Emerging from Dunfermline, Scotland, Stay For Tomorrow is quickly proving itself a vital force within the alternative rock landscape. Formed in 2018, this four-piece ensemble, featuring Joe MacFarlane on vocals and rhythm guitar, Nic Holson on lead guitar and orchestration, Gemma Wickham on synth-bass and keys, and Sean Priestley on drums, has built a reputation for blistering performances and emotionally charged songwriting. Their influences, ranging from Biffy Clyro to Foo Fighters and Velvet Revolver, are evident yet expertly woven into a sound that feels wholly their own. Following a string of powerful releases and award-winning music videos, Stay For Tomorrow continues to soar, earning accolades and commanding stages across Scotland’s most iconic venues and festivals.
“In The Way” encapsulates everything Stay For Tomorrow does best: fierce, urgent, and unrelentingly catchy. From the first thunderous drumbeat, the track barrels forward with pulsing synths and razor-sharp guitar riffs, each note vibrating with tension. Joe MacFarlane’s vocals slice through the thick atmosphere with the combination of grit and clarity, embodying the frustration and drive that define the song’s message. Meanwhile, Nic Holson’s orchestral touches add surprising depth to the arrangement, blending cinematic swells with the band’s muscular alt-rock foundation. It’s a bold, infectious sound that captures listeners immediately and refuses to let go.
The lyrics of “In The Way” hit with a sharp edge, walking the tightrope between anger and motivation. The central line, “either you’re in or in the way,” rings like a rallying cry, demanding absolute commitment or total retreat. Stay For Tomorrow masterfully channels raw emotion into a structure that feels chaotic and meticulously crafted — a perfect mirror of real-world struggles against obstacles and hesitation. The fusion of disco grooves and rock ferocity gives the track an unexpected danceability, making it both a cathartic release and an anthem for anyone striving against the odds.
Recorded, mixed, and mastered at Gracenote Studios with Dominic Hardy, the production of “In The Way” highlights the band’s evolution into a tighter, more confident unit. Every instrument finds its place without losing the track’s furious momentum, while the backing vocals from Nic and Gemma build a layered, immersive wall of sound. Sean Priestley’s drumming, crisp yet explosive, acts as the track’s heartbeat, driving forward with an urgency that matches the song’s lyrical demands. This meticulous yet electrified production ensures that Stay For Tomorrow’s high-octane energy translates effortlessly from stage to speaker.
With “In The Way,” Stay For Tomorrow cements their place as rising alt-rock heavyweights and issues a challenge to themselves and the world around them. It’s a daring, relentless single that captures the spirit of ambition colliding with adversity. As the band continues their ascent, fueled by their unyielding creativity and fierce authenticity, one thing is certain: they’re not waiting for anyone to catch up. Either you’re with them, or you’re in the way.
Connect with Stay For Tomorrow on Facebook, Spotify, Soundcloud and YouTube.
