Q&A: Katie Nicoll

Fresh off a sold-out show at The Poetry Club, Katie Nicoll is riding high on the buzz of packing out a room miles from her AC/DC-obsessed hometown of Kirriemuir. Blending her graphic design roots with her music, she crafts bold, DIY artwork — like the matchbox-inspired cover for her single bye!!!. With new music on the horizon, there’s a restless energy around Katie — the kind that signals even bigger things to come.

Check out our Q&A below:

1. You just packed out The Poetry Club for a sold-out show—how did it feel having a crowd full of people there for you? Was there a moment that really stuck with you from the night?

My emotions over my Poetry Club gig didn’t fully hit me until Sunday afternoon whilst watching back videos
on Instagram. IT WAS AMAZING! The realisation that I’d packed out a room two hours away from where I grew up filled me with a new sense of pride over my music. I feel proud & soooo beyond grateful of the people that made time to come down and support, grateful of the boys in my band, and grateful of all my family and friends.

2. We love that you design your own artwork and merch. Does your visual creativity feed into your music? What’s your process like when bringing your ideas to life?

Thank you so much!

I’ll often have a rough idea of how I want the artwork to look as early as writing the songs. 

I’d like to think that I’ve always been a pretty visually creative person- I took an interest in art as a child and it was my first love before music. When I was in high school I felt torn between both of these subjects when deciding where to apply for uni, but ultimately chose to go and do a year of the general foundation course at DJCAD in Dundee, then chose to specialise in Graphic Design for my remaining three years. A huge reason for this choice was because I hoped it’d tie in well with my music. I think it has! 

To be honest I haven’t loved university overall and cannot WAIT to graduate in a few months. I’m hoping that i’ll have more time to focus on music!

In terms of my design process- I really enjoy working with bright, vibrant colours and also love to work by hand. My favourite single covers I’ve created have been collages that I’ve then scanned in to Photoshop (i.e.- the ‘i just miss my dog.’ artwork, ft. me on a ladder in a field close to my house taken on my camera which was balanced on a tripod).

Most recently though, for my single ‘bye!!!’, I had this idea that I wanted a match box on the cover, inspired by its lyrics “took a match and I burned down our little bridge”. 

Initially I tried to create this using photos from Adobe Stock, but none of them looked right to me so I bought a real box of matches and printed my design out to fit then photographed it. This is probably one of my favourites!

3. Your latest single With You (Na Na Na) has a proper earworm chorus. How does this one compare to your past releases? What kind of stuff were you listening to while writing it?

Aw thanks guys! I really appreciate the loooovely feedback. 

To be honest I couldn’t tell you exactly what I was listening to around the time I wrote it. I think I pull influence from a lot of places. I grew up in town that’s OBSESSED with AC/DC (Kirriemuir) and listened to the likes of Paramore & Taylor Swift almost religiously. I loved sooo many pop-punk and indie-rock bands as a teenager (still do TBH) but lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Fontaines D.C, Doechii, Joni Mitchell, Sabrina Carpenter and a new artist I discovered called Chloe Qisha. It’s a music genre soup up here in my ears!!!

I’ll give anything a listen and that’s a quality I’ll always try to keep. It feels important to me as a musician to open up my mind to everything that’s out there, because you never know what might surprise you or next inspire you.

4. Your Instagram Reels and TikToks always have a bit of personality—where do you get the inspiration for them? Are there any artists whose promo game you really rate?

I’m a big fan of Dayglow. I love his TikTok feed and how it feels so casual. Most of his videos are of him playing music in his room and feel familiar like the earlier days of the internet when everyone on YouTube was doing just that. They’re so simple. Maybe that’s a crap answer because I was a fan of his music & thought he was cool anyway before I discovered his account there.

5. You’re from Kirriemuir—does your hometown influence your music at all? Was there a local music scene that helped shape you as an artist?

Is there a music scene in Kirriemuir?!?! Absolutely. Before AC/DC welcomed Newcastle’s Brian Johnston, they had Kirriemuir’s Bon Scott.

My crazy wee town host a three-day festival every year in May called Bonfest where we welcome hardcore AC/DC fans from all over the world. Because of this, I have Facebook friends from Peru, Egypt, Spain, Germany, Australia, the U.S… and played my first pub gig to some of them when I was just 13. Now, at age 21, I got to be the first official host of the festival- where I introduced the bands on to the main stage each night. Totally daunting but a super cool experience. 

When I started university, my friends at the time didn’t believe that this event was as huge as what it actually is, until they came to see it for themselves. I realise that my small town is very unique and feel proud to come from a place so passionate about its musical heritage. 

The festival also works hand-in-hand with a youth charity called DD8 Music, which I was super involved in as a young teenager. Having this group on my doorstep was an incredible thing to have growing up- I learned so much from the people there and it definitely helped fuel my passion for playing music even more.

