Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro and Winona Fighter

This is a two-part episode: the first interview with Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro and the second interview with Winona Fighter!

Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro

On this episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with one of the UK’s best and most rockin’ frontmen out there today – Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro! The band is gearing up to release its 10th studio album, Futique, in September. The two start by getting into the Scottish music scene, the art of songwriting, and the band’s experience defying label pressures. Simon talks about the band name, what it means, and its origins. Throughout the conversation, Simon discusses his career travels and experiences, including European festival culture, Berlin’s clubbing and art culture, and what it’s like performing in major cities like Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Cape Town. They get into the making of the new album, its post-pandemic inspiration, and stories behind the songs. Tune into a fun and extensive chat with Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro!

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CREDITS (Instagram handles) 

Host @scottlipps 

Produced by @whitakermarisa 

Edited by @toastycakes 

Music by @robbyhoff 

Recorded at Fringe Podcasts NYC 

0:00:00 - Start

0:00:11 - Scottish music scene

0:02:14 - Starting on their own

0:03:10 - Neighborhood noise 

0:03:27 - The art of songwriting 

0:04:25 - Defying label pressures 

0:05:40 - What the name Biffy Clyro means

0:06:03 - Origins of the Biffy Clyro name

0:07:04 - Changing the outlook on the band

0:07:47 - Becoming a songwriter 

0:08:40 - Overcoming hardships 

0:09:17 - Experiences being in a band with twins

0:10:24 - European festival culture

0:12:10 - Weirdest festival lineup?

0:12:47 - New album Futique

0:13:13 - Post-pandemic inspiration behind the record

0:14:00 - Savoring the moment through music 

0:14:44 - Black Sabbath’s final show 

0:15:52 - Even your heroes have heroes 

0:17:15 - Recording in a barn and sampling cows

0:17:41 - Inspiration in Berlin

0:19:43 - Berlin clubbing scene

0:20:51 - Berlin’s art culture 

0:21:41 - Making friends in the US

0:22:10 - Silver Lining Lounge acoustic show

0:23:47 - Top 5 cities to travel

0:23:55 - London 

0:25:04 - Los Angeles weather 

0:25:58 - Playing festivals in Cape Town

0:27:31 - Tokyo's futuristic way of living 

0:29:18 - Most romantic city 

0:30:32 - Top 5 bands that should've made it in the US

0:33:27 - UK emo scene 

0:34:20 - The year of Biffy Clyro

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Winona Fighter

On this episode of Lipps Service, Scott sits down with one of the hottest new punk bands on the scene, Winona Fighter. The trio opens up about the release of the deluxe edition of their album My Apologies To The Chef and the unique experience of recording it acoustically. The conversation dives into the band’s beginnings on Craigslist, what it’s like carving out a punk identity in the middle of Nashville’s country-heavy music scene, and their DIY approach to making music. Winona Fighter also shares the stories behind fan-favorite tracks like “I’m in The Market To Please No One” and reflects on the raw energy that comes with being a punk trio. The episode closes with the members sharing their Top 5 bands they believe will save rock and roll, the rising acts they’re rooting for in the scene, and their picks for the best bands of the 2000s. Tune in for another unforgettable episode with the unstoppable Winona Fighter!

0:00:00 - Start

0:00:10 - Oasis tour

0:01:35 - The revival of rock bands

0:02:07 - Third Eye Blind

0:02:45 - Meeting on Craigslist

0:05:18 - Nashville punk scene

0:06:48 - Snooper

0:08:15 - Metal influences

0:09:19 - Bending the norms

0:11:08 - Alternative country

0:11:56 - DIY music making 

0:13:53 - Having a breakthrough

0:15:10 - Power trios 

0:16:10 - Women in punk rock

0:17:43 - The essence of punk

0:18:56 - Emotions through performance

0:19:20 - My Apologies To The Chef deluxe album

0:20:22 - Choosing covers

0:21:31 - Winona Ryder

0:21:52 - Wordplay in lyrics

0:23:03 - “I’m in The Market To Please No One”

0:24:07 - The economics of being in a band

0:26:56 - Side hustles

0:28:30 - Playing bass on a cruise ship

0:30:40 - Touring experiences 

0:31:28 - Recording 32 tracks

0:32:27 - Festivals VS shows

0:33:35 - Reaching audiences 

0:33:44 - Playing without in-ear monitors 

0:34:27 - Best unplugged albums 

0:35:25 - Playing it by ear

0:36:25 - Top 5 bands that are here to save rock and roll

0:37:58 - Mannequin Pussy

0:39:10 - Turnstile becoming mainstream

0:40:55 - Top 5 punk bands destined to make it big

0:41:35 - Homefront, High Vis, Scowl

0:43:20 - Hot Mulligan

0:44:08 - The best band ever from the 2000s