We caught up with the lovely Ashley from Glasgow’s alternative synth-pop duo neverfine to learn more about this incredible two-piece – and, of course, to ask a few festive questions!

Can you describe how the band first came together?

Ashley: Me and Craig first met through mutual friends almost 5 years ago, and when we both realised we were musicians, we knew we wanted to work on a project together. Due to circumstances, we ended up isolating together during the pandemic and that gave us a lot of time to reflect on our lives at that point and noodle about with song ideas, which helped create the overall arching themes and sounds of our debut EP “Do Everything, Feel Nothing”

What’s the creative process like when you’re writing a new song?

Ashley: Admittedly, we don’t have a specific process to our songwriting. Each song we’ve written so far has been done in a different way to the last, but I guess that’s what makes it all so interesting. One thing that is always consistent though, is Craig will write the music and sometimes lyrics too in our tiny home studio and I’ll write or finalise the lyrics and vocal melodies based off of his work. Then once we get to a place where we’ve got an idea of the direction the song is going to go, that’s when we’ll take it to our producer Edwin McLachlan, to work his magic and bring the songs to the standard that you hear them in the final master recordings.

What are some unexpected hobbies or interests you both have outside of music?

Ashley: We both absolutely adore ice hockey – we support Glasgow Clan and Toronto Maple Leafs. Alongside that, Craig also loves Dungeons & Dragons, whereas I’m more boring. I will tend to doomscroll on TikTok and cuddle/play with my dog for hours on end (if you call that a hobby). Is sleeping also a hobby? Because I’m definitely an expert in that too!

What was your most memorable performance this year?

Ashley: We’ve played so many amazing shows this year, but a particular highlight for us was Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. When we got the news that we had won Tenement TV’s competition, I had a wee cry and my dad was the first person to find out after Craig. Poor Craig at the time was at work when we found out and I was spamming him with messages! But the day of the performance itself was so surreal – we had our own cabin and all the stage staff behind the scenes were so lovely and accommodating. They made the whole process so smooth for us which made the whole experience even more special. We were shocked and surprised at how many people showed up for our set, considering we were playing the festival’s second biggest stage (The Garden Stage) and how early in the day we were on. We even got to enjoy the rest of the weekend and got to catch some incredible acts like Sugababes, Deacon Blue and Bill Bailey to name a few. Incredibly grateful for the opportunity, and would play at Belladrum again in a heartbeat if given the chance! On behalf of myself and Craig, we want to offer a special thanks to Tenement TV for all their support this year and for this incredible opportunity. Also, big shout out and thanks to our drummer Murray Bartle, who played with us for that show. He’s a great friend of ours and a very talented musician, it was so much fun playing with Craig and Murray that day.

What’s one song or artist that’s been on repeat for both of you lately?

Ashley: For me, it has to be Charli XCX. I just can’t get enough of Brat & the remixes. Those two albums have been on repeat for months. As for Craig, he is really enjoying FKA Twigs and Confidence Man at the moment.

I know you’re not supposed to have favourites, but what’s your favourite track from your debut album “Do Everything, Feel Nothing”?

Ashley: Me and Craig will always have a special place in our hearts for ‘Imaginary Friends’ – We loved writing that song and we’re even more in love with how it turned out in the end. Craig and Edwin absolutely smashed it with that tune. It’s been really nice to see it get the recognition it deserves and become a crowd favourite. We’re so proud of that song.

What’s your favourite Christmas film?

Ashley: Nightmare Before Christmas. That counts as a Christmas film… right? Craig always says his is Batman Returns. I guess it’s set at Christmas so that counts in his opinion!

Do you have any Christmas traditions that you do every year without fail?

Ashley: To be honest, I’m not a Christmassy person for a number of reasons, but mainly because I’m bitter about the fact it overshadows my birthday every year! (For context my birthday is just before Christmas). I’m a true summer child born in the winter, so I truly do the bare minimum at Christmas. Due to all of this, I’m often given the nickname Scrooge – bah humbug! Craig likes to see how many days he can go in December without hearing Slade. Needless to say, he is yet to make it to Christmas without hearing them.

If you had to do a Christmas song cover with another artist, which artist and which song?

Ashley: If I had to choose one, it would have to be Wham! – Last Christmas. I’m imagining like a slow, emotive, piano duet version featuring an incredible pop vocalist like Ariana Grande, Chappell Roan or Sabrina Carpenter on it. That would be incredible. Craig told me he would cover 2000 Miles by Pretenders but with The Cocteau Twins.

What’s your favourite festive food?

Ashley: We both love a good roast turkey with gravy and pigs in blankets – can’t beat it!

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