Glasgow four piece Sara ‘N’ Junbug deliver clever lyrics and great hooks with compelling folk-inspired pop hits
WHERE: Glasgow
WHO: Sara Rae (vocals/guitar), Junbug Nicoll (guitar), Daniel Scott (bass/violin/keyboard), James Gilmour (drums)
FOR FANS OF: Lucy Spraggan, Fatherson, Gerry Cinnamon
JIM SAYS: If you caught the excellent Emeli Sandé’s Street Symphony on BBC Scotland last year, you’ll know all about Sara ‘N’ Junbug.
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Sara ‘N’ Junbug were one of five acts invited to perform at the finale concert with Emeli and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra at Glasgow City Halls.
Emeli said at the time: “Sara and Junbug were real standouts for me. They have an immediate energy and I thought they were really tight together. I really admired how in sync they were with each other and they just had a real punch.”
It was an amazing platform, and an incredible experience. Junbug said: “It gave us an insight on the professional world and how we need to raise the bar.
“We like to be a chilled band and always will be, but we have pulled our socks up an inch since the show.”
Sara added: “It was always an ambition of mine to play with a full orchestra because they always sound so dramatic and epic. It has definitely made us work harder and helped us not to be afraid to just ask folk for things and take responsibility.”
Their reputation was further enhanced when they supported Tom Walker earlier this year. Despite the name, and their roots as a duo, Sara ‘N’ Junbug are a four-piece.
Sara, Junbug and Daniel first met at the Langside campus of Glasgow Clyde College in the south side of Glasgow. Sara was doing drama while Junbug and Daniel were studying music.
Sara and Junbug became pals and started making music together. Daniel joined during the recordings of the first two singles, with James coming on board last year.
Daniel said: “The music has evolved from just acoustic duo stuff to a full and vibrant sound but maintains its raw edge.”
That’s the beauty of what Sara ‘N’ Junbug do. Clever lyrics we can relate to, plus great hooks. The secret is it has folk music at its core, branching out to give more of a pop feel. Ed Sheeran would be an obvious reference point.
Sara ‘N’ Junbug have just released their wonderful seventh single Final Fantasy, which has been likened to Avril Lavigne.
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It’s got a rockier edge than some of their previous tracks, but just as compelling.
Daniel said: “It’s a bonkers pop tune with rock, pop and even romantic era classical music on the piano part. Proper summer vibes with a sense of drive of purpose!”
MORE: facebook.com/SaraNJunbug
Jim presents a weekly showcase of New Music on Amazing Radio Sundays 2-4pm.
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