All The Van T’s News

The Van T’s share new video for ‘Bitter Sweet’!

Posted Fri, 27 Oct 2017


For fans of: Bleached, Black Honey, Wolf Alice, The Courtneys

“...a commanding performance akin

to that of Wolf Alice’s very own Ellie

Rowsell.”


- So Young Magazine



“...music that deserves to be played at ear-threatening decibels to as many people as possible.”
- Noisey


"...a surf rock band, but only if your idea of

surfing involves getting pummeled by a

giant wave..."


- Consequence of Sound


"... a growling, preening, glammed up cruncher that kicks hard and refuses to apologise."
- Clash


Bitter Sweet is the latest single from Glasgow four-piece The Van T’s, out now via LAB Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream via Spotify.

The band have now shared the video for the single, which premiered on Clash and is also available to watch on The Van T's' Vevo channel now. The video also features fellow band pals AVALANCHE PARTY, Llovers, Clean Cut Kid, The LaFontaines and KYKO.


The single originally premiered on So Young Magazine and is also available to stream on LAB Records' Soundcloud page now.


On the back of a support slot with Wolf Alice in Dundee and The Jesus & Mary Chain in Glasgow, The Van T's continue their assault on the music industry with another killer track. Drawing you in through their now trademark surf-rock, feedback-laden guitar segments, accented beautifully by glorious harmonies and killer choruses, The Van T's continue to illustrate why they are considered to be the most exciting young band in Scotland.

Comprised of twin sisters Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson (guitar, vocals), Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums), 2016 was a breakout year for the band. Support from the likes of Huw StephensBBC Radio Introducing show, Noisey, Consequence of Sound, Earmilk, The Line of Best Fit and DIY were followed by support slots with Yuck, Rat Boy and Honeyblood. The band also appeared at festivals T in The Park, where they headlined the BBC Introducing Stage, Electric Fields, Wide Days and Stag and Dagger. 2017 has seen the band continue to make their mark having supported The Jesus & Mary Chain in Amsterdam at the renowned venue Paradiso, played a support slot with Clean Cut Kid at London’s Scala following this up with two packed shows at this year's Great Escape.

Catch The Van T's live at the following dates:

11th November - North Britain Festival, Stockton
21st November - The End Festival - The Social, London
22nd November - Jimmys, Manchester

Bitter Sweet by The Van T's is out now via LAB Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream via Spotify.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

The Van T’s announce new single ‘Bitter Sweet’ + live dates!

Posted Fri, 06 Oct 2017


For fans of: Bleached, Best Coast, Veruca Salt, The Courtneys

“...a commanding performance akin

to that of Wolf Alice’s very own Ellie

Rowsell.”


- So Young Magazine



"...a surf rock band, but only if your idea of surfing involves getting pummeled by a giant wave..."
- Consequence of Sound


“...music that deserves to be played at ear-threatening decibels to as many people as possible.”
- Noisey


"... untameable Gordian knots of noise and forays into psychedelic fuzz..."
- The Line Of Best Fit


Bitter Sweet is the latest single from Glasgow four-piece The Van T’s, out now via LAB Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream via Spotify.

The single premiered on So Young Magazine and is also available to stream on LAB Records' Soundcloud page now.


On the back of a support slot with Wolf Alice in Dundee and The Jesus & Mary Chain in Glasgow, The Van T's continue their assault on the music industry with another killer track. Drawing you in through their now trademark surf-rock, feedback-laden guitar segments, accented beautifully by glorious harmonies and killer choruses, The Van T's continue to illustrate why they are considered to be the most exciting young band in Scotland.

Comprised of twin sisters Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson (guitar, vocals), Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums), 2016 was a breakout year for the band. Premiere’s on the likes of Huw StephensBBC Radio Introducing show, Noisey, Consequence of Sound, Clash Magazine, The Line of Best Fit and Dork were followed by support slots with Yuck, Rat Boy and Honeyblood. The band also appeared at festivals T in The Park, where they headlined the BBC Introducing Stage, Electric Fields, Wide Days and Stag and Dagger. 2017 has seen the band continue to make their mark having supported The Jesus & Mary Chain in Amsterdam at the renowned venue Paradiso, played a support slot with Clean Cut Kid at London’s Scala following this up with two packed shows at this year's Great Escape.

Catch The Van T's live at the following dates:

13th October - Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen, London
11th November - North Britain Festival, Stockton
21st November - The End festival - The Social, London
22nd November - Jimmys, Manchester

Bitter Sweet by The Van T's is out now via LAB Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream via Spotify.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

The Van T’s share new video for ‘Fresh Meat’!

