Scottist female hard rockers The Amorettes
Interview conducted on March 26, 2018
by Dan Locke
Whilst today’s popular music world seems to be based around the idea of “style over substance”, Scottish Hard Rock Trio, The Amorettes, have a very simple plan; Taking over the world, one show at a time!
No fuss! No gimmicks! Just good, old-fashioned hard work, and great songs. Anyone who’s ever experienced an Amorettes live show can easily testify to the buzz of expectation that kicks in as soon the lights go down, and the intro rolls. Never has the Slade track, We’ll bring the house down been so prophetic in its meaning. The roar from the crowd builds expectation from the very start, and the energy and intensity doesn’t let up until we reach the end together. Witness the audience sing-a-long during the anthemic set closer, Hot And Heavy, a track always pre-empted by vocalist/guitarist, Gill Montgomery asking the sweat soaked audience, “Is Everybody Hot? Do You Like It HEAVYYY?”
It’s not just all down to Montgomery though, Drummer Hannah McKay, who is considered to be one of the best young, drummers on the music scene today, uses her full kit to deliver knock-out blows to each and every member of the audience. Try and hide as much as you like, there is no escape from her drumming fury. Likewise, Bass player Heather McKay is a sight to behold on stage, banging out her rock-solid rhythms whilst prowling the stage like a Tiger, her long hair flailing in the lights as her head does not stop moving even for a second.
Having what is arguably the tightest rhythm section on today’s rock scene behind her allows Montgomery to showcase her powerful vocals whilst also tearing off riff after riff, and solo after solo with ease.
Relentless touring across the UK and Europe has turned The Amorettes into a lean, mean, Rock and Roll machine, leading them to be described as “Like Airbourne fronted by Joan Jett”. Reviews for both live shows, and the albums, only reinforce the fact that The Amorettes star is still very much in ascendance, and, as long as there are stages to play, and records to make, there is no sign of this “Female Motorhead” attempting to take the easy road to the top.
Hannah – drums/backing vocals
Heather – bass/backing vocals
Dan Locke: You are a Scottish Hard Rock Trio. Are there a lot of Scottish Hard Rock Trio in Scotland?
Yes, We Are! I dont think there are any other hard Rock Trio’s in Scotland, at least I don’t think I could name you any! Unless, of course, you count Biffy Clyro as Hard? Nah! So, not a whole lot I would say. We are flying the flag, which is maybe a good thing? It makes us stand out from the crowd!
What is the different between celtic rock and scottish rock?
Celtic Rock is a genre in its self. It is a hybrid of fusing traditional Celtic music within a rock format. Basically a Strathspey, a reel or a jig, with an electric guitar. Scottish rock is just rock, but from Scotland.
How did your band get together?
I met Hannah at College, and we started to jam together soon after. We wrote some songs, started the band, and after only a couple of gigs, our bass player left. Hannah mentioned her sister had a bass guitar, so with a lot of gigs lined up, Heather was able to come save the day, and we have been together ever since.
Why a baby book for your name?
It wasnt a consious thing, we were just looking around for inspiration one day. I was flicking through and the name just popped out. The more we thought about it, the more it made sense. We liked the idea of it being a “name” name, like The Ramones. Makes us sound like we are in a cool gang.
You are based in Edinburgh, UK now. How is the music scene there?
The scene is ok. I would say its particularly good for Heavy Metal and Indy or Emo. I would say that Glasgow is better on the whole for a rock audience. There is much more of a scene, more venues, more gigs, and more of a participating audience.
Gill, you went to the West Lothian College. What did you study? And did it help you with the band and musical development?
I did, how did you know that?! I studied Design! After that I went on to Music Collage in Edinburgh and thats where I met Hannah. It was a Diploma in Music Performance that we studied, so there was definately a lot of good stuff in there in terms of playing live, and really working on your performance. I couldnt play very well at this point, but my interviewer said that I had outstanding fingers, and gave me a place.
Your Facebook say the following: The Amorettes into a lean, mean, Rock and Roll machine, leading them to be described as “Like Airbourne fronted by Joan Jett”. Is that during her Runaways days or after she started the Blackhearts?
Maybe a bit of both I’d say. She’s too cool, whatever she does, and I really look up to her as an important influence. Her songs are incredibly simple, yet effective, and I have learned so much from her, in terms of really going for what you want, while staying true to yourself. I love her strong, classic, gritty vibe, and try to bring this into my own performance.
