Ahead of the release of his debut solo album on October 6th, we caught up with JOHN DOUGLAS, one of Scotland’s most gifted songwriters and a member of TRASHCAN SINATRAS to chat about the making of the record, the content, recording and of course, how it came about.

Hi John – That’s quite the transition from when you joined Trashcan Sinatras in 1986/87 to finally releasing a solo album in 2023. Did you consider a solo record in the past and if so, what stopped you from releasing it?

 Hi… yes.. it’s taken me a good few years to get around to making a record on my own. I had never really considered it until recently. Friends have nudged me towards the idea for years but it had never really felt right. Some how things clicked into place recently and I’m very pleased with the journey so far. It’s been very refreshing.

Your eponymous debut album contains some Trashcan Sinatra tracks, as well as new songs that you have written. Was it tough for you to decide which Trashcan Sinatras songs to include? Tell us about it. 

To be honest, my initial motivation was not really about making a record, but to do gigs on my own. I have so many friends that play shows on their own and I began to envy their skills. Being in the Trashcans is all about the songwriting and the sonics and performances in the recordings. Though we have toured at length over the years, playing live was never a driving force, though personally I loved it. As Frank said to me once ‘you have the troubadour thing..’  Also, my writing had kinda dried up and I was looking for some kind of kick start.. two characters entered my journey to write laying solo., Boo Hewerdine (Ex The Bible, friend, band mate in Eddi’s band, singer/songwriter) suggested that I do some shows., Jill Jackson (Singer/songwriter who was opening shows for Eddi) offered me two upcoming 30 minute support slots and I found myself saying yes. I was in at the deep end. Jill’s advice was ‘rehearse, rehearse then rehearse some more’ so I found myself trawling the Trashcan catalog for songs that I connected with most and could play and sing well, that became the criteria and within a few weeks of rehearsals I had my 30 minutes’ worth. My writing also returned and a few new songs arrived. I did a bunch of shows and it was only then that the notion of making a record arrived. I simply chose the songs that I am playing at the shows. Some Trashcans classics, some new songs and a cover. 

With respect to their re-recording, would you say that you have breathed new life into these Trashcan Sinatras tracks?

I have given them my stamp vocally and presented them in stripped back arrangement, so there is a little different dynamic, but the core of the songs needed no resuscitation from me.. they were made to stand strong by masters.

How the recording process easier than with your band due to the fact that you are performing every track solo?

It was very different. Quicker.. way quicker.  I made this record in around 4 hours. Though, like the Trashcans recordings, it’s all about the preparations. I was ready. 

How ‘hands on’ are you in the studio? In terms of the recording, did you have to take multiple tracks of these songs or did you go with the first version of each song?

I did around 4 takes of each song and it turned out that the 3rd take was always best. 

Tell me how you came to include a cover of ‘We Let The Stars Go’ by the legendary Prefab Sprout?

It was always a favourite of mine from their catalogue.. I used to do it when I was busking and it was a big earner. Everyone has an old flame that can burn bright in the heart again and this song taps into that feeling. 

What are your Saturday night and Sunday morning albums?

Saturday night album would be ‘Love and Theft’ - Bob Dylan. A rockin’ band and the hilariously great company of wise old Bob spinning yarns

Sunday morning album - Francis Albert Sinatra with Antonio Carlos Jobim. Soft, soft singing and heavenly arrangements 

You’ve been performing solo sets at shows with the likes of Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson and James Grant (Love & Money) and you were invited to guest with Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout) - I’m guessing that you have quite a personal history with these musicians?

More a musical kinship with Norman & James. We have all had similar journeys through the record company machines and come out the other end still enthusiastic and child-like regarding guitars & songs & singing. Jill has been pivotal for me on my solo journey.. she is a master at it. Great singer and magical with a crowd. Watching her play with the crowd and get them lost in song and story was a real education. My recent guest spot with Martin was a treat. The Trashcans toured with Prefab Sprout when their Jordan album was out. Lovely folks. So to meet up with Martin when he was starting out doing what I had just started doing seemed very karmically right. I think we gave each other a little confidence boost and a nod of recognition that we were on similar paths. His show is spectacularly good.. very emotional and, again, filled with that child-like wonder at music. 

Your new album will be released on CD and digitally from October 6th via Reveal Records. Do I understand correctly that there will not be a vinyl release for this album?

It could happen at some point but the logistics and waiting times involved meant that we couldn’t do it for the initial release.

You worked with Mark Freegard in recording, mixing and mastering this album. How did you come to work with Mark on this project? Perhaps you’ve worked together in the past?

I had worked with Mark as part of Eddi’s band making her Love Is The Way & Vagabond albums so I was very comfortable in his presence and knew he is a master at his craft. I’m so happy with the warm sound of my guitar & voice and that’s all down to Mark. 

You’re active on all most of the major socials but have no TikTok channel at the moment, is this something that you’re planning on looking into? (I’ll admit, it scares me!) In terms of sharing your music and creating a community, what do you happen to like and dislike about the platforms that you are currently using?

I’m ‘comfortable’ with Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.. I really enjoy making videos so there will be a bunch of those. I have promised myself that I will get familiar with TikTok & Instagram. They are all just the new ways of communicating so I have no fears… just need to learn the new ropes. 

There are millions of bands and artists out there. Perhaps you can share the names of some of the artists that you personally are enjoying at the moment?

I recently enjoyed the following;

Irish rapper Kojaque - ‘Cabra Drive’     

Declan O Rourke - ‘Sarah’   

Willie Nelson ‘Something You Get Through’   

Tina Turner - ‘Edith And The Kingpin’  

Shirley Collins - ‘Hares On The Mountain’ 

We’d like to thank John for sparing the time to chat to us and wish him every success with his eponymous debut album which is set to land on Friday October 6th.

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