Dancing on Tables (better known as DOT in their home town) were the stars of the show last Thursday for their fourth performance at Sneaky Pete’s whilst headlining a Scruff on the Neck gig along with supporting acts the Opera Comic and the Carvelles .
The Dunfermline-based, indie rock band, consisting of Robbie McSkimming (vocals and keyboard), Callum Thomas (vocals and guitar), Hamish Finlayson (lead guitar), Gregor Stobie (bass guitar) and Michael Waterworth (drums) was originally formed when they met in high school. With them all having a deep passion for music and, quite frankly, nothing better to do, they began playing and writing together. After a few local gigs in the ever-growing Dunfermline music scene, the boys got their first real grasp of the music industry when asked to support Brighton band, Will and the People. In 2016, they received the Live Music Award at the Dunfermline Press Community Champions Awards and have gone on do some remarkable things such as playing the iconic King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow numerous times now and playing festivals, such as Kendal Calling.
I have to say, after first being rejected at the door, the night seemed although it was on the brink of disaster but, luckily, I got there before the band kicked off. You know what show business can be like! The band took to the stage and gave the crowd a nice taster of their new EP, set to be released very shortly. They gave a great variety of songs, only three of which were old songs from their other EPs such as “Don’t Stop” and their latest single “Tracey” brought out earlier this year. It showed growth in the boys as their digital and electronic influences seeped through more and won over the eager crowd at the show last Thursday.
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Afterwards, whilst they were trying to pack up their gear and I was sneakily but kindly harassing them, I managed to get a few words with the band and managed to get some news on their new, upcoming music. Singer, Robbie, while everyone else was tidying up was more than happy to be pulled aside for a chat. He informed me that the band’s new single “Oh”, which was written in Nashville, is set to be released on November 10th.
Almost all the band agreed that their proudest moment so far would be the launch of their second EP “Don’t Stop”, however, when asking the boys about their greatest ambitions, all their replies were different. Bass player Gregor said “My biggest ambition would be to sell out the Barrowlands. By this stage, the band is ready to go. We just need that one last push.” However, Callum said that doing a UK tour would be his biggest ambition and Robbie wants to headline a festival such as T in the Park “if it’s going to be around” or TRNSMT.
In all this Michael only had time for a quick word as he was clearing up. I’m not even joking. One little word to describe how he felt the night went and that word was “lavish!”
All in all, the night was a success and the crowd loved them. Callum told me a little bit about how it feels seeing the audience enjoy themselves so much: “When people dance, it makes us want to dance. It’s great!
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The boys have obviously come a long way since the first formed in a high school cupboard and we should only expect more. DOT, Hamish told us, will be doing a tour next year and actually have a show in Newcastle on December 2nd. They’re also back to Dunfermline to one of their regular pubs, PJ Molloy’s on October 14th and tickets are on sale now .
Thanks so much to the band for letting me interview them on Thursday at Sneaky Pete’s. These guys are some of the most down to Earth, humble, talented musicians you could meet and I must say, they definitely know how to win over a crowd. When it comes to the indie-rock scene, Dancing on Tables certainly know what they’re doing and I can see big things coming to this band. They’re one to watch out for.