I was also fortunate to get a job there (DD8 Music) as a youth worker when I was 18, and have continued to go back and work as a temporary staff member over my holidays from uni ever since. This is the most fulfilling job ever BTW. I couldn’t be more thankful of the opportunities they’ve given me over the years- and despite the complaints I’ve maybe made over the years about being from “the sticks”, I can also appreciate that not many people from a countryside town like mine can say that they have an annual rock festival. 

We’re big fans of Peter Pan too btw… Google it

6. You recently got involved in a songwriting camp with Dundee’s Be Charlotte—how did that come about, and what was the experience like? Did you come away with any new ideas or collaborators?

I think I first discovered Charlotte back in lockdown. From memory it was my mum that first came across her Instagram account. I followed her from there and was then invited to a songwriting camp she hosted at the botanic gardens in Dundee in October 2021, another one in 2022 and again 2024. These camps were amazing as i feel it’s not often i find myself in a room full of so many talented and like-minded girls in music, so it’s just great when an opportunity like that does come up. I still keep in touch with lots of them and they’ve become pretty good friends over the last few years. I think what Charlotte is doing with her writing camps is soooo cool, and hope to see them being continued for as long as possible! Big love to her!

7. With such a strong start to the year, what’s next for you? Any big plans fans should keep an eye out for?

For now, I’m trying to focus on getting through my last few months of university- however I do have some festivals coming up and there is definitely potential to do another headline show before the end of the year. I’m also about to record some new music which should hopefully be released by the summer- so that’s exciting! 

Once I graduate, I really want to take time to find my feet as a musician and make a steady plan with what I want to do next. 

I’m completely independent for now, so I’m hoping to try to be able to build more of a team around me that could help to push my music and I that bit further into the world. To be quite honest- I’m freaking out a bit but I’m trying to trust that the world will fall in to place for me, reminding myself that good things take time & that the unknown can actually be quite an exciting thing!

Q&A: Calum Baird

In this weeks Q&A, Calum Baird dives into the story behind his latest track "Something New This Way Comes," a politically charged track inspired by global shifts and personal experiences. They reflect on the surreal experience of performing at the 50th Havana Biennial, the honor of being recognized by the Scottish Parliament, and the power of music as a cultural bridge. With a sound that fuses folk storytelling, punk energy, and raw emotion, they discuss key influences, past collaborations, and a jam-packed year ahead—including headline shows, festival slots, and fresh releases set to drop in 2025.

Check out our Q&A below:

1. Congratulations on your latest release “Something New This Way Comes”! Can you tell us the story behind the song—how did it come to life?

Thank you! “Something New This Way Comes” was came from many different places. One influence was a gig I played in Glasgow last summer at the Gathering South Sessions in the Old Toll Bar – which is a country, roots, folk and Americana evening. After spending the night listening to that type of music, I had it in my head for a week or so afterwards and began putting the guitar riff together.

The lyrics talk about the feeling of change on the horizon in the world today —something both powerful and subtle. Specifically, I’m looking at the decline in Western influence on the global stage, the rise of new powers and what this might mean locally and internationally. It draws on an idea of renowned political, Vijay Prashad, who is talking a lot these days about there being a “new mood” in the world today. This song tries to talk about that new mood, how we can see it, where is it coming from and where it might take us.

I went out to Berlin at the end of August last year to play at a festival and went to the Blue Lizard Studio in Funkenhagen (Funkytown as it’s better known) to record this song as well as a few others – more on that below.

The chorus line “Something new this way comes” is a play on Shakespeare: “Something wicked this way comes” – in case you didn’t pick up on that!

2. 2024 was a huge year for you! You played at the 50th Havana Biennial, the biggest visual arts event in Cuba—what was that experience like?
It was dream-come-true level for me.  I’ve wanted to perform in Cuba since I was a teenager, so, to finally get the opportunity was really special.  I went to Havana on holiday in 2018, it’s a wonderful city that never escaped my imagination – I even wrote a song about it that was out last year! 

Playing at the Biennial was superb.  The energy and buzz in the city was infectious and the support from the audiences and fellow musicians at my shows, even though we didn’t always share a language, was so important and helped me feel right at home.  

The Biennial is the largest arts fair in Latin America but brings people from all over the world to the city – one of the first people I met when I arrived in Havana was the director of the Glasgow Havana Film Festival, by complete coincidence.  In my time there, I met Brazilians, Colombians, Venezuelans, Koreans, Italians and many other nationalities.  I was part of an international delegation which included artists and musicians from Ecuador, Switzerland, France, Germany and Cuba.  It was a celebration of Contemporary art and Cuban culture but also of internationalism, too.

