All Dante News

Dante unveil new single ‘Song’!

Posted Tue, 12 Dec 2017


For fans of... The National, Idlewild, Frightened Rabbit

"... powerful, brooding songwriting..."

- Clash


"... a storming band, phenomenal energy, great songwriting..."
- Tom Robinson, BBC 6 Music


"... blends anthemic guitars with rich lyrics and folk elements..."
- The Skinny


Following their full-length debut Wake, Scottish collective Dante are back with a brand new album. I Wear Your Weight With Mine is out on 9th March 2018 via Stitch Records.

Taken from the album, new single Song premiered on The Skinny and you can listen to it now via the band's Soundcloud page.


You can also watch the brand new video for Song via the band's YouTube channel now.


I Wear Your Weight With Mine, the band's sophomore LP, was produced/mixed by Frightened Rabbit’s Andy Monaghan, and mastered by Howie Weinberg (Nirvana’s Nevermind). Inspired by the relationships we build over the course of our lives, I Wear Your Weight With Mine is a sophisticated and lyrically rich collection, primarily focused on what the band feel is important in life as we grow older. Of the album, founder Seán McLaughlin explains:

“It is a hugely positive album… How positive it is to have strong ties to other people, but how much of a responsibility this can feel at times. It’s about connection, when disconnection seems like an easier option.”

From the delicate musicality, folk-tinged melodies, and traditional storytelling charm of album opener ‘Beachcomber’, to the gritty, angst-driven edge of ‘Detachment Souvenir’, it’s a collection steeped in refreshing honesty and musical maturity. As shades of gentle romanticism appear in the twinkling, uplifting melodies and luscious harmonies on the likes of ‘Rose’ and ‘Alarm’, one cannot help but be reminded of The National’s later work, whilst elsewhere there’s strong elements of more traditional folk music. As the album closes with the lullaby-like heartfelt emotion of ‘Wolves’, it’s clear that Dante have succeeded in creating a collection filled with a charm and subtle anthemic power, that’ll resonate with anyone who’s faced some of life’s challenges.

Having worked with Idlewild's Rod Jones, Seán McLaughlin shows a care and attention to songwriting on I Wear Your Weight With Mine. Already seeing support from the likes of Clash, Artrocker Magazine, BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson and BBC Radio Scotland, the band look set to continue this success with their latest stirring, folk-influenced fusion with a contemporary edge. With artwork courtesy of Tracy Maurice (Arcade Fire's Funeral and Neon Bible), and an accompanying collection of short stories written by Stephen Thom being released alongside the album.

I Wear Your Weight With Mine is out on 9th March 2018 via Stitch Records.

If you'd like to find out more about Dante or A Badge of Friendship's PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

Dante release free track ‘Wake’ & announce tour dates!

Posted Fri, 04 Jul 2014


"... music that is brave enough to leap the gap between genres..."

- The Sunday Herald



"... this is truly cracking stuff..."

- Rock N Reel



For fans of... Lau, Frightened Rabbit, Roddy Woomble, Arcade Fire


Dante are pleased to announce the free download of their single, Wake, out now via Stitch Records.

Stream and download the single Wake for free via the ABoF SoundCloud page.



Wake is the title track taken from the critically acclaimed album of the same name, released earlier this year, and showcases the band’s ability to instinctively span genres with a flair and panache many of their contemporaries would be proud of. On Wake the band illustrate their capacity to create traditional Celtic tunes that fit into a modern landscape. Beautifully picked guitars are complemented by the sweeping sound of fiddle and a snappy drum beat, all brought together seamlessly by stirring harmonies as the track builds to a thunderous conclusion.

The album Wake, which was produced and recorded by Frightened Rabbit’s Andy Monaghan, was Dante’s first full length offering, picking up wide ranging support from the likes of Beat Surrender, Artrocker Magazine, God Is In The TV, The Scottish Sun, Rock N Reel and was named in The Herald’s Top 50 Albums of 2013.

The release of Wake coincides with a number of impressive local and festival dates for Dante over the coming month as they are due to embark on a Scottish tour which includes a Radio Rapal Session, as well as appearances at the Hebridean Celtic Festival, Belladrum Festival, Edinburgh Festival and Jocktoberfest.

Full list of dates below:


10th July - Clarks Bar - Dundee

17th July - Mad Hatters - Inverness

18th July - Rapal Radio Session - Stornoway

19h July - Hebridean Celtic Festival

25th July - Wickerman Festival

8th August - Belladrum Festival

15th August - Edinburgh Festival - Electric Circus

27th August - Glasgow - (Venue TBA)

30th August - Inverness - Venue TBA)

6th September - Jocktoberfest

28th September - Perth - (Venue TBA)

11th October - Edinburgh - Venue TBA)

18th October - Edinburgh - (Venue TBA)


Wake is free to download now via Stitch Records. The acclaimed album of the same name is available to buy on iTunes.