Posted Mon, 17 Jul 2017


“...music that deserves to be played

at ear-threatening decibels to as

many people as possible.”
- Noisey



"... untameable Gordian knots of noise and forays into psychedelic fuzz..." - The Line Of Best Fit


"...a surf rock band, but only if your idea of surfing involves getting pummeled by a giant wave..."- Consequence of Sound



“...sounding big, drenched in feedback...”

- Huw Stephens BBC Introducing



For fans of: Bleached, The Courtneys, Veruca Salt, Babes In Toyland


Glasgow based four-piece The Van T’s have imposed their reverb-laden brand of alt.rock upon the musical landscape over the past twelve months or so. Their relentless sound has resonated on both sides of the Atlantic; picking up impressive support both at home in the UK and Europe as well as some of the most notable North American tastemakers. The Van T’s continue their impressive run of releases with their new single Fresh Meat, which is out now via LAB Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream via Spotify.

The video for the single premiered on Upset and is now available to stream on The Van T's YouTube channel.



Caustic, jagged yet endearingly melodic, The Van T’s are one of the most exciting young bands to emerge from the Scottish music scene in quite some time. Fresh Meat further enhances The Van T’s burgeoning reputation. Waves of gutsy, riff-driven guitar soundscapes wash over you and are accented beautifully by a rhythm section creating foot-tapping, hip-shaking grooves, neatly fused together by the effected harmonised vocals bleeding out from the speakers.

The audio for Fresh Meat premiered on The Line Of Best Fit and is available to listen to via LAB Records' Soundcloud page.



Comprised of twin sisters Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson (guitar, vocals), Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums), 2016 was a breakout year for the band. Premieres on the likes of Huw Stephens' BBC Radio Introducing show, Noisey, Consequence of Sound, Clash Magazine and Dork were followed by support slots with Yuck and Rat Boy as well as appearances at T in The Park, where they headlined the BBC Introducing Stage, Electric Fields, Wide Days and Stag and Dagger. 2017 has seen the band continue to make their mark having supported The Jesus And Mary Chain in Amsterdam at the renowned venue Paradiso, as well as Clean Cut Kid at London’s Scala and performing a two day stint at the Great Escape Festival.

Fresh Meat by The Van T’s is out now via LAB Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream via Spotify.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

The Van T’s share new single ‘Fresh Meat’!

Posted Fri, 23 Jun 2017


“...music that deserves to be played

at ear-threatening decibels to as

many people as possible.”
- Noisey


"... untameable Gordian knots of noise and forays into psychedelic fuzz..." - The Line Of Best Fit


"...a surf rock band, but only if your idea of surfing involves getting pummeled by a giant wave..."- Consequence of Sound


“...sounding big, drenched in feedback...”

- Huw Stephens BBC Introducing


For fans of: Bleached, The Courtneys, Veruca Salt, Babes In Toyland

Glasgow based four-piece The Van T’s have imposed their reverb-laden brand of alt.rock upon the musical landscape over the past twelve months or so. Their relentless sound has resonated on both sides of the Atlantic; picking up impressive support both at home in the UK and Europe as well as some of the most notable North American tastemakers. The Van T’s continue their impressive run of releases with their new single Fresh Meat, which is out now via LAB Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream via Spotify.

The single premiered on The Line Of Best Fit and is available to listen to via LAB Records' Soundcloud page.


Caustic, jagged yet endearingly melodic, The Van T’s are one of the most exciting young bands to emerge from the Scottish music scene in quite some time. Fresh Meat further enhances The Van T’s burgeoning reputation. Waves of gutsy, riff-driven guitar soundscapes wash over you and are accented beautifully by a rhythm section creating foot-tapping, hip-shaking grooves, neatly fused together by the effected harmonised vocals bleeding out from the speakers.

Comprised of twin sisters Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson (guitar, vocals), Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums), 2016 was a breakout year for the band. Premieres on the likes of Huw Stephens' BBC Radio Introducing show, Noisey, Consequence of Sound, Clash Magazine and Dork were followed by support slots with Yuck and Rat Boy as well as appearances at T in The Park, where they headlined the BBC Introducing Stage, Electric Fields, Wide Days and Stag and Dagger. 2017 has seen the band continue to make their mark having supported The Jesus And Mary Chain in Amsterdam at the renowned venue Paradiso, as well as Clean Cut Kid at London’s Scala and performing a two day stint at the Great Escape Festival.

Fresh Meat by The Van T’s is out now via LAB Records and available to buy on iTunes and stream via Spotify.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

A Badge Of Friendship at The Great Escape!

