Under the Radar: Mason Hill

Mason Hill have their roots in a school friendship between award-winning guitarist James Bird and vocalist Scott Taylor who chose music over his ambition to become an Olympic swimmer. Eventually settling on a five-piece line-up, they developed a powerful sound incorporating anthemic rock, grunge influences reminiscent of Soundgarden and even a regulation love ballad, which builds from acoustic lament to an axe-fuelled crescendo.

With festival slots at Download, TRNSMT and Planet Rockstock under the belts, not to mention several sold out shows at King Tut’s in their native Glasgow, Mason Hill have built a solid fanbase throughout the UK which has recently expanded into continental Europe, most notably in Germany.

The band’s debut album, Against The Wall, went top 20 when it was released last month, as well as going to number one in the Rock/Metal chart, and was launched with a special Zoom gig, featuring cameo appearances from veteran rockers.

Over the next few months expect Mason Hill will continue the momentum with new videos on social media and YouTube, and – pandemic permitting – a tour scheduled for September. See https://www.masonhillofficial.com/

Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run music industry seminar and social night Born To Be Wide, www.borntobewide.co.uk

Off Axis is an artist-to-artist, non-profit gig swapping network, enabling bands to build a nationwide fanbase by playing meaningful gigs throughout the UK. They offer a sustainable, transparent and professional touring model, where musicians keep 100 per cent of profits. Off Axis also help new artists showcase at festivals such as Kendal Calling, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and Un-Convention. They are accepting applications for 2021, http://www.offaxisnetwork.com/

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