The Biennial reminded me why I do this and also that music, art and culture really does transcend borders. It felt like being part of something much bigger than myself.

3. On top of that, you were recognised by the Scottish Parliament as the only Scottish musician at the event. How did it feel to receive that recognition?

It was incredibly humbling. To have my participation in this global festival as the only Scottish and British musician taking part in the Biennial recognised by the Scottish Parliament, was – and still is – a huge honour. It made me feel proud of my efforts in music to this point and in the music I create. Scotland has such a rich cultural heritage, and to carry a piece of that with me to Cuba was really special. I wanted my participation in the Biennial to be a reminder that music can be a bridge between cultures, and with this recognition I feel this was achieved in a way.

Calum Baird Live in Cuba

4. Your music blends Scottish folk, classic singer-songwriter vibes, and a bit of punk energy. Who are some of your biggest musical heroes, and what influences your sound the most?

I’ve always been drawn to artists who tell stories and aren’t afraid to be raw and honest. When writing my own music, I take a lot of inspiration from Dick Gaughan, Billy Bragg and Neil Young —their ability to tell stories and convey emotions through their guitar playing and lyrics was a huge influence. On the punk side, I love the energy of acts like Attila the Stockbroker and bands like The Pogues—they’ve got that fire and rebellion but they’re also deeply poetic. And then there’s Bob Dylan—his melodies and arrangements are just timeless. I think my music comes from trying to balance all those elements: storytelling, emotion, and a bit of rebellion.

5. You also composed the score for Victoria McNulty’s award-winning spoken word film “Exiles,” which was released back in 2021. Is film scoring something you would come back to in the future?

Definitely. Scoring “Exiles” was such a rewarding experience. It pushed me to think about music in a different way—how it can support and elevate a narrative without overpowering it. The film is so powerful, and it was a privilege to be part of that project. I’d love to do more film scoring in the future – as well as writing with/for other artists in general. There’s something really special about collaborating with other artists and creating something that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

6. Exciting times ahead as you headline Leith Depot on the 22nd of February—what can the audience expect from the show? Any surprises in store? I’m really excited for this one! Leith Depot is such a special, community venue which means it’s got that intimate, grassroots/DIY vibe that I love.  To kick the year off with a headline show is great as well!  

There’ll be songs from myself as well as from Elsie MacDonald, a young musician from Leith who is getting a name for herself.  I’ll also be playing some songs on my mandolin (named Merry) which I got for Christmas.  I learned my first three chords and then immediately wrote song on it so I’m excite to share that.  This will be a proper DIY show with plenty of storytelling, and maybe a few unexpected covers!

7. You're also about to set off on a UK & European tour, mixing solo shows, festival slots, and a German tour—are there any cities or festivals you’re especially buzzing to play?
I’ve got a lot of tours this year which is great and really exciting.  I’m basically off playing somewhere different from April up to September which is great and what I’ve been working towards for a long time in my music career.

In May, I’m touring around Scotland and Northern England as well as into the Midlands  These will be solo shows, joint tour shows with English musician, Joe Solo, and festival slots.  I’ll be playing With Banners Held High Festival in Wakefield, Katie’s Festival in Stourbridge and Bearded Theory Festival, too.  I’m currently in discussions about a festival in Barcelona and other performances in Valencia towards the end of May, which are yet to be nailed down.  In June, I’m heading to Germany to play some solo shows, possibly a festival, though that’s TBC, and I plan to record some new music while I’m there, too.  I toured Germany last summer and am looking forward to going out there again!

In July, I have a mini tour put together with some dates in Northern Scotland, the Midlands in England and then Alive at the Barn Festival on the Sussex Coast.  After that, in August, I’m playing at Rebellion Festival with Attila the Stockbroker, and then at the Edinburgh Fringe.  I have a few dates in September, one in Truro at The Barn and Ell’s Bar, which is a cool, DIY venue in Cornwall that I’m looking forward to playing.

In  October, I have another UK tour again with dates in Scotland, Northern England, The Midlands, South Coast and East Coast of England.  These include headline shows, solo shows and joint shows with English musician, Jess Silk.

It’s going to be a busy year but, as a self-organised musician, it’s one I’m looking forward to for sure!

8. Looking ahead, what’s next for you in 2025? Any exciting plans in the works?
2025 is shaping up to be a big year with my gigs and tours.  I’ve also got new singles in the pipeline which I recorded last August – the same session that Something New This Way Comes came out of.  These songs are folky and punky with a full band sound similar to The Pogues but there’s also a more intimate and contemplative song in there, too, which is just me, a guitar and harmonica.  These songs are a bit more experimental, in some ways, but people who know and like my music will be able to recognise my story-telling style as well as pick up on a blend of traditional Scottish sounds, contemporary folk, singer-songwriter themes and a bit more.