly every single ticket they’ve put out for their upcoming UK shows, which really is testament to the quality of the group. Wilson said, “We’ve been very lucky in building a solid, core fan base”, and expressed his gratitude towards those who have followed the band for years.
At the end of my conversation with Callum Wilson, I asked him if he-or the band- held any favourite tracks. He said that initially, it had been ‘NPC’, one of those which has been released ahead of the record. He then said “Now, I can’t pick and that’s what I think is so good about this record. Every song that’s still to come out, I’m buzzing for people to hear.”
Fans will undoubtedly share this excitement ahead of the release of ‘Millenials’, and those who have managed to get tickets for the upcoming shows will be eager to soak in the new material in a live environment.
The Snuts have once again achieved an incredible body of work, and they seem to be some of the most genuine people in music today, with real music which is full of emotion and character. Keep your eyes peeled for the release of their third studio album, ‘Millenials’, which is set for release at the end of February.
Feature by Matthew Caslin