Posted Thu, 11 May 2017

We're extremely proud to announce that we have four fantastic female-fronted artists playing at Brighton's Great Escape Festival from May 18th - 20th 2017.

First up, we have ethereal Irish singer-songwriter Maria Kelly, who will be performing at The Hope & Ruin on Thursday 18th May at 1.45pm as part of Presented by BIMM.

Maria's single Far Below is available to stream on Soundcloud and Spotify now.


As a part of Showcasing Scotland at The Great Escape with Creative Scotland, both The Van T's and Be Charlotte will be performing at the Brighthelm Centre on Thursday 18th May at 2.30pm and 3.30pm respectively.

You can also catch The Van T's later that day at Sticky Mike's Frog Bar at 7.30pm and Be Charlotte at The Hope & Ruin at 9.30pm and at Komedia Studio on Saturday 20th May at 1.15pm.

The Van T's' latest single Fun Garçon is available now on Soundcloud and Spotify.


Be Charlotte's single One Drop can be streamed via Be Charlotte's Soundcloud and Spotify now.


Last but certainly not least we have Amsterdam's Pip Blom who will be performing as part of The Dutch Impact Party. She will be playing at Komedia on Friday 19th May at 2.30pm and again at the Brighthelm Centre at 8.30pm.

Pip's single I Think I'm In Love is available via Pip's Soundcloud and Spotify now.



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

The Van T’s single ‘Fun Garçon’ is out now!

Posted Fri, 25 Nov 2016


“...music that deserves to be played at ear-threatening decibels to as many people as possible.” - Noisey


"...a surf rock band, but only if your idea of surfing involves getting pummeled by a giant wave..."- Consequence of Sound


"...packed with attitude..." - Dork


“...sounding big, drenched in feedback...” - Huw Stephens BBC Introducing


For fans of: Sunflower Bean, Best Coast, Black Honey, Veruca Salt

Four-piece surf rock band The Van T’s have released their fabulous reverb-drenched single Fun Garçon, out now via Bloc+Music and available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.

2016 has been a breakout year for the Glaswegians following the release of their EP A Coming of Age, which was acclaimed by influential members of the music press. The band secured premiere’s on Huw Stephens' BBC Radio Introducing show, Noisey, Consequence of Sound and Clash Magazine, as their name began to resonate throughout Europe to North America and beyond.

The Van T's have picked up exactly where they left off as they showcase their unlimited talents through the release of single Fun Garçon, which premiered exclusively on Dork. The track is now available to stream on The Van T's Soundcloud page.



Fun Garçon encapsulates all the great elements of a band who exude talent beyond their youthful demeanour; relentless guitar washes over the listener like a crashing wave, as the duel vocals of twin sisters Hannah (guitar, vocals) and Chloe Van Thompson (guitar, vocals) amplify the diner-like retro feel the song already has, fused together beautifully by the tight rhythm section headed up by Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums).

The release of Fun Garçon will complete what has been a wonderful year for the band. Having previously supported Honeyblood and Catholic Action in the last twelve months, they have since added stints with Yuck, Sunflower Bean and Rat Boy, who personally chose the band to play. The band followed these support slots by appearing at festivals such as T in The Park, headlining the BBC Introducing stage, Electric Fields, Wide Days and Stag and Dagger. They also picked up further press from the likes of The Scotsman, Beat Surrender, Backseat Mafia, Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing Scotland, where they recently performed a superb live session, culminating in a nomination at this years Scottish Alternative Music Awards.

Fun Garçon by The Van T’s is out now via Bloc+Music and available to buy on iTunes and stream on Spotify.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

The Van T’s unveil single ‘Fun Garçon’!

Posted Wed, 26 Oct 2016


“...music that deserves to be played at ear-threatening decibels to as many people as possible.” - Noisey


"...a surf rock band, but only if your idea of surfing involves getting pummeled by a giant wave..."- Consequence of Sound


"...packed with attitude..." - Dork


“...sounding big, drenched in feedback...” - Huw Stephens BBC Introducing


For fans of: Sunflower Bean, Honeyblood, Black Honey, Hinds

Four-piece surf rock band The Van T’s, are back with a bang as they get set to release their reverb-drenched single Fun Garçon, out on 25th November via Bloc+Music.

2016 has been a breakout year for the Glaswegians having released their EP A Coming of Age to critical acclaim in July. Gaining premiere’s on Huw Stephens BBC Radio Introducing show, Noisey, Consequence of Sound and Clash Magazine the band’s name has begun to resonate from the UK to the US and beyond.

