Silver Dollar Room Talk New Album, Single And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By San PR
Silver Dollar Room are braced to release their new album, It Can’t Rain All The Time, on Friday 12th September 2025. The engulfing alt-rockers have also revealed their evocative new single and video, ‘Monsters’, out now. We caught up with the band here:
Who is in Silver Dollar Room, how did you meet and what do you play?
The band was founded in 2023 by our guitarist/producer Jamie and me, Douglas. We originally envisioned it as a studio project, but it expanded in 2024, bringing in the talents of John on vocals, Lisa Aird on bass and Dan Covin on rhythm guitar. Over time, the lineup has evolved, with Jen Bain replacing Dan on rhythm guitar, and Ryan Shearer taking over bass duties from Lisa.
What is your earliest musical memory?
Being dragged along to piano lessons at an incredibly young age and realising I absolutely hated it despite having some talent. The teacher was strict, scary, regimented, and lacking empathy, not good! I quickly joined a pipe band, learning the snare drum and a love for percussion quickly developed.
When did you begin songwriting?
It all started with Jamie and me revisiting old songs together purely for the love of it, no big plans, no pressure. We worked on the original structures, seeing where the song would take us. There was never an intention for it to become a ‘proper’ project. The ideas we had thrown together started taking on real shape and depth, these early sessions became the foundation of what would eventually become our debut album, ‘Gilded Echoes’.
You have your new album ‘It Can’t Rain All the Time released on 13th September 2025. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
We wanted to approach ‘It Can’t Rain All the Time’ in a much more organic way. It was during the writing and recording process of this second album that SDR truly came together. The creative dynamic shifted – the writing sessions weren’t just about stitching individual ideas together, instead, we found ourselves in a room, inspiring each other, throwing ideas around, and building songs from the ground up.
That raw, in the moment collaboration became the heart of the album. This album captures that feeling, it is the sound of SDR becoming a band in the truest sense.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
The album was recorded at Post Electric Studio in Edinburgh and produced by our very own Jamie Turnbull.
Do you have any interesting, funny, or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
Absolutely! Though it might sound trivial at first, parking turned out to be one of the most memorable challenges we faced during the sessions. At the time, the newly constructed tram route ran outside the studio and let’s just say it turned our studio commutes into minor expeditions.
We found ourselves endlessly circling the area, desperately trying to find a spot that did not involve a ticket or a 5-mile-long trek. Eventually, we would park somewhere semi-legal, hoist our gear on our backs and hike through the streets of Leith towards the studio, rain or shine!
Did you use any instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
We aimed to create an organic, 90’s inspired record with a modern edge. Using vintage gear like a Yamaha drum kit, Idlewild’s Rev A Mesa Boogie, and a Musicman bass, we focused on capturing a vibe. The drum recording utilised ambient mics for a big, open sound, and everything was tracked live through analogue gear, including a massive SSL console and classic compressors, no click tracks. Jamie, inspired by Brendan O’Brien, (but with more love for delay and reverb), led the process.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at you’re a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
Happiest – ‘Can’t Rain’ as the layers in the song are different to anything we have tried before. Angriest – ‘Monsters’ as the subject matter is so harrowing and you really feel it playing live. Most reflective – ‘Breathe’ as the lyrics are close to John’s heart and it gives you a greater understanding into his journey and experience.
Was it a difficult album to write?
In some ways, yes. Unfortunately, our rhythm guitarist had to leave, and our original bass player, Lisa, also stepped away during the initial writing sessions. That shift was tough, but it allowed the core three of us, John, Jamie and me, to really dig deep into this album. We started to inspire each other in new ways. The foundations of the album were forged in the dark Scottish winter, and you can hear that in the tone and direction of the record.
Who designed the album artwork?
The talented Jay Witsey designed the artwork, he also designed the covers for ‘Monsters’ and our next single ‘Normal People.’
One of the tracks is the new single ‘Monsters’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
‘Monsters’ is inspired by the BBC documentary ‘Three Girls’. The song tackles the painful subject of the Rochdale child abuse scandal, shedding light on how working-class girls were systematically failed by the authorities who dismissed their voices. Harrowing and poignant.
The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?
We provided a brief to Sergio Cosme and his team at the production company, along with a backstory to ‘Monsters’ and the influences behind the song. From there, they created something truly powerful, the script they developed hits hard, just as it should, and is a poignant accompaniment to the single.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Historic, hilly, cultured, moody, conflicted.
How do you look after your voices?
Warm up, plenty of rest, practice, healthy living and healthy eating!
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?
We have an album launch show booked in Edinburgh on the 13th September and a festival appearance scheduled for Orkney the week before. We are in the process of organising more shows around release time and will hopefully be filling up the diary in due course. We feel this album deserves to be heard on the live stage.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
The goal is to have given everything, both physically and emotionally. Pouring our heart and energy into every moment, leaving nothing behind and ultimately allowing that energy to transfer to the audience. There is nothing like feeling the spark and the momentum behind that connection.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
Jamie’s Gibson Les Paul is essential; it’s defined both our album’s sound and is his longtime go-to. We’re tech friendly on stage: Jamie runs a Friedman valve preamp into It direct to the PA, Ryan uses the Quad Cortex, John brings the same mic we used for tracking, and I stick with my trusted Tama snare and Zildjian A Custom cymbals. We take pride in our sound and try hard to refine it.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin! Such a gritty, atmospheric novel. Perfect for a film score that can capture the dark, moody Edinburgh setting with psychological tension. Having read the novel recently it’s a deeply layered crime story and scoring it would be a challenge but a chance to explore a complex soundscape that elevates the narrative without overshadowing it.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
We take inspiration from early Delta Blues like Robert Johnson & Son House, but we are also inspired by the legends who shaped music their own way. Prince, Smashing Pumpkins, Manic Street Preachers, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Catherine Wheel and Hundred Reasons to name but a few.
What makes Silver Dollar Room happy and what makes you unhappy?
SDR thrives when we are creating and planning for the future. Those moments bring energy, clarity, and excitement. Having a shared vision, clear goal and structured time for creativity keeps us motivated and aligned. On the other hand, a lack of structure, unclear direction or feeling stuck without a plan can lead to frustration and low morale. Also, a lack of live dates can hamper motivation.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By San PR
Silver Dollar Room’s new album It Can’t Rain All The Time, on Friday 12th September 2025.
Their latest single ‘Monsters’ is out now.
Official LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/silverdollarroomband
