Scottish indie-folk outfit Tide Lines are riding a wave of momentum as they gear up for the release of their highly anticipated new album, Glasgow Love Story, out on April 25th. Known for their evocative storytelling and seamless blend of folk and indie-rock, the band has captured hearts across the UK with their anthemic sound and deeply personal lyrics.
Their latest single, “Better Days”, is a nostalgic reflection on youthful optimism and the journey that took them from the Scottish Highlands to the heart of Glasgow—a city that has shaped their musical identity. With frontman Robert Robertson’s heartfelt vocals and the band’s signature use of traditional instruments, the track is a poignant nod to their folk roots while embracing the modern indie energy that has made them a live sensation.
And speaking of live shows, Tide Lines are set to embark on an extensive autumn UK headline tour, including their biggest London gig yet at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Before that, they’ll take the stage for their largest-ever outdoor performance at Glasgow’s Rouken Glen Park on June 6th, a fitting tribute to the city that has inspired so much of their journey. With festival slots at HebCelt, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, and a free show in Aberdeen for the Tall Ships Race, 2024 is shaping up to be their most exhilarating year yet.
As their fanbase continues to grow and sell-out shows become the norm, Glasgow Love Story promises to be a defining chapter in the Tide Lines legacy—an album that not only pays homage to their past but sets the stage for an even brighter future.
Let’s start with introductions! Can each of you share your name, role in the band, and a little about what you bring to the Tide Lines sound?
I’m Robert Robertson, and I sing, play guitar, and write the songs. The other lads are Ali Turner (electric guitar and pipes), Ross Wilson (keys), and Gus Munro (drums).
As a fun icebreaker, what’s your favourite food, and is there a particular dish that reminds you of home?
I like seafood, and we get plenty of it freshly caught when we go up to Mull in the Hebrides to record!
Glasgow Love Story is described as a deeply personal tribute to the city. Can you walk us through the moment you realized Glasgow had to be the heart of this album?
Glasgow has always been hugely important to the band. Despite all four of us being from more rural parts of the country, we met in the city. From our very first rehearsals in a studio here to our recent run of three nights in the iconic Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow has really shaped who we are as a band. We didn’t consciously decide to write this album about Glasgow, but as we progressed, we realized that so many of the lyrics related to the city.
The album explores fictional lives and stories within Glasgow. Were any of these narratives inspired by real people or personal experiences?
None of the stories relate to specific instances, but they are all inspired by real people, events, or history that you see around Glasgow every day. From students drinking in the park on a muggy summer evening to an old man in a pub reminiscing about being on the picket line in the ’70s or a young boy dancing with a girl in a city centre bar. There are also references to the city’s industrial past: its shipbuilding heritage, Singer’s sewing machine factory in Clydebank, and the famous Barrowland Ballroom, where hundreds of hardworking men and women would down tools every weekend and go to “the dancing.” Hopefully, throughout the album, there’s a broad selection of narratives inspired by life in the city.
You recorded Glasgow Love Story in a converted church on the Isle of Mull. How did that unique setting shape the album’s sound?
We’ve recorded our last two albums there, and it continues to inspire us. The view from the church window—out to the Treshnish Isles and the Atlantic Ocean stretching beyond—is ever-changing, and the environment around us definitely affects the music we create. It’s also a slower pace of life, with fewer distractions than in Glasgow, which aids the creative process.
Your previous album, An Ocean Full of Islands, was a huge success. How does Glasgow Love Story build upon or differ from its predecessor?
Yeah, the last album charted at #13 in the UK and got us our second Scottish number one, which was amazing. We’re always balancing the pop/rock elements of our sound with the more folky elements. The last album leaned more toward the pop side, while for this record, we’ve returned to our roots by featuring more traditional instrumentation in places.
The album balances indie rock with folk influences. Was there a conscious effort to blend these genres, or did it happen organically?
It happens fairly organically because we’ve been influenced by both genres our whole lives. This album definitely suited both, though, because many of the songs are more narrative-based than our previous work—inspired by the storytelling folk songs that are part of the traditions of both Glasgow and the Highlands.
You’re about to embark on your biggest UK tour yet, including your largest London show at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. How does it feel to reach this milestone?
We’re really excited for this tour. It’s always great to take a new album on the road, but the scale of these venues will make it extra special. Shepherd’s Bush Empire is an iconic venue, so it’s one we’re particularly looking forward to. We’ve always been fortunate to have great London shows, from our first gig for 100 people at The Water Rats to a sold-out acoustic show at the incredible Union Chapel last year. This will be our biggest yet!
Your recent live set at Murrayfield Stadium had you playing in front of 67,000 people. What was that experience like compared to a more intimate gig?
I’m a bit of a rugby fan and used to go to games at Murrayfield with my dad as a kid. So, first and foremost, the opportunity to walk onto the pitch moments before kick-off was mind-blowing. It’s entirely different from an intimate gig for obvious reasons, but in a way, it’s similar—you’re playing to the people in the crowd who are engaging with you and singing along. As we left the field, I spotted a kid with an “I love Tide Lines” sign, which was a total highlight of the day!
You’ve played iconic venues like Barrowland Ballroom and are now headlining Rouken Glen Park. What’s been the most memorable venue in your career so far?
The Barrowlands is definitely up there. The last time we played there, we were inducted into the Hall of Fame, which was a total surprise and a special moment for us. So it will always hold a place in our hearts. The Usher Hall is another venue we love and are excited to return to on this tour. Rouken Glen will be totally different—a big outdoor park surrounded by food vendors and bars, with a great lineup of special guests on stage. It will have a real summer festival feel.
How do your songs transform when played live? Do you adjust arrangements or add elements to enhance the live experience?
There’s always extra energy when playing in front of a crowd. Our audiences love to interact, so the biggest difference is the number of singalong moments in a Tide Lines show.
With so many sold-out shows, what’s the secret to maintaining such a dedicated fanbase?
We’re incredibly lucky to have such loyal fans. They’re always there to support us, whether it’s new music releases or live shows. We try to vary our tours so there’s always something new to look forward to. For example, we’ve been doing a tour called Elements, which is a sit-down, theatre-style show where we discuss the songs and play stripped-back versions. It’s totally different from a typical Tide Lines show. Similarly, Rouken Glen Park will feel entirely different from our autumn tour in beautiful indoor venues. Whatever we do, our fans are always positive and willing to come along for the ride, and we’re very grateful for that.
Your music has been compared to The Waterboys and Frightened Rabbit. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
The Waterboys are certainly a big influence in the way they blend Scottish/Irish folk music with a rock sound. Our influences come from both realms—from old Gaelic songs we grew up with to artists like Springsteen and The Killers. While folk music is a common thread for all four of us, we each bring different influences to the table, making Tide Lines a melting pot of genres.
How do you see Tide Lines evolving musically in the coming years? Are there any new sounds or styles you’d like to explore?
We don’t really make conscious decisions like that. We’ll see what happens when we next go into the studio!
You’ve been inducted into the Barrowland Hall of Fame—an incredible achievement. What does that honour mean to you personally and as a band?
It’s an incredible honour, especially when you see the other names on the wall backstage—David Bowie, Noel Gallagher, Iggy Pop, to name a few. The venue crew, who have been there since the ’80s, decide who gets inducted, so it was very touching that they were kind enough to include us!
