A vibrant and laid-back meeting comes to life as the band “Girl in the Year Above” sits down for a chat with Karen, the warm and welcoming host from Scottish Music Network. The band – a tight-knit quartet featuring Jenny, Nathan, Shane, and Davis – immediately set the tone with their infectious energy and easy camaraderie.
The conversation kicks off with some good-natured teasing about Glasgow’s famously unpredictable weather, which everyone agrees is “very Scottish” – meaning it’s reliably grey and a bit soggy. Laughter fills the room as the band members, clearly comfortable both with each other and with Karen, swap playful banter and witty one-liners. The mood is light, cheerful, and instantly inviting, making it feel less like an interview and more like friends catching up over coffee.
Karen, ever the seasoned host, smoothly transitions into introductions. It’s clear from the get-go how close the band is: they finish each other’s sentences, share amused glances, and burst out laughing at inside jokes – especially when reminiscing about the struggles of keeping their language BBC-appropriate during the chaos of festival performances. Their chemistry is palpable, and it’s obvious they genuinely enjoy each other’s company.
Nostalgia takes the spotlight when Karen asks about the story behind the band’s unique name. Jenny delights everyone with a tale full of serendipity: late one night in a London bar, a friend casually remarked that she reminded him of “the girl in the year above” from school. The phrase stuck with Jenny, lingering in her phone notes for nearly a year before she suggested it at their very first band meeting. The story perfectly captures the band’s spontaneous and authentic approach to creativity – nothing forced, everything discovered organically.
As the chat continues, talk turns to their jam-packed summer schedule. The band lights up as they rattle off a busy list of festival appearances, including the legendary Isle of Wight, Tramlines, Boomtown, and even a stop at the Golden Leaves Festival in Frankfurt. Amidst the excitement, someone accidentally reveals their plans to headline the Scarborough Music Festival – a full-circle moment, since it was the site of their debut show just a year ago. Realizing they may have let the cat out of the bag a little too soon, the group erupts into another round of laughter, their good-humoured nature shining through once again.
The conversation winds down with a thoughtful reflection on the diverse musical influences that shape their sound. Jenny names Joni Mitchell as a guiding inspiration, Nathan gives a nod to The Cure, Shane fondly remembers his Blink-182 phase, and Davis adds a heavier edge with his love for Korn and Nine Inch Nails. The band’s eclectic mix of influences is not only fascinating – it’s also reflected in the rich, varied textures of their music.
As the interview wraps up, Karen expresses her genuine excitement to see their live set later that day. The whole exchange captures a band who, despite the whirlwind of festival season, remain grounded, humble, and deeply passionate about their art. Their playful spirit, humility, and authenticity shine through, leaving listeners – and their enthusiastic interviewer – eager for what’s next from this talented group.
Interview with Karen Edmond
