FROM THE SCHEME TO THE STAGE: MEET THE PERGOLAS!

credit: Jilly G Photography

An introduction to new music coming from the best place on planet earth – Scotland! by Charlotte Cairnie

Brand new music from Scotland is always exciting and here is one of the hottest new bands on the scene coming from Glasgow – The Pergolas!.

The Pergolas are made up of four amazing musicians: first off, Nic Mcnab who is the singer, rhythm guitarist and writer in the band. On bass guitar the phenomenal Kieron McDonald, on drums it’s crazy talented Alex Gardie and last – but certainly not least – is Matthew Reilly who plays the lead guitar as if he was born with it in his arms.

Together since September 2025, the band formed after Nic posted that he was looking to start a band on Facebook. Although from September until now isn’t a long time, these boys have serious chemistry when it comes to making music together. Beyond making music, they have a shared passion for listening too and have found great friendship within the band which shines through their music and their gigs.

When asked what their favourite thing about being in a band was their response ranged from: “Having something to work towards with guys who keep you right and we can help each other out. Everyone chips in to make it work by being open and honest with each other ands it’s nice having three new friends“ and “Having the chance to play guitar. I like playing guitar“.

Talking about who inspires them the most they shared a range of artists such as Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Snuts, Retro Video Club and lots of more bands from the iconic 2017 indie scene. This shows prominently in their original tracks such as ‘Rosemary’, ‘When The Brain Lets The Heart Win’, ‘Crocodile’, and my personal favourite ‘Firewater Eyes’.

Nic is the one who writes the lyrics to these songs and you can tell just by listening to them how much they mean to him. Writing about life and personal experiences he has turned these moments into some amazing tracks – or in his words: “just life man“. Once Nic introduces these songs to the team, they then hit the studio to have a play about with chords and instruments.

One thing about The Pergolas is that they know how to put on a show. From their first gig under an actual pergola in someone’s back garden (incase you were wondering where the name came) to playing iconic Glasgow venues such as Lucky Strike or Nice and Sleazy as a fundraiser Health and Mind. From the start this band have you watching them in awe just because of how good they are together, always picking great songs to go on to the setlists.

Their favourite venues so far have been The Bungalow in Paisley and Bloc+ In Glasgow city centre but their dream venues to play would be The Barrowlands – ’cause who doesn’t want to play the most legendary gig spot in Scotland? Or perhaps King Tuts Wah Wah Hut. After visiting these iconic venues so many times to see other artists it would be a dream come true to hit the stages themselves.

The Pergolas (credit Jilly G Photography)

With an amazing talent and easy to love personality, there is no doubt that this wee band from Glasgow are going to make it big in the Scottish music scene. Truly guaranteed to be yer maws new favourite band.

If this hasn’t been proof enough that The Pergolas are pure brilliant, come see them at The Keg in Paisley on the 28th of May. Promising some good tunes and class pater all for free, it means that all you got to do is be brave enough to get the train to Paisley Gilmour.

Oh and one last thing- TELL YER PALS!!