ST MUNGO
Photo Cred: GLZ8142PRODUCTIONS
15th November 2024
The debut album by ST MUNGO is set to be released next year. Originally created as a stage name for the lead singer, the band from Paisley are eager to showcase their talent.
The collective consists of Greg Henderson (vocals, guitar & songwriting); Alex ‘Eck’ Holmes (bass & backing vocals); Jonny Sallows (lead guitar & vocals) and Myles Johnson (Drums).
ST MUNGO blends each member’s styles, combining rock, indie, pop-punk and pop-rock. They are inspired by bands such as Frightened Rabbit, The Twilight Sad, Mogwai, Brian Fallon, Frank Turner, The National, Bruce Springsteen, Death Cab for Cutie and Biffy Clyro.
Photo Cred: GLZ8142PRODUCTIONS
I spoke with Greg about the writing process for their new album: “Lyrically, they are quite melancholy and sad songs but I enjoy bringing my Scottish miserabilism to the band because those guys just know how to rock it up.”
Greg composes his songs using an acoustic guitar, drawing on experiences of emotional turmoil, homelessness, and heartbreak. Each member then uplifts the music, adding a whole new dynamic to the sound.
During the current recordings, the band collaborated with Jordan from the pop-punk band, WRTHLESS who recognised what the band were aiming for lyrically and musically. Fast forward to now, Greg is engaged in the mixing and mastering process with Mark from Citadels. This has allowed everyone to get more involved: “It will still have that heavy rock feel but draw out the indie, alternative side that we are looking for.”
Photo Cred: GLZ8142PRODUCTIONS
Coming from a deeply personal perspective, Greg finds it exciting but “very scary” to release the album: “It’s that old saying of laying your emotions bare. You’re cutting yourself open and revealing yourself a lot.”
As a result, each member is committed to maintaining a strong support system, despite coming from different walks of life: “ I would consider them more like family now.”
"I enjoy bringing my Scottish miserabilism to the band because those guys just know how to rock it up"
Greg, Eck, Jonny and Myles first met at The Keg in Paisley after Greg moved from East Kilbride. Initially created as a ‘work in progress’ project around 2018, Greg began performing his songs solo with various members joining over the years.
The name, ST MUNGO playfully refers to the beer he drank with his older brother, whom he pays homage to for his musical inspiration: "He has such a good eye and ear for finding great artists and that’s how my music taste was formed.”
From here, Greg performed at open mic nights at The Keg and spent time getting to know his future bandmates alongside their musical talents: “Paisley’s music scene is incredible, I have never seen anything like it.” This led to an exciting opportunity to play at the Paisley Food Festival. In doing so, it kick-started the foundation of the current group.
The First Encounter composed by Greg and his past band mates: Darren Adamson, Connor Hughes and
Shaun Williamson.
Last month, they returned to The Keg supporting their friends, Citadels. Greg joked over their lack of preparation, having not rehearsed together for several months. Yet, he was left in admiration: “We rehearsed together on the day of the gig and it was as if nothing changed. We all still knew the songs. M E N T A L!”
In doing so, this night became particularly memorable as everyone was brought together: “Our drummer is from the Isle of Arran. So, all his friends and family had made the trip to Paisley to see us which was very special for him and us as a band too.”
"It's that old saying of laying your emotions bare"
A life ambition of Greg’s is to progress onto playing The Barrowlands, a venue he holds close to his heart after seeing Frightened Rabbit: “I’ve always wanted to know how it would feel to make a crowd feel that way…in the sense that it’s kind of cut to the bone.”
Greg continues, expressing how gratifying it would be to hear his songs live at such an iconic location: “To just say ‘wow I’ve played at The Barrowlands’. I don’t care if it’s a headliner or a support, I’ll even be the guy that helps load our shit on the stage whilst someone else plays my songs.”
Photo Cred: GLZ8142PRODUCTIONS
As for now, the band is currently setting their sights on grassroots music venues and taking the time to focus on their upcoming album: “We all are aware of our different commitments in life” yet, “we all collectively want this album to have every success it can possibly have.”
ST MUNGO are thrilled to announce their debut show is scheduled for early 2025, featuring support acts they’ve connected with throughout the years. Currently, they are working with an upcoming artist from London to create the promotional poster: “It’s taken a long time to write the album and we are very excited for you all to hear it. All will be revealed in the coming months :).”
Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled!
Author: Karina Caulfield