Now, the four-piece look set to pick up exactly where they left off with the release of single Fun Garçon, which premiered exclusively on Dork. You can now stream the track for free on The Van T's Soundcloud page.



The track encapsulates all the great elements of a band who exude talent way beyond their youthfulness; relentless guitar washes over the listener like the sound of a crashing wave, as the duel vocals of twin sisters Hannah (guitar, vocals) and Chloe Van Thompson (guitar, vocals) amplify the diner-like retro feel the song already has, fused together beautifully by the tight rhythm section headed up by Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums).

The release of Fun Garçon will complete what has been a wonderful year for the band. Having already supported Honeyblood and Catholic Action in the last twelve months, they have since added stints with Yuck, Sunflower Bean and Rat Boy, who personally chose the band to play. The band followed these support slots by appearing at festivals such as T in The Park, headlining the BBC Introducing stage, Electric Fields, Wide Days and Stag and Dagger. They also picked up further press from the likes of The Scotsman, Beat Surrender, Backseat Mafia, Amazing Radio and BBC Introducing Scotland, where they recently performed a superb live session, culminating in a nomination at this years Scottish Alternative Music Awards.

Fun Garçon by The Van T’s is due for release on 25th November 2016 via Bloc+Music.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

The Van T’s release video for single ‘Blood Orange’!

Posted Thu, 09 Jun 2016


For fans of: Hinds, Veruca Salt, Le Butcherettes, Jackal Onasis, B52s

“...music that deserves to be played at ear-threatening decibels to as many people as possible.” - Noisey


"...a surf rock band, but only if your idea of surfing involves getting pummeled by a giant wave..." - Consequence of Sound


“… the musical equivalent of a John Hughes movie.” - Clash


With the buzz around them growing with each release, The Van T’s have hit the mark again with the release of their new video for single Blood Orange, which is out on 10th June 2016. The track is taken from their forthcoming EP A Coming Of Age released on 1st July 2016 via Bloc+Music.

Premiering on Noisey, the video sees the band go full 90's inspired MTV2 with grainy, filtered visuals edited sharply, fitting the high octane nature of the song perfectly. Watch the video now on the band's YouTube channel or by clicking the embed below.



Blood Orange premiered on Huw Stephens BBC Introducing show on Wednesday 25th May and captures the bands characteristics superbly as electrifying guitar howls and echoes from the speakers, bridged beautifully by the twin sisters duel vocals, all neatly harnessed by the simple yet effective interplay between drums and bass. Stream the track now from The Van T's Soundcloud page or via the embed below.



The single follows the release of EP track '35mm' which premiered on Consequence of Sound last month and is also available to stream on the band's Soundcloud page.

Having begun writing songs at just seventeen years old, twin sisters Hannah (guitar, vocals) and Chloe Van Thompson (guitar, vocals) decided to start a band shortly after. Initially playing shows in and around Scotland as a duo, the twins recruited Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums) in an attempt to add more layers to an already impressive sound. As a result The Van T’s were born, complete with a sunny 50’s jukebox style sound and a twist of cathartic 90’s grunge thrown in for good measure, captivating both fans and music aficionados alike.

Taking inspiration from band’s such as The B-52’s, Veruca Salt, Smashing Pumpkins and Le Butcherettes, The Van T’s have created a contemporary, scuzz-filled record that also has an endearing raw quality pouring out from every note.

Despite the band being in its infancy, The Van T’s have already appeared at T in the Park, Wickerman, Electric Fields, Tenement Trail and Strange Behaviours. This has seen them pick up support from Noisey, , Clash, The Scotsman, Beat Surrender, Backseat Mafia, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Scotland, Amazing Radio and XFM Scotland. 2016 looks like it will be another hectic year for The Van T’s having already made appearances at Wide Days, Stag & Dagger and Brew at the Bog. Having supported both Honeyblood and Catholic Action they also recently played their first London show in support of HAWK before playing with the mighty Yuck in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The four piece will be playing a launch show for single Blood Orange on Friday 10th June at Broadcast in Glasgow, with tickets available here, as well as a number of shows and festivals over the summer:

10th June - Blood Orange Single Launch - Broadcast,Glasgow

16th July - St Lukes All-Dayer - Glasgow

16th July - King Tut's Summer Nights - Glasgow

25th August - The List Art Festival - Edinburgh

26th August - Electric Fields Festival

10th September - Edinburgh University Freshers Night

8th October - Twisterella Festival, Middlesborough


Blood Orange is out on 10th June and is taken from the EP A Coming of Age by The Van T’s, due for release on 1st July 2016 via Bloc+Music.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

A Badge of Friendship Bands At Brew At The Bog Festival!

