Roys Iron DNA
Roys Iron DNA are an indie band based in the Scottish Borders, North Northumberland and Edinburgh. The band's name, Roys Iron DNA, is a tribute to lead songwriter Ian Thompson's grandfather- Roy S. Thompson, former Sheriff of Berwick upon Tweed.
Career
The band was formed by friends Ian S Thompson and Timmy Mallet, and were originally known as Ordinaryson. They later changed their name to reflect the more electronic nature of the music. The NME has praised the band for blending "musical ideas from the 60s the punk era right through to contemporary electronica, trip hop at its darkest. This is a very interesting band". After years of extensive touring of the UK and self funded single and EP releases, they released their debut album Men In Wax Jackets in November 2007 on indie label, Alex Tronic Records. On its release, the album was awarded favourable reviews in the press, with the Daily Record saying "they are music for toasting yourself after a heavy night in CC Blooms" and Scottish music magazine Is This Music? compared them to the Beta Band, noting it is "heavy on the beats, strong on the air of mystery". One track from the album, "Reason", was described by The Fly magazine as "single of the year".
Men In Wax Jackets was named album of the month by DJ Vic Galloway on his show on BBC Radio 1. To promote the album, Roy's Iron DNA the UK with the Lo-Fidelity Allstars and The Go! Team on separate tours.
Their 2nd album 'Under my Skin' was released in 2013 and featured a series of remixes from top Scottish producers including - Optimo (JD Twitch), Stanley Odd, DFRNT and Atom Tree. On Monday 1 June 2015 Roy's Iron DNA (a collective and live band from the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh) released their first augmented reality album, "Exposure".
The album was released as a tabloid style newspaper with each page scannable with a smart-phone app enabling the reader to play an individually commissioned video for each track from the album.
Available in pubs, clubs, cafes, gay bars and hang-outs the publication will herald a new nadir for album releases. Commissioning independent film-makers from across Scotland, the project engaged a wide range of creatives from art students to professional production houses.
Current Live Members
- Ian Thompson (guitar, keys, vocals,)
- Callum Knox (drums, samples, effects)
- Nick Holmes (electric guitar)
Previously featuring
- Luke Mallet (electric guitar)/ (Pin up photography and general bungling)
- Altoid (beats and treats)
- Loco B (drums)
- Marwood (bass)
- Steve Walker (bass)
- Ian Jackson (beats / Drums)
Discography
Albums
- Men in Wax Jackets; November 2007 Alex Tronic Records
- Under My Skin; 2013 Travelled Music
- Exposure; 2015 Travelled Music
7inch single
- "Men in Wax Jackets " / "Reason"; March 2007 Travelled Music