If you'd like more information on Dante or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

Dante release free download of ‘Fireworks’

Posted Mon, 09 Dec 2013


"… music that is brave enough to leap the gap between genres."

- The Sunday Herald



"… an album that is paving the way for modern Celtic music."

- Artrocker




For fans of... Lau, Frightened Rabbit, Arcade Fire


Dante today release a free, pre-christmas download of their album track 'Fireworks,' taken from their debut album Wake which is available to buy now via Stitch Records.

'Fireworks' bookends a hugely successful year for the band following the release of single Son and download track 'No Original Art' to promote the unveiling of their debut album Wake. The bands ability to produce folk tinged indie saw them pick up support from the likes of The Sunday Herald, The Scottish Sun, The Daily Record, Artrocker and God Is In The TV and 'Fireworks' is the perfect ending to what has been a busy year.

On 'Fireworks' Dante continue their exploration of modern indie music entwined with more traditional Celtic folk to produce another top class piece of music - displaying the strength of Scotland's burgeoning music scene. Strong accented vocals are emphasised further by warm harmonies, delicate guitar picking and soaring fiddle as the song builds beautifully throughout.

You can download 'Fireworks' below or from the the band's Soundcloud page.



Dante are comprised of The Birthday Suit's Séan McLaughlin who is ably supported by ex Aberfeldy member Vicky Gray (fiddle / synth / glock / vox), Stephen Thom (electric mandolin / guitar / vox), Ruaridh Kidd (drums / vox) and Stuart Hosking (bass / vox). McLaughlin and the band have created an album conjuring images of weather beaten landscapes, desolate beauty and lives lived at a slower pace, far away from the bustle of an overcrowded city.

Rich vocal harmonies sit seamlessly alongside traditional instrumentation, blended with a modern driven rock beat. Representing the very best of Scotland's lo-fi alternative sound, Dante are sure to win the hearts and minds of fans of Lau, Frightened Rabbit and Arcade Fire.

Wake was part produced and recorded by Frightened Rabbit's Andy Monaghan, who also appears on the record playing bass and guitar, and was written in the Shetland Islands where Sean and Vicky were born. In a short time the band have grown steadily, sharing the stage with members of Snow Patrol, supported The Birthday Suit and played with Washington Irving at the Edinburgh Festival.

After a fantastic 2013 Dante will be looking to continue the success gained into 2014 with plans for an EP release in place, the possibility of a European tour and an appearance at Celtic Connections 'Hazy Recollections' on January 19th 2014 already confirmed.

If you'd like more information on Dante or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

Dante album ‘Wake’ out now!

Posted Mon, 28 Oct 2013


"... music that is brave enough to leap the gap between genres..."

- The Sunday Herald



"... an album that is paving the way for modern Celtic music."

- Artrocker



For fans of... Lau, Frightened Rabbit, Arcade Fire


Scottish five piece, Dante are delighted announce the release of their album Wake, out now via Stitch Records and available to buy on iTunes.

On Wake, Dante triumphantly straddle the line between indie and folk, breathing much needed new life into the scene in the process. Wake has already received glowing reviews from the likes of The Sunday Herald, The Daily Record and Artrocker and follows the release of debut single 'Son' and, most recently, the brilliant album track 'No Original Art'. Pulling on influences such as Lau and Frightened Rabbit, both tracks highlight Dante's unerring ability to produce up tempo contemporary folk music.

Download 'No Original Art' below or from the the band's Soundcloud page.



Watch the video for 'No Original Art' below or on the band's YouTube page.



Showcasing the songwriting talents of Séan McLaughlin (a member of Idlewild's Rod Jones' solo project, The Birthday Suit), the band have captured a modern folk sound that epitomises the Scottish indie scene's uncanny ability to blend contemporary innovation with more traditional values. Ably supported by ex Aberfeldy member Vicky Gray (fiddle / synth / glock / vox), Stephen Thom (electric mandolin / guitar / vox), Ruaridh Kidd (drums / vox) and Stuart Hosking (bass / vox), McLaughlin has created an album conjuring images of weather beaten landscapes, desolate beauty and lives lived at a slower pace, far away from the bustle of an overcrowded city.

Wake was part produced and recorded by Frightened Rabbit's Andy Monaghan, who also appears on the record playing bass and guitar, and was written in the Shetland Islands where Sean and Vicky were born.

In a baptism of fire that sits well alongside their infernal namesake, Dante played their first gig in Polmont Young Offenders Institution almost two years ago, and have never looked back. Since then, the band have grown steadily sharing the stage with members of Snow Patrol, supported The Birthday Suit and played with Washington Irving at the Edinburgh Festival.

The release ofWake is culmination of a busy period for the band. They embarked on a tour of Scotland and northern England throughout September and October. They also played a support slot with Dry the River and the band have been announced to play Celtic Connections on 19th January 2014.