Posted Thu, 02 Jun 2016




A Badge of Friendship are co-curating the main stage at Brew at the Bog Festival on Friday June 3rd 2016 alongside Podcart and Netsounds.

The festival runs over two days - Friday June 3rd and Saturday June 4th 2016 and we've chosen two London based bands from our roster - Hawk and Ex Libras - to play Brew's main stage on the Friday.

Other A Badge of Friendship artists appearing at this year's Brew include The Van T's (who recently premiered their track Blood Orange on BBC Radio 1 with Huw Stephens), Mairearad Green, Vienna Ditto, Idlewild (headlining on the Saturday) and Schnarff Schnarff.

Listen to all the ABoF artists playing Brew at the Bog 2016 on Soundcloud.



A two-day camping festival, Brew at the Bog showcases the very best home-grown Scottish musical talent, as well as the country’s best craft drinks and food. It’s held at Bogbain Farm in Inverness, which was crowned "Best Unusual Venue" at the 2012 Scottish Event Awards - the perfect setting for a festival that prides itself on championing the best of Scotland’s alternative scene.

As well as the music, there will be a dedicated craft beer bar offering the best selections from across Scotland.
Add to that a wide choice of Scotland’s finest gins, cider from award-winning Thistly Cross and a fizzy treat in the form of a prosecco bar, the drinks line-up matches the music bill in terms of quality and choice.

Tickets are still available to buy HERE.

If you'd like more information about A Badge of Friendship at Brew at the Bog, please email us at info@abadgeoffriendship.com
.

Official Brew at the Bog enquiries should go through the website.

The Van T’s announce single ‘Blood Orange’!

Posted Fri, 27 May 2016


For fans of: Hinds, Dilly Dally, Le Butcherettes, Jackal Onasis, Veruca Salt

“...sounding big, drenched in feedback...” - Huw Stephens BBC Introducing


"...a surf rock band, but only if your idea of surfing involves getting pummeled by a giant wave..." - Consequence of Sound


“… the musical equivalent of a John Hughes movie.” - Clash


The Van T’s are back with the announcement of their brand new single Blood Orange, taken from their forthcoming EP A Coming Of Age out on 1st July 2016 via Bloc+Music

Blood Orange premiered on Huw Stephens BBC Introducing show on Wednesday 25th May and will be released on June 10th. The track encapsulates the bands characteristics perfectly as electrifying guitar howls and echoes from the speakers, bridged beautifully by the twin sisters duel vocals, all neatly harnessed by the simple yet effective interplay between drums and bass. Stream the track now from The Van T's Soundcloud page or via the embed below.



The single follows hot on the heels of free download '35mm' which premiered on Consequence of Sound last month and is also available to stream and download on the band's Soundcloud page.



Having begun writing songs at just seventeen years old, twin sisters Hannah (guitar, vocals) and Chloe Van Thompson (guitar, vocals) decided to start a band shortly after. Initially playing shows in and around Scotland as a duo, the twins recruited Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums) in an attempt to add more layers to an already impressive sound. As a result The Van T’s were born, complete with a sunny 50’s jukebox style sound and a twist of cathartic 90’s grunge thrown in for good measure, captivating both fans and music aficionados alike.

Taking inspiration from band’s such as The B-52’s, Veruca Salt, Smashing Pumpkins and Le Butcherettes, The Van T’s have created a contemporary, scuzz-filled record that also has an endearing raw quality pouring out from every note.

Despite the band being in its infancy, The Van T’s have already appeared at T in the Park, Wickerman, Electric Fields, Tenement Trail and Strange Behaviours as well as supporting Catholic Action and Honeyblood. This has seen them pick up support from Clash, The Scotsman, Beat Surrender, Backseat Mafia, BBC Radio Scotland, Amazing Radio and XFM Scotland. 2016 looks like it will be another hectic year for The Van T’s having already made appearances at Wide Days and Stag & Dagger as well as an up coming slot at Brew at the Bog. They also recently played their first London show supporting HAWK before playing with the mighty Yuck in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The band will be playing a number of live shows and festival dates over the coming months:

3rd June - Brew At The Bog - Inverness
9h June - XpoNorth - Hootenanny, Inverness
10th June - Blood Orange Single Launch - Broadcast,Glasgow
16th July - St Lukes All-Dayer - Glasgow
16th July - King Tut's Summer Nights - Glasgow
25th August - The List Art Festival - Edinburgh
26th August - Electric Fields Festival
10th September - Edinburgh University Freshers Night
8th October - Twisterella Festival, Middlesborough


Single Blood Orange is out on 10 June and is taken from the EP A Coming of Age by The Van T’s, due for release on 1st July 2016 via Bloc+Music.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

The Van T’s release free download ‘35mm’!

