Bitterwood, a dynamic force hailing from the North East of Scotland, has evolved from its origins as a post-hardcore/spoken word experiment into a powerhouse of groovy hardcore. Founded in 2016, the band underwent a significant transformation in 2019, refining their sound and lineup to become the high-energy performers they are today. With a series of EPs and singles under their belt, Bitterwood is now gearing up for their debut LP, promising fresh collaborations and tours on the horizon. In this exclusive interview, they share insights into their creative process, their place in the UK hardcore scene, and their dreams for the future.
Guys, thanks for setting aside some time to have a quick catch-up – could you please introduce yourselves to our readers and tell us a little bit about what Bitterwood is all about?
Thanks for having us guys! We're Bitterwood, 4 lads from the North East of Scotland. The band was originally formed in 2016 and actually started as a post-hardcore/spoken word band that focused on concept-structured songs. This changed in 2019 when we reset and started again with a blank slate; only the name and a few concept ideas were kept. We switched up the style completely, focusing more on energetic performances whilst adapting our sound further to what you would hear today, with more of the groovy hardcore sound that we're associated with now.
A big part of this change was the departure of our original guitarist Dean, who left alongside all of the old music. With his exit, we gained a new member on guitar who influenced our sound further towards what it is now, which coincided with the new direction. Following 2 EP releases and a couple singles, our original drummer Glen also decided to step down to focus on his personal life. Again though, when a chapter ends, a new one begins. Our new drummer Ross was invited to join the fold and we were lucky enough to gain another member who shares the same passion and drive for music as the rest of us do, as well as add a new dynamic to the sound and feel.
How did Bitterwood come to life and what was the main inspiration behind starting up a groovy Hardcore band?
Our bassist Chappy, who had past experience in various local bands and projects, along with our vocalist Will, who at that time was someone that had zero writing or playing experience, but was passionate about music and keen to learn. Again, the band started off as a spoken word, post-hardcore band, but it was through constant development and experimenting with new styles and feel once our guitarist Liam joined as a teenager that made us gravitate toward the sound we perform today.
What is your typical dynamic for writing and composing new songs? Any rituals or unique methods?
We've tested writing songs in a couple of different ways now, whether it's lyrics first then music to match, or the old-school method of 4 guys in a room jamming until something sticks. Nowadays it's mostly a guitar riff or bassline that we start with and build around, but it's never a one-size-fits-all kind of deal and we're always looking at new ways to experiment and expand the sound.
You guys are known for high-energy performances. How do you prepare for your shows, and what do you aim to deliver to the audience?
I think for us it's always just been a case of getting up and giving it everything. The whole experience is meant to be fun and to get as many people involved as possible. We love having our mates come up to join us on a couple tracks, as well as seeing the room loosen up and mosh. If we can make sure people have had a chance to blow off some steam and feel a part of the community, as well as leave in a better mood than when they came in, we've done our job
What can fans look forward to from Bitterwood in the next year? Any upcoming tours, collaborations, or new releases that you can tell us about?
We're trying to take on a lot fewer shows for the rest of this year so that we can focus on writing new material. If everything goes to plan, expect some collaborative pieces with some of our friends, as well as our debut LP and a couple of tours to go along with it.
What’s your take on the current UK hardcore scene, and how do you see Bitterwood’s place within it?
UK hardcore is in a great place right now. There are loads of super hard-working bands and labels that are keeping the scene moving forward. UKHC bands are travelling the globe spreading the sound; overall, it's healthy. I think we cross over a few different styles/scenes and it's great to be able to play on a variety of lineups across the country
What is your fictional “dream” festival looking like? There are no limits, you can go all out and get creative—location, line-up, indoor or outdoor, etc.
Bali, Indonesia
Main Stage:
Metallica - Kill em All set
Slayer
Primus
Turnstile
Vein
Higher Power
Wood Stage:
Have Heart
Trapped Under Ice
Never Ending Game
Kharma
Queensway
Big Cheese