GLASGOW DUO YES AND MAYBE CHAT BLOODY MADNESS, THE GREAT ESCAPE AND SIMPLE MINDS
“We started this band sending ideas back and forth over WhatsApp, so stepping onto a stage that size feels like something out of a dream. “
INTERVIEW | YES AND MAYBE by Anne Kelly
This week, Scottish/French indie rock duo YES AND MAYBE, release their second official single ‘Bloody Madness’, the band’s follow up to March’s ‘God Isn’t Real. Since the release of the debut single, YES AND MAYBE have made the mark on The Great Escape and now, supporting the legendary Simple Minds at Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park Summer Sessions.
We caught up with the band this week to chat all about ‘Bloody Madness’, The Great Escape and supporting Simple Minds.
We’re YES AND MAYBE, a duo formed between Scotland and France. We started the project in 2022 after collaborating remotely for years. Everything we’ve done so far has been self-written and self-produced. Our debut album, Train To Nowhere, is set for release in 2026.
What can you tell us a bit about your brand new single ‘Bloody Madness’?
‘Bloody Madness’ is a guitar-driven indie rock track inspired by early 2000s music. It’s about the pressure to keep up with overspending and the frustration of working jobs you don’t want just to pay bills. The line “I’m so tired of adult life, it’s bloody madness” says it all. It’s the most energetic track in our live set and speaks to the reality a lot of people our age are dealing with.
Just your second single so far, but you have quite a reputation on the local live scene. What’s been a stand out live moment so far?
Our live show reflects everything we write about. One of the most memorable moments was playing ‘God Isn’t Real’ at The Great Escape. When the audience starts to realise it’s not about religion, but about people who think they’re untouchable or above others, the energy shifts. There’s a real connection in that moment. It’s honest, and people feel that.
What does your live show look like?
We focus entirely on original material. Live, we’re a duo out front but perform as a five piece band. That setup gives the songs more weight and lets us bring the full sound of the record to the stage. The show is built around energy and connection. The songs are personal, so we keep the set tight and focused.
Who do you count as your biggest musical influences?
Early 2000s indie rock shaped us. That era had a rawness and emotion that felt real. Bands from that time made music that lasted. That’s what we aim for. We’re also influenced by The Beatles in terms of songwriting and message.
Sharing both Scottish and French heritage between you, do you think this offers anything unique to your sound?
Definitely. There’s a natural contrast between the two of us, instinct versus precision, emotion versus detail. It helps us find a middle ground in the music that feels honest and unexpected. We think that mix sets us apart.
Have you played in France before? Either way, what similarities or differences do you find with crowds there compared with Scottish ones?
We haven’t played in France yet, but it’s something we’re looking forward to. Certain tracks like ‘Babylon’ seem like they’ll connect more in Europe, while ‘Bloody Madness’ lands better in the UK. We’re interested in how different places react to the songs.
Let’s talk about The Great Escape. How was that experience?
The Great Escape was our first time playing outside of Scotland as a band. It felt like a turning point. As soon as we hit the stage, it was clear that touring and playing live is where we really come to life. It’s a space where our connection and energy translate immediately, and people pick up on that straight away.
Did you manage to see any bands while you were there? Any highlights?
Honestly, we were so focused on making sure everything went smoothly before and after our set that we didn’t get much time to catch other bands. That said, just being part of the atmosphere and seeing how much talent was around made the whole experience special.
We have to mention Summer Sessions with Simple Minds – how are you feeling about playing such a massive stage?
It’s surreal. We started this band sending ideas back and forth over WhatsApp, so stepping onto a stage that size feels like something out of a dream. It’s the kind of show we used to imagine as kids. To be on the same bill as a band like Simple Minds, in front of that many people, is a huge moment for us. We’re ready to give everything we’ve got.
Will you be in the crowd for Simple Minds? Any favourite tracks?
Definitely. We’ll be out there watching. Simple Minds have been a big influence on us, especially their synth driven sound and the atmosphere they create in their songs. ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’, ‘Alive And Kicking’ are favourites for sure but we also love ‘All The Things She Said’. To be playing the same stage is a real honour.
What else can you tell us about what you have lined up over the next 12 months?
Our debut album Train To Nowhere is set for release in early 2026. It explores themes like disillusionment, self acceptance, anxiety, creativity, and the chaos of modern life. The full album is finished, and we’ll be releasing new tracks every six to eight weeks leading up to the launch. It’s all about building our world, one song at a time.