Posted Tue, 26 Apr 2016


For fans of: Hinds, Dilly Dally, Le Butcherettes, The B-52s, Veruca Salt

"...a surf rock band, but only if your idea of surfing involves getting pummeled by a giant wave..." - Consequence of Sound


“… the musical equivalent of a John Hughes movie.” - Clash


“… guaranteed to make waves…” - Backseat Mafia


After creating a stir in 2015 with a bold and noisy surf-rock sound showcased on the EP Laguna Babe, The Van T’s have made a swift return, releasing free download '35mm', the first track from their follow up EP A Coming of Age, out June 10th 2016 via Bloc+Music.

'35mm' premiered on Consequence of Sound and is now available to stream and download on the band's Soundcloud page.



Having begun writing songs at just seventeen years old, twin sisters Hannah (guitar, vocals) and Chloe Van Thompson (guitar, vocals) decided to start a band shortly after. Initially playing shows in and around Scotland as a duo, the twins recruited Joanne Forbes (bass) and Shaun Hood (drums) in an attempt to add more layers to an already impressive sound. As a result The Van T’s were born, complete with a sunny 50’s jukebox style sound and a twist of cathartic 90’s grunge thrown in for good measure, captivating both fans and music aficionados alike.

Taking inspiration from band’s such as The B-52’s, Veruca Salt, Smashing Pumpkins and Le Butcherettes, The Van T’s have created a contemporary, scuzz-filled record that also has an endearing raw quality pouring out from every note. Soon to be released lead single Blood Orange encapsulates the bands characteristics perfectly as electrifying guitar howls and echoes from the speakers, bridged beautifully by the twin sisters duel vocals, all neatly harnessed by the simple yet effective interplay between drums and bass.

Despite the band being in its infancy, The Van T’s have already appeared at T in the Park, Wickerman, Electric Fields, Tenement Trail and Strange Behaviours as well as supporting Catholic Action and Honeyblood. This has seen them pick up support from Clash, The Scotsman, Beat Surrender, Backseat Mafia, BBC Radio Scotland, Amazing Radio and XFM Scotland. 2016 looks like it will be another hectic year for The Van T’s with appearances scheduled at Wide Days, Stag & Dagger and Brew at the Bog, a support slot with HAWK in London and culminating with two dates supporting the mighty Yuck.

A Coming of Age by The Van T’s is released on 10th June 2016 via Bloc+Music.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

A Badge of Friendship to co-curate the main stage at Brew At The Bog Festival!

Posted Thu, 03 Dec 2015


A Badge of Friendship are very pleased to announce that we'll be co-curating the main stage at Brew at the Bog Festival on Friday June 3rd 2016 alongside Podcart and Netsounds.

The festival runs over two days - Friday June 3rd and Saturday June 4th 2016 - and we have handpicked two bands from our roster we felt would make great additions to the festival line-up, our very own HAWK and Ex Libras.

HAWK announced their latest single Once Told, out February 19th 2016. Check it out on Soundcloud.



Ex Libras recently released their latest EP Woe. You can download the free track 'Drive' now via Soundcloud.



The initial line-up announced also happens to include bands already on the ABoF roster - clearly the good folks at Brew have very good taste indeed! Dead Boy Robotics, The Van T's, Best Girl Athlete and Outblinker will also appear at the festival over the two days. However, also announced is Mercury Prize 2015 nominee C Duncan, the brilliant HQFU, Pinact, JR Green with many more yet to be announced.

A two-day camping festival, Brew at the Bog showcases the very best home-grown Scottish musical talent, as well as the country’s best craft drinks and food. It’s held at Bogbain Farm in Inverness, which was crowned "Best Unusual Venue" at the 2012 Scottish Event Awards - the perfect setting for a festival that prides itself on championing the best of Scotland’s alternative scene.

As well as the music, there will be a dedicated craft beer bar offering the best selections from across Scotland.
Add to that a wide choice of Scotland’s finest gins, cider from award-winning Thistly Cross and a fizzy treat in the form of a prosecco bar, the drinks line-up matches the music bill in terms of quality and choice.

Tickets are currently £59 and available HERE.

If you'd like more information about A Badge of Friendship at Brew at the Bog, please email us at info@abadgeoffriendship.com. Official Brew at the Bog enquiries should go through the website.

