Baby Strange
Baby Strange was a Scottish indie rock band formed in 2012 in Glasgow, Scotland. The trio consisted of Johnny Madden (vocals/guitar), Connaire McCann (drums), and Aidan McCann (bass). Despite sharing their name with a T. Rex track, frontman Johnny Madden has stated that they independently came up with the name, later realizing its connection to the iconic glam rock band. Known for their DIY approach to music production, the band was involved in every aspect of their work, from recording to artwork.
History
Formation and Early Years (2012-2015)
The band was formed in the summer of 2012 by longtime friends Johnny Madden, Connaire McCann, and Aidan McCann. According to Madden, the formation of the band came during a period of creative frustration, saying, “We had no jobs, we were living for nothing. We were going out all the time, seeing the same faces, doing the same things.” They started writing what Madden described as “fast, snappy, in-and-out punk-rock songs” in their bedrooms. The band took inspiration from their surroundings and began to develop their unique sound.
In 2014, Baby Strange gained attention with the release of their single “Pure Evil,” which marked their distinctive blend of indie rock and punk. Their track “California Sun” showcased their confidence, pairing dark, relentless vocals with upbeat pleas for sunshine. The band further demonstrated their versatility in the track “Pleasure City,” released in 2015, which was featured on Apple Music’s Beats 1 and even played at Scotland’s national football stadium during a UEFA EURO Qualifier match.
Touring and Collaborations
Baby Strange has supported several well-known bands, including Slaves, Jamie T, Palma Violets, Swim Deep, and Iceage. Their tours, especially with Jamie T and Palma Violets, helped them gain a wider audience in the indie rock scene. They also performed at major festivals like Reading and Leeds, T in the Park, and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, establishing themselves as one of Scotland’s prominent indie acts during this period.
Residency and Club Nights
The band held a residency at Broadcast, a bar in Glasgow, where their concerts were ticketed through the purchase of a £3 Baby Strange badge. This unconventional entry method attracted a dedicated local following. Later, the band started their own club night at The Priory bar, further solidifying their place in Glasgow’s indie scene. Their biggest headline show took place on 16 December 2016 at the O2 ABC in Glasgow, marking a significant moment in their career.
Musical Style
Baby Strange’s musical style has been broadly categorized as indie rock and pop-punk, though they incorporated elements of grunge and garage rock into their sound. Their music is often described as “grungy rebel rock,” but with catchy choruses reminiscent of indie pop. Tracks like “VVV” and “California Sun” demonstrate the band’s darker indie rock influences. The band has also been praised for their live performances, which feature a mix of ’60s garage rock and distinctly Scottish indie guitar riffs.
Album: Want It Need It (2016)
On 16 September 2016, Baby Strange released their debut album, Want It Need It, on Ignition Records. The album further solidified their place in the indie rock scene, showcasing their signature blend of raw punk energy and indie rock melodies.
Festival Appearances
- Gentlemen of the Road (2015)
- Underground Festival (2015)
- Wickerman Festival (2015)
- Stag & Dagger (2014)
- Reading and Leeds Festival (2014)
- Beacons Metro (2014)
- T in the Park (2014)
- BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend (2014)
Band Members
- Johnny Madden – Vocals, Guitar
- Connaire McCann – Drums
- Aidan McCann – Bass
Legacy
Baby Strange left a lasting mark on the Scottish indie rock scene with their DIY ethos and energetic live performances. Their dedication to self-producing their music, videos, and artwork set them apart from many other bands of their time. With their dark, gritty sound and relentless work ethic, Baby Strange remains a notable force in the indie rock landscape, influencing many contemporary punk and indie acts.
