Let me introduce you to the very important people in my life.

The band who eagerly and relentlessly climbs to the top of the list of my favourites. And it’s not because of their Scottish accent. Of course not! Alright, maybe just a little bit.

The band who is so enthusiastic and dedicated. You can hear the passion in the guitar riffs and the blend of emotions in the lyrics. So energetic and funny on stage. You’ll think that’s the description of almost every band. But no, it’s not.

The band who wants to make pop cool again (alright, alright I mean guitar-driven pop obviously) and wears Backstreet Boys shirts at their gigs (yep, Murray I remember that particular one time). Well, that’s definitely cool enough for me.

Anyway, imagine that.. I’ve seen them performing live four times this year. Four! That’s quite a lot, isn’t it? And I don’t mean a lot as for one band or one year. In general. I find only two bands ahead of them on my precious little list. Oh sorry, my bad – not that little. It’s ENORMOUS. Of course, there is this one band (because there is always this one band) they could possibly never overtake. No one can. No one will. You can’t argue about that. But another time on this topic.

So as you can see The XCERTS are a pretty big deal here. I should get a badge or something. Guys, any chance for that? Let me know.

Aberdeen-formed trio has definitely won my heart a long time ago. But not as long as 2001 when Murray Macleod (guitar, lead vocals) and Jordan Smith (bass, backing vocals) decided to form the band. Tom Heron (drums, backing vocals) joined a few years later so basically they’ve spent half of their lives on this beautiful project which defines them.

I really appreciate having them in my life. I feel like my soul responds to their soul. I’m happy when I listen to their music. They just make me smile. And if you find people who make you smile, you simply don’t let them go. So again, pretty big deal.

The XCERTS played the AIM Awards Warm Up show last week in Camden. They are the nominee in the category INDEPENDENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR for the latest LP There Is Only You that came out last year. I am genuinely happy for them! Mainly, because it took roughly 4 years to make this record and it is fantastic!

As for the show we got some good oldies like Home Versus Home and Slackerpop, not to mention the crowd’s favourite Aberdeen 1987 – you just gotta love this song. Plus some jumpy parts of Shaking In The Water, Pop Song (which you can watch below), She (one of my personal faves!) ended with the track that I’m yet (after this long time, yeah I know) to make my mind up about – There Is Only You. Oh and my photography skills have certainly been improving!

The 2015 AIM Independent Music Awards will take place on 8th September, at The Brewery in London so good luck guys!

And till next time! Certainly, we’ll see each other again.