OFF THE GRID WITH CIVIL HANDS

INTERVIEW | CIVIL HANDS by Anne Kelly

Last week, Glasgow‘s most exciting new music spectacle Off The Grid kicked off its mission to take the city by storm. The B12 Entertainment live series, which takes place between 27th August and 25th September, will bring 50 rising bands from across the Central Belt to some of Glasgow’s most iconic grassroots venues.

With the second week of Off The Grid in full swing, the spotlight shifts to Lucky Strike Basement. Sharing the stage with The Skins, Cupid Stunts and Start From Scratch are Civil Hands, from the Southside of Glasgow. We spoke with guitarist and vocalist Kilian about the band’s roots, influences and why B12 Entertainment is “the reason for so many great memories”.

First of all, introduce Civil Hands: where did it all start, and who makes up the lineup today?

Me (Kilian) and Andrew (drums) would always play songs in the music rooms in our school. Around two years ago, we figured we should start a group, and for a while me, Andrew and Chris (guitar) had a band with some others (including Luke, who filled in on bass for us once) where we basically just learned songs and played them together. It didn’t really go anywhere. Then last summer the four of us (our current lineup: Kilian, Andrew, Chris, Luke) jammed some tunes together just for fun, and it ended up with us feeling like we had to start a band. Since then, we’ve been Civil Hands.

In terms of influences, who inspires Civil Hands? How different are the band’s various tastes?

So many different bands between us all. I really like Manic Street Preachers at the minute, mostly the stuff from when Richey Edwards was still in the band. Luke likes more rock stuff like Guns ‘n’ Roses and Stones. Chris brings a more folk influence to songwriting, inspired by guys like Neil Young and Elliot Smith. Andrew’s influence is John Bonham (Led Zeppelin).

What was the band’s first gig and how do you feel you have grown since then? Have you had any live disasters?

Our first gig was at our school Christmas dance. It was actually pretty insane; we’d never played in front of anyone, but the crowd were energetic as hell.

Our biggest disaster was probably that night though. We played ‘Supersonic’ by Oasis, but Luke’s guitar was completely out of tune to the point where the riff and solo were unrecognisable. We even closed another gig with ‘Supersonic’ to make up for it, but Luke’s distortion wasn’t working, so he was playing that solo with the most underwhelming clean tone. In terms of how we’ve grown since then, the only certain thing is that we tune our instruments and use distortion pedals.

You have yet to release any music; is this something you are working towards? 

Definitely

A thriving local scene relies on mutual support. What is your gold standard for gig etiquette, and what’s your biggest pet peeve?

We don’t really mind. Everyone we’ve played with has been great. There’s always been a sense of respect between the bands at these gigs, as long as that’s there, there’s not much more you can ask for.

Platforms like Off The Grid from B12 Entertainment give emerging acts a real shot. How crucial is that kind of promoter backing to keep the grassroots alive, and what difference have they made for you personally?

Honestly, we couldn’t thank B12 enough; they’ve been so great and are the reason for so many great memories from gigs. Don’t know where we’d be without them. Our first gig with them definitely helped us so much. Once you play one, you definitely feel you can do more, and B12 were absolutely crucial in letting us realise that experience. 

What can the crowd expect from your set this Saturday, and do you have any surprises up your sleeve for returning fans?

They can expect a more varied set of songs, with plenty we haven’t played before. I guess me singing may be a surprise to some returning fans, but some of the songs we’re gonna play will hopefully serve as a better surprise than that.

Looking across the wider Off The Grid lineup, if you were to buy a ticket to check out any other show on the bill, who are you going to see?

High Calibre and Dolphin.

Civil Hands will perform at Lucky Strike Basement on Saturday 5th September alongside Start From Scratch, Cupid Stunts and The Skins. Tickets are on sale now for a mere £12 (+ £1 booking fee) from B12 Entertainment.