The Amorettes
Have you met her (Joan Jett)?
I have not. I have met Lita Ford, and Cherie Currie. We supported Cherie in Edinburgh, when she toured in Britain a couple of years back. A very cool lady. I would love to meet Joan one day! She’s at the top of my list!
While growing up did you get a chance to see either Joan Jett, Lita Ford, or Girlschool in concert?
I saw Joan a few years back when she toured with Alice Cooper, but not recently. She needs to come back! I saw Lita a few times as well in Sweden, and also in London last year, on my birthday. She played with Rock Goddess, who we know very well. Girlschool are a band that we have seen alot of, and know quite well too. They are great fun, and we will be playing with them later in the year in Sweden.
Your band has won some honors. Awards
2012 Scottish New Music Awards:
Best New Band
2016 Pure Rawk Awards:
Drummer of the Year – Hannah McKay
Bassist of the Year – Heather McKay
By winning these awards did it help push your band to the next level?
In some respects i guess. Its always great to have your name out there. Awards are alway fun, and a nice pat on the back in terms of good recognition.
Over the years The Amorettes had supported bands like Black Star Riders, Europe, W.A.S.P., Ash, The Dead Daisies, Black Stone Cherry, Gun and Thunder among others, and have toured across the UK, and performed in several countries throughout Europe.
Which band were the best to tour with and can you tell me a story or two?
We loved touring with Black Star Riders and Europe. It was our first big tour, and It was great just to hang out with the guys after the shows. Getting invited out to dinner to celebrate Scott Gorham’s birthday was a great honour! And getting aproached by Ricky Warwick to collaborate on songwriting has been really exciting! And, of course, there was alot of drunken shenanigans as well.
How was the first time you performed? How big was your crowd?
The first time we performed was terrifying. I needed a few stiff drinks before we went on. I remember being in a huddle in the girls toilet as we were all trying to talk each other up. We played to about 60 people in the upstairs of a small bar called Harley’s, near where we lived. The first song we played was called “Talk Nerdy to Me”, and after we played, the second of silence before the big applause lasted a lifetime. I can still remember it vividly.
Tell me about Hard Rock Hell in 2011, 2013 and 2016?
We have played so many Hard Rock Hell events that they all blend into one after a while! 2011 – we were on the tiny third stage, in a smelly pub called the Queen Vic. My Amp cut out in the first song, and we had to swap heads straight off the bat, and a Roadie called Ming really helped me out. The crowd didn’t care though. One girl went went straight home to change into the same Dio T-Shirt I was wearing, which was very touching. 2013 was a much better set! We played on the second stage, and I remember the crowd being super into it. I wore a stupid Fedora hat that was too big for me, and kept falling over my eyes. 2016 We played the Main stage. I didn’t enjoy as much, as I had broken my foot, and had to wear a cast and moonboot on stage, so I was hobbling around trying to keep my balance most of the time. I think it was a good show though!
What can you tell me about the new LP, Born to Break, which is set for worldwide release on 6 April 2018. What is going to be the first video release from the LP?
Overall, its our 4th studio album, and definitely our best yet. There is a lot more diversity on this one, and our sound has become more mature. We had great fun writing and recording the album, and can’t wait for it to be released! Our first Single, “Everything I Learned I Learned From Rock and Roll”, was released on the 9th of March, and the video is fabulous! please check it out!!
What style of music would define you
Classic Rock with a hard edge. I think that should be a new sub genre in itself!
How has your writing music changed over the years?
My writing routine and style has evolved over the past few years, especially on this new album. I have been concentrating on trying open up the songs a bit more, so where I used to start with guitar riffs first and foremost, now I have been starting with bass and drum parts first. This really gives you focus on what the guitar and vocals actually need to do. I also find that starting with Lyrics is a new challenge for me, and something I’m continuing to work on.
What is your feeling about your follow Scottish bandmate
Jack Bruce- founded member of Cream- Talented, grumpy old man.
Nazareth- The song Love Hurts- Just a Masterpiece.
Teenage Fanclub- A bit too Indy for my taste, but generally good
Gerry Rafferty- Baker Street/Stuck in the Middle Fabulous, Gerry is a Golden God.
Primal Scream – Good groove, silly haircuts.
Biffy Clyro- I so want to love them! I’m sure I will get them one day.
