Under the Radar: Moni Jitchell
Their career may have been put on hold by the pandemic, but now Moni Jitchell are more than making up for lost time, write Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon
Hailing from Ayr but now based in Glasgow, Moni Jitchell have carved out a mean reputation for what they describe as backing-track hardcore. Initially planning to launch themselves on the world in 2019 with their debut EP, Clear, Grant Donaldson (vocals, drums, synths) and David Scott (12-string guitar, bass) spent the pandemic evolving in their sound under lockdown restrictions, bursting back onto the scene in 2023 with their debut album, Unreal.
Also released on vinyl, it garnered plays on Radio 6 Music, Radio X and Kerrang, and led to supports for Melt Banana, Benefits, MSPAINT and mclusky, as well as headline slots at Glasgow’s Core Fest.
The following year the duo performed an epic show at Stereo in Glasgow with a ten-piece backing band which was recorded and released as A Year of Unreal. The release was visually enhanced by the excellent artwork and design created by long-standing collaborator Mitchell Gilles.
Moni Jitchell embark on a series of dates in April and a new album, recorded with Ross McGowan from Chime Studios, is set for release in the summer, see https://linktr.ee/moni_jitchell
Olaf Furniss and Derick Mackinnon run music industry seminar and social night Born To Be Wide, see www.borntobewide.co.uk
Join radical music/tech social enterprise Off Axis at Liverpool Sound City on 3 May 2026 at iconic bar, record store and live music venue The Jacaranda. Firmly established as one of Europe’s leading independent music festivals and conference events, Liverpool Sound City is well-known for programming the most exciting new acts. Alongside headliners KEO and Jalen Ngonda, Dear Heather, Foreign Mornings, Clay Rings and Lemon Drink perform on the Off Axis stage. Visit https://www.soundcity.uk.com
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