Wake by Dante is out via Stitch Records and available to buy now on iTunes.

If you'd like more information on Dante or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

Dante release ‘No Original Art’ single & video!

Posted Mon, 21 Oct 2013


"… folk-flecked gems"

- The Herald



For fans of... Lau, Frightened Rabbit, Arcade Fire


Scottish five piece, Dante return with the release of the download single and video of 'No Original Art', taken from their forthcoming album, Wake, out on 28th October 2013 via Stitch Records.

Following the successful release of debut single 'Son', 'No Original Art' continues to exhibit Dante's ability to produce up tempo contemporary folk music tinged with a smattering of indie for good measure. Pulling on influences like Lau and Frightened Rabbit, Dante have impressively cultivated a sound that wouldn't seem out of place on If I Should Fall From Grace With God by The Pogues - a compliment deserving of a band at the top of their game.

You can download 'No Original Art' below or from the the band's Soundcloud page.



You can watch the video for 'No Original Art' below or on the band's YouTube page.



Showcasing the songwriting talents of Seán McLaughlin (a member of Idlewild’s Rod Jones' solo project, The Birthday Suit), the band have captured a modern folk sound that epitomises the Scottish indie scene's uncanny ability to blend contemporary innovation with more traditional values. Ably supported by ex Aberfeldy member Vicky Gray (fiddle / synth / glock / vox), Stephen Thom (electric mandolin / guitar / vox), Ruaridh Kidd (drums / vox) and Stuart Hosking (bass / vox), McLaughlin has created an album conjuring images of weather beaten landscapes, desolate beauty and lives lived at a slower pace, far away from the bustle of an overcrowded city.

Rich vocal harmonies sit seamlessly alongside traditional instrumentation, blended with a modern driven rock beat. Representing the very best of Scotland's lo-fi alternative sound, Dante are sure to win the hearts and minds of fans of Lau, Frightened Rabbit and Arcade Fire.

Wake was part produced and recorded by Frightened Rabbit's Andy Monaghan, who also appears on the record playing bass and guitar, and was written in the Shetland Islands where Sean and Vicky were born.

In a baptism of fire that sits well alongside their infernal namesake, Dante played their first gig in Polmont Young Offenders Institution almost two years ago, and have never looked back. Since then, the band have grown steadily sharing the stage with members of Snow Patrol, supported The Birthday Suit and played with Washington Irving at the Edinburgh Festival.

The last few months have been extremely busy for Dante as they embarked on a tour of Scotland and northern England throughout September and October. They also played a support slot with Dry the River and have followed that up with the release of the download and video for 'No Original Art'. The end of October will culminate in the unveiling of Wake on the 28th and the band have been announced to play Celtic Connections on 19th January 2014.

If you'd like more information on Dante or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

Introducing… Dante

Posted Mon, 09 Sep 2013


"… folk-flecked gems"

- The Herald




For fans of... Lau, Frightened Rabbit, Arcade Fire


Scottish five piece, Dante are delighted to announce the download track 'Son' taken from their forthcoming album, Wake, out on 28th October 2013 via Stitch Records.

Showcasing the songwriting talents of Seán McLaughlin (a member of Idlewild’s Rod Jones' solo project, The Birthday Suit), the band have captured a modern folk sound, exemplified by 'Son', that epitomises the Scottish indie scene's uncanny ability to blend contemporary innovation with more traditional values.

You can download 'Son' below or from the the band's Soundcloud page.



You can watch the video for 'Son' below or on the band's YouTube page.



Ably supported by ex Aberfeldy member Vicky Gray (fiddle / synth / glock / vox), Stephen Thom (electric mandolin / guitar / vox), Ruaridh Kidd (drums / vox) and Stuart Hosking (bass / vox), McLaughlin has created an album conjuring images of weather beaten landscapes, desolate beauty and lives lived at a slower pace, far away from the bustle of an overcrowded city.

Rich vocal harmonies sit seamlessly alongside traditional instrumentation, blended with a modern driven rock beat. Representing the very best of Scotland's lo-fi alternative sound, Dante are sure to win the hearts and minds of fans of Lau, Frightened Rabbit and Arcade Fire.

Wake was part produced and recorded by Frightened Rabbit's Andy Monaghan, who also appears on the record playing bass and guitar, and was written in the Shetland Islands where Sean and Vicky were born.

In a baptism of fire that sits well alongside their infernal namesake, Dante played their first gig in Polmont Young Offenders Institution almost two years ago, and have never looked back. Since then, the band have grown steadily sharing the stage with members of Snow Patrol, supported The Birthday Suit and played with Washington Irving at the Edinburgh Festival.

The coming months will be extremely busy for Dante as they embark on a tour of Scotland and northern England throughout September and October, play a support slot with Dry the River also in October, culminating in the unveiling of Wake at the end of October.

If you'd like more information on Dante or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.