Chvrches – Music I associate to walking round clothing stores
Franz Ferdinand – Love FF. Great fun band. You can dance to it, and its so interesting to play.
Belle And Sebastian – The Disney Characters made more of a positive impression on me…
Bagpipes An aquired taste, I love them. Done right, they can bring a tear to the eye. Done wrong they can bring a tear to the eye.
What type of clubs/places do you like to play in (size)?
We are fortunate that we get to play venues of all sizes. I like them all for different reasons. The small venues are great to interact with the fans, and to have your own headline show in one, where people have come to see you and get so involved in the music. I like the big ones more for space, it’s great to have a big old stomp around, and spacial awareness. It’s also great not to be so close to the crowd sometimes, as I keep hitting people with my headstock.
Any plans to tour the United States?
Not as yet im afraid! It’s still more a dream at this stage. We hope the album does really well so we can come over to play for you, as that would definately be a massive tick off the bucket list!
What music fests would you like to play in?
There are so many amazing festivals that we would love to do. I know some of mine include Sweden Rock festival, Wacken in Germany and Hell Fest in France. It would be incredible to get to play there at some point.
Would you like to play in Rock on the Range and why?
Of course we would. I reckon Clevland could do with a bit of Scottish Power.
Would you want to play SXSW?
I think so, but I’m not sure. I guess it would be great for publicity, but you’re fighting against so many other bands, and I guess it can get quite overwhelming, a bit like the Edinburgh festival. Great in theory, but there is just too much going on it’s brain overload.
Any endorsements?
Sure, we have Blackstar Amps, Orange Amps, Natal Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Evans Drum Heads, Duallist Drums and Pedals, In Tune Guitar Pics, Vintage guitars, Hardcase Drum cases, Regal Tip Drum Sticks, Protection Racket Drum Carpets, Rotosound Strings, D’Addario Guitar Strings, Vocalzone and Jägermeister!! Thanks for the support guys!!!
How would you explain your live performance?
Fast paced, good fun, sing along stuff. We like to make our audience work for it. and sweaty! Very, very sweaty.
If someone was listening to you for the first time, what 3 videos or songs would you tell them to look/listen to and why?
Our new single “Everything I Learned..”, as it gives a great introduction to what the band are currently doing. I would then say “Give Em Hell”, as it’s a really good glimpse into our older material and general vibe. And then, possibly “whoot Woo”, which we shot ourselves on a hand held camera. We wanted to keep it very basic, as if we had made it ourselves years ago. It’s got that “its-so-bad-its-amazing” quality to it, and we made it to celebrate and promote our reissue of Haulin’ Ass, our very first album, which we re-released last year.
Favorite Quotes?
“Have a good time, all the time” – This is Spinal Tap
Favorite Reading?
Anything that interests me, music biographies, self help and Psychology, True Crime, Design. At the moment I’m reading “Just My Type – A Book About Fonts” By Simon Garfield. I am a typography nerd.
Any Hobbies?
I studied Communication Design at University, and like to keep my hand in designing Graphics and Illustration. I did all the artwork on Born To Break, as well as Haulin’ Ass, and I’d like to do more! Maybe I could start a business!
Favorite Drink?
I dont think I could pick between coffee or alcohol. I imagine it’s like picking your favourite child? I have recently discovered bacon Martinis. Man, are they something special.
Favorite thing you like to cook/eat?
I love all food in general. Mostly seafood, or Mexican are always winners.
Who is your favorite singer and why?
Alex Harvey. He wasn’t a great singer, in a conventional sense, but he had such character in his voice, and could make anything sound filthy.
How is your favorite guitar player?
Arrrgh, it’s like the drink question all over again! I don’t really have one favourite, there are so many, and all for many different reasons! I’m really digging Rob Caggiano at the moment for his work in Volbeat. Some outstanding Melodic soloing.
How do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I’d like to see the band out there more in terms of world domination.
If you could jam with anyone who would it be?
Noddy Holder from Slade. I think that would be a total hoot.
Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?
I actually really like Fall Out Boy, but am a little embarrased by it, so please dont tell anyone.
What is on your bucket list?
Plenty. The main theme is travel though, I’d like to get around more.
What is on your phone for music now?
Nothing! I’m bad with technology I cant get it to sync! help!
Anything in closing you would like to say?
That interview was mammoth. I think I need a lie down! Also, our new single is out! Please check it on youtube, and remember the album is out on April 6th! Cheers!
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