Another successful year for our bands and labels!

Posted Tue, 24 Nov 2015


As we reach the end of the year, we thought we'd share some of the highlights here at ABoF HQ. We've been busy working hard with more bands and labels than ever in 2015, now offering radio plugging services alongside online and press and we now have our very own radio show on FUBAR Radio.

This year we've managed to help our bands reach some of the most important publications, websites and blogs on the scene with support from the likes of the Guardian, The Independent, The Times, Q, Kerrang!, Rock Sound, Vive Le Rock, DIY, Drowned in Sound, Noisey, The Line of Best Fit, Clash, The Quietus, The 405, Scotland on Sunday, The Sunday Herald, The List, The Skinny and many more.

As we inch closer towards 2016, we're now in the process of planning our release schedule from January onwards. We aim to build another sterling roster for the year ahead and we are now looking for bands, artists and labels from all over the world to come join us - as long as we love the music we're up for working with you.

Idlewild Returned!



Idlewild made a triumphant return to the scene, spending this last year on our wonderful roster, with the release of their album Everything Ever Written, which was a top 20 hit in the UK Album Charts. Together with ABoF we managed to spread the news of their return far and wide with heavy support from BBC 6Music, Dermot O'Leary on BBC Radio, a cover feature on The Skinny Magazine and glowing reviews from Drowned in Sound to The Independent and many more. We even managed to get How To Train Your Dragon / This Is The End actor Jay Baruchel (a lifelong fan of the band) over to feature in the video for the band's single Every Little Means Trust.



Our Labels...



Berlin based label Sinnbus continued to release an array of quality music with Canada's We Are The City releasing two albums this year to Danish pop kid Asbjørn making waves amongst the cool pop crowd from i-D to IDOL Magazine.

We Are The City's latest video for Kiss Me, Honey is available to watch now via YouTube.



Scotland - Staying True To Our Roots



We also continued to fly the flag for Scotland working with altruistic Glasgow based label Bloc+Music as well as an array of other releases from north of the border including Black International, Outblinker and We Came From Wolves.

The Van T's recently released their EP Laguna Babe via Bloc+Music, watch the video for the title track via YouTube.



A Badge of Friendship of FUBAR Radio!



In April we started a new music show on FUBAR Radio. Once a week we get to spin tracks from bands around the globe that aren't necessarily on our roster although we do highlight one ABoF artist once a week. So far, guests on the show have included Armando Iannucci (Veep, Alan Partridge), Andrew WK, Jay Baruchel (How To Train Your Dragon, This Is The End), Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro), The Twilight Sad, Pulled Apart By Horses and many more.

Listen to our soundtrack special with Armando Iannucci on Soundcloud.



Get In Touch!



If you'd like to get in touch, please send a Soundcloud or Bandcamp link (no attachments please) to info@abadgeoffriendship.com and let us know what releases you have planned for the new year. We always listen to everything people are kind enough to send music our way.

We're looking forward to hearing from you!


If you'd like to check us out elsewhere online you can check out our bands on Soundcloud. We're also on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

The Van T’s EP Laguna Babe out now!

Posted Fri, 13 Nov 2015


For fans of: Hinds, Dilly Dally, Dum Dum Girls, Waxahatchee

“… the musical equivalent of a John Hughes movie.” - Clash


“… guaranteed to make waves…” - Backseat Mafia


Grunge-inspired surf-rock four piece, The Van T's, are delighted to announce the official release of their EP Laguna Babe available to buy on Bandcamp and iTunes via Bloc+Music.

The release has attracted a great response thus far as the twin sister led band have enthralled many of the music industry's movers and shakers with their vintage American guitar sound and quirky lyrics. The recently released title track premiered on A Music Blog, Yea? and is a no nonsense garage rock number, with a heavy reverb sound giving it an other worldly feel, as grunge-inspired guitar licks and Karen O style vocal delivery captivates the listener. You can now watch the video for the single on the band's YouTube page.



Laguna Babe is also available to stream and buy via the band’s Bandcamp page or by clicking the embed below:



The Van T’s also previously released free download track ‘Growler', which premiered on Clash. The track is yet another superb example of the band's cloudy, noise pop sensibilities, and can be downloaded for free via the ABoF Soundcloud page.

Laguna Babe is a collection of vignettes covering the highs and lows of twin sisters Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson’s life. The two front women create songs that are both personal and quirky as they document the positive and negative experiences of dealing with their late teens, no subject too risqué, as they approach their twenties. The tone of the EP pulls on the the surf rock sounds of Hinds and Dum Dum Girls, and provides a platform for bassist Joanne Forbes and drummer Shaun Hood to compete with the twisted synchronicity of dual-leads Hannah and Chloe.

