Neutrals skillfully applies jangly guitar, memorable melodies, and nostalgic witticisms for a signature post-punk indie pop sound beloved here in the Bay and beyond. Having played in various groups since the 90s, the band features guitarist/vocalist Allan McNaughton (Giant Haystacks, Airfix Kits), drummer Phil Lantz (Razz, Sydney Ducks, Cocktails and Chime School), bassist Phil Benson (Terry Malts and Magic Bullets), and newest member Lauren Matsui (Seablite, Rhymies).
Ahead of Neutrals’ set this Saturday, July 5th at the New Farm, co-hosted by Bay Beats (San Francisco Public Library) and White Crate, we heard from guitarist/vocalist Allan McNaughton about his love of Johnny Cash, his move to the Bay from Scotland, and his thoughts on the Bay Area music scene.
What’s your earliest memory of connecting with music?
Allan: When I was maybe 6 or 7 my dad bought a cassette player off a guy in the pub for my brother and I. It had a Johnny Cash greatest hits tape in it. It was the only tape we had and we sat in the floor of our bedroom and played that tape over and over again, back to back. Still a huge Johnny Cash fan.
Where did you grow up? If you moved here, when and why did you move to the Bay?
I grew up in Scotland, in a small village half an hour from Glasgow. I moved to the Bay Area in the 90s, largely because of connections to the punk scene here.
Does living in the Bay Area influence your music?
Being surrounded by so many talented bands and musicians definitely energizes me to keep being involved in music, but I’d say the influences I picked up earlier in life, when I still lived in Scotland, have more of a direct impact on the music I make. That’s probably pretty obvious to anyone that listens to us!
Why do you make music?
It’s fun! All I know is that when I’ve gone through periods of not being in a band, I’ve really missed it. I feel very fortunate to be able to play with Phil and Lauren too. Somehow they manage to bring out the best in me and make my scrappy songs sound good!
Have you played at the New Farm before? If so, what’s your impression of the space/venue?
Never played there, but hoping we can recreate some of the scenes of punk chaos I’ve heard was a feature of shows at the original Farm!
Bus Stop Nights (2022) by Neutrals is now available on Bay Beats
How has your experience with Bay Beats been?
As a lifelong devotee of public libraries, I’m really honoured to have our music represented on Bay Beats! It seems like a really cool and unique way of discovering new local music. We really appreciate the support!
What do you love about the Bay Area music community?
I mentioned before how many great bands and musicians. I don’t know if I would describe it as one Bay Area community, but a constellation of many small communities, many of which overlap and mingle in interesting ways. I would love to see more DIY venues, and I hope that our existing venues are able to stay open and even thrive.
Do you have any new releases coming up?
Nothing in the immediate pipeline, but we have been working on some new songs.
Do you have any hopes or predictions for the local music scene?
Scenes come in and out of fashion, and interest and exposure happens in waves, but from what I can tell, the Bay Area has never lacked for talented, creative folks and vibrant music and art. I predict that will continue, whether or not the rest of the world is paying attention.
