Following their explosive emergence onto the Scottish music scene last year, Ayrshire-based quartet The Marches are back with their electrifying new single 'Come Back Around'.
Bringing back more of that infectiously catchy yet melancholic rock sound they are quickly becoming known for, 'Come Back Around' makes for a stellar showcase of the all-girl outfit's evolving artistry. With its radiantly hooky melodies, intricate guitar work, and that distinctive "Avril Lavigne fronting a math-rock band" aesthetic layered throughout, they are delivering one of their most compelling efforts to date.
Since bursting onto the scene in July 2024, the quartet has been nothing short of unstoppable - selling out Glasgow's legendary Poetry Club, headlining King Tut's New Year Revolution festival, and earning coverage across UK radio. Now signed to independent powerhouse Revo Pro Records and working with One Roof Music Management, they're clearly gearing up for what promises to be a breakout 2025.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with the band to find out more about her musical origins and what has been inspiring The Marches most over the years.
Jane Jenkins (JJ) - Lead Guitarist
Nicola Singleton (NS) - Bassist
Katie Palmer (KP) - Lead Vocalist & Rhythm Guitar
Kate Morrow (KM) - Drummer
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
JJ: Probably my Maton. After following musicians such as John butler and Tommy Emmanuel it was definitely my dream acoustic guitar. I got it around 6 years ago and I’ll definitely have it for life!
NS: The first instrument I ever learned to play was violin. I was always intrigued by music and so when I had the chance to learn and study music, I took it!
KP: My dad used to play guitar most nights when I was growing up and I used to sit and listen all night.
I was gifted a guitar for my Christmas when I was around 12 and spent all night playing jingle bells and how long will I love you with my papa.
KM: My first and only love has been for the drums!! As soon as I sat down behind the kit for the first time I knew this was exactly what I was meant to play.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
JJ:When I was really young it was lot of acoustic finger style artists such as John butler and Ben Howard, however in my teens my music taste drifted into more rock and pop/rock, listening to a lot of PJ Harvey, led zeppelin, everything everything, metric etc. It would be unfair not to mention my childhood obsession with the Jonas Brother also…
NS: I have loved Taylor Swift since I was about 8, and still am really inspired by her as an artist and businesswoman. I remember strongly disliking the music my Mum listened to; rave music, and everything electronic. I always preferred music with real instruments, even back then.
KP: I loved kylie Minogue. I used to fall asleep to her live concert DVD every night when I was younger. I also loved IL DIVO. Me and my little brother would sing the songs in all the different languages together when we were in nursery.
My favourite artist was always Taylor Swift though. I used to love singing love story with Nicola when we were growing up. We used to wander around the playground in school singing!
KM: Britany Spears, Pink, Kylie Minogue, Taylor Swift, and One Direction were definitely my favourites!
What was the first album you remember owning?
JJ: Every second counts - Plain White T’s
NS: Taylor Swift, Red.
KP: Taylor Swift - Fearless
KM: I didn’t really own any albums when I was young since I mainly just streamed music, however I did recently get given my favourite Taylor Swift album, Midnights, on Vinyl which I love!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
JJ: Ohh so many. If I had to pick one it would probably be Love and anger by Kate bush.
NS: Life on Mars, David Bowie. It’s the first song that I remember being properly blown away by.
KP:The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
KM: Just Like Heaven – The Cure
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
JJ: I always write on my maton acoustic. Often in different tunings that aren’t standard and then if we end up using the song I’ll convert it to standard tuning for our live sets. When I’m writing it’s always the music I write first and vocals/lyrics last. I’ll write all the guitar parts and jot down rough bass/drum parts and then the vocal line is last which is usually based off what I have as the lead guitar line. When recording it’s very collaborative and parts change and get tweaked, this is my favourite part!
NS: When we are writing music together, it’s a very collaborative process. We all take responsibility for each part of the song, rather than our own parts of the song if that makes sense.
KP:Sometimes I will just be strumming a chord progression and I will try and write a vocal melody over it. Other times I have written a poem and written chords in and around the lyrics.
KM: I just love to jam with the girls to see what we come up with, the best drum parts are written when I can be inspired by them.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
JJ: I always write on my maton acoustic. Often in different tunings that aren’t standard and then if we end up using the song I’ll convert it to standard tuning for our live sets. When I’m writing it’s always the music I write first and vocals/lyrics last. I’ll write all the guitar parts and jot down rough bass/drum parts and then the vocal line is last which is usually based off what I have as the lead guitar line. When recording it’s very collaborative and parts change and get tweaked, this is my favourite part!
NS: Chappell Roan - have loved her for years and it’s so cool to see how well she is doing. Also, Suki Waterhouse
KP:The Last Dinner Party
KM: Right now my favourite artists are Taylor Swift, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Gigi Perez, Noah Kahan and Gracie Abrams, just to name a few…
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
JJ: It would need to an act I really enjoy seeing live. So probably everything everything… think they might be my answer to every question.
NS: Chappell Roan - for an excuse to get to see her again!
KP:Stevie Nicks
KM: Taylor Swift !!!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
JJ: Probably recording. Gigs are great and it’s a great feeling when you have a good gig, but I think the most rewarding and fun process for me is recording a song. It’s usually a full day thing for us, we have a great relationship with Danny and Ollie at raptors music studio (where we have recorded all our singles to date), which makes the process even more fun.
NS: Seeing people singing the words to our songs is very rewarding.
KP: Writing music and seeing a song coming to life in the rehearsal room or the studio. It’s always so rewarding to hear how our songs progress
KM: The best part is being able to connect with people through music. Playing music brings people together, and being a musician has led me to meet some amazing people.
And what is the most frustrating part?
JJ: It not being a full time job.
NS: Not being able to do it full time!
KP: The goal is a career, but it’s the frustrating journey of trying to get there that’s difficult
KM: Not being able to do this full time!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
JJ: Have fun! Enjoy every opportunity, take every one you can, and don’t overthink it because you don’t know how long it’ll last.
NS: To loosen up on stage. You can play the music note perfect - but if you don’t look like you’re enjoying yourself, the audience won’t either.
KP: Any feeling/experience you have/go through, jot it down. A good song can come of it.
KM: Remember to practice, believe in yourself, and just have soooo much fun!!
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Check out ‘Come Back Around’ in the player below