The Van T’s have already graced the stage of T In The Park and Electric Fields as well as recently supporting the brilliant Honeyblood. They plan to spend the rest of the year touring Scotland and beyond as the band begin to break out from their hometown in the west of Scotland, ready to take on the rest of the world. The official launch of the EP will take place tomorrow, Saturday 14th, at Hug and Pint in Glasgow where the band will share the stage with the sublime United Fruit.

The Van T's EP Laguna Babe is out now via Bloc+ Music and can be purchased on Bandcamp and iTunes.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

The Van T’s release ‘Laguna Babe’ single & video!

Posted Mon, 09 Nov 2015

For fans of: Hinds, Dilly Dally, Dum Dum Girls

“… the musical equivalent of a John Hughes movie.” - Clash


“… guaranteed to make waves…” - Backseat Mafia


Filled with explosive grunge-inspired riffs and intelligent, upbeat melodies, The Van T's have released their brand new video for single Laguna Babe. The video premiered on A Music Blog, Yea? and can now be watched on the band's YouTube page.


Laguna Babe is also available to stream and buy via the band’s Bandcamp page or by clicking the embed below:


The Van T’s have previously released free download track ‘Growler', which premiered on Clash. The track showcases the band's cloudy, noise pop sensibilities magnificently, and can be downloaded for free via the ABoF Soundcloud page.

The single is taken from their forthcoming EP, also called Laguna Babe, which will be released on on November 13th via Bloc+ Music and is a collection of vignettes covering the highs and lows of twin sisters Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson’s life. The two front women create songs that are both personal and quirky as they document the positive and negative experiences of dealing with their late teens, no subject too risqué, as they approach their twenties. The EP’s title track is a no nonsense garage rock number, with a heavy reverb sound giving it an other worldly feel, as grunge-inspired guitar licks and Karen O style vocal delivery captivates you, as their no-frills, high energy sound grips you and doesn't want to let go. This sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come on the EP, with tracks such as ‘Growler’ channeling the surf rock sounds of Hinds and Dum Dum Girls, while providing bassist Joanne Forbes and drummer Shaun Hood an outlet to compete with the twisted synchronicity of dual-leads Hannah and Chloe.

The Van T’s have already graced the stage of T In The Park and Electric Fields as well as recently supporting the brilliant Honeyblood. They plan to spend the rest of they year touring Scotland and beyond as the band begin to break out from their hometown in the west of Scotland, ready to take on the rest of the world.

The Van T's EP Laguna Babe is released via Bloc+ Music on 13th November 2015 with the single available to buy via their Bandcamp page.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.

Introducing… The Van T’s!

Posted Mon, 28 Sep 2015

For fans of: Hinds, Honeyblood, Dum Dum Girls

Armed with a surf rock vibe, and a dark predilection for all things gothic, The Van T's have released free download track 'Growler' to celebrate the announcement of their debut EP Laguna Babe.

The band have created a 50s jukebox sound packaged in a 90s style John Hughes movie, as every note slickly pours from your stereo raising the hairs on the back of your neck. 'Growler', which premiered on Clash Music, showcases the band's cloudy, noise pop sensibilities magnificently, and can be downloaded for free via the ABoF Soundcloud page.


Laguna Babe is a collection of vignettes covering the highs and lows of twin sisters Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson’s life. The two front women create songs that are both personal and quirky as they document the positive and negative experiences of dealing with their late teens, no subject too risqué, as they approach their twenties. The EP’s title track is a no nonsense garage rock number, with a heavy reverb sound giving it an other worldly feel, as grunge-inspired guitar licks and Karen O style vocal delivery captivates you, as their no-frills, high energy sound grips you and doesn't want to let go. This sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come on the EP, with tracks such as ‘Growler’ channeling the surf rock sounds of Hinds and Dum Dum Girls, while providing bassist Joanne Forbes and drummer Shaun Hood an outlet to compete with the twisted synchronicity of dual-leads Hannah and Chloe.

The Van T’s have already graced the stage of T In The Park and Electric Fields as well as recently supporting the brilliant Honeyblood. They plan to spend the rest of they year touring Scotland and beyond as the band begin to break out from their hometown in the west of Scotland, ready to take on the rest of the world.

Laguna Babe is released via Bloc+ Music on 13th November 2015.

If you'd like more information on The Van T's or our PR services, please email info@abadgeoffriendship.com.