Start Listening To: No Windows

Edinburgh's Indie Folk duo discuss their journey, new EP, and inspirations.

Today, we are thrilled to bring you an exclusive Q&A with No Windows, an emerging musical duo from Edinburgh known for their evocative blend of folky indie rock. Comprised of Verity Slangen and Morgan Morris, who have been collaborating since their early teens, No Windows has recently signed with the renowned Fat Possum Records and are gearing up to release their highly anticipated EP, Point Nemo. Join us as Verity and Morgan share insights into their musical journey, the inspirations behind their latest work, and the personal experiences that continue to shape their unique sound.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

Hello, we are No Windows, a songwriting duo comprised of Verity Slangen and Morgan Morris. We are from Edinburgh and met in high school and have been writing songs together since ages 13 and 14. we’d probably describe it as folky indie rock, but I’m sure anyone who listens might disagree, so really its whatever you want it to be.

Congratulations on signing with Fat Possum Records and announcing the upcoming EP Point Nemo How does it feel to join the Fat Possum family, and what does this collaboration mean for the future of No Windows?

Thanks! It feels great to be a part of the fat possum family. It feels like a great fit, there are so many artists who we love and admire signed to the label. It’s also great working with them as they are lovely people. Signing to fat possum will allow us opportunities which we wouldn’t have access to on our own and means we can focus on the music which is the most important part to us.

The EP is named Point Nemo which refers to the location farthest away from land in the world. How does this concept tie into the themes explored in the EP, and what inspired the choice of this unique title?

The concept ties into the EP as the lyrics explore themes like isolation, loneliness and feeling alienated from the world and those around us. Initially we just thought it was a cool concept, the fact that it tied into the themes of the EP only came after through either subconsciously or maybe just a coincidence. 

‘Song 01’ is the lead single from the upcoming EP, and it's described as a meditation on loss inspired by Flowers for Algernon. Can you delve into the creative process behind this track and how literature influenced your song writing?

V: The lyrics for the song was written during a creative slump. When I was sent the demo, I had just finished the book and was struck by how the writer managed to convey loss and dread so i tried to convey that in song form.

The press release mentions that Point Nemo represents a significant step forward for No Windows. In what ways do you feel the duo has evolved since the release of the debut EP Fish Boy both musically and personally?

On a personal level, the main change was probably growing up a bit. We were 15 / 16 when we made that first EP so naturally our perspectives and tastes have changed a lot. On a musical level I think we have gotten better at the basics of songwriting, as well as writing together in person a lot more.

Verity, your lyrics often examine changes in relationships and emotions as reflected in nature. How does the EP reflect this theme, and can you share some specific moments or experiences that inspired the lyrical content of Point Nemo?

V- I find that a-lot of my writing process is informed by the changing seasons, as this has a huge impact on my mood. The EP reflects this theme in most of the tracks, with bicycle referencing specifically the repetitive annual process and I directly address this with the lyric ‘the cycle repeats.’ The main influence for my lyrics are the close personal relationships in my life, while writing the EP I was trying to navigate a relationship in winter, when my mood was particularly low… this is where that dread element of “Song 01” came from, knowing that the relationship would fail but doing anything to hold on to it. On a cheerier note, I also often write about some of the amazing friendships I have experienced, with small flashing light being a platonic love song.

Ali Chant, known for his work with artists like Dry Cleaning and Soccer Mommy, mixed the EP. What was it like working with them?

M: Working with Ali was a dream. It was one of the first times we handed creative control over to someone outside of the band so naturally it was new territory for us. However, Ali really got what we were looking for and took on our guidance as well as bringing ideas to the table that we wouldn’t have thought of on our own.

Winning the Sound of Young Scotland Award at the SAY Awards in 2023 is a significant achievement. How has this recognition affected your approach to your music, and what opportunities and experiences has it opened up for No Windows?

Winning the award hasn’t changed how we think or approach music in any way, however it is a massive boost and will allow us to record and create music without boundaries or thing holding us back. It was also a huge honour to gain recognition from so many Scottish musicians who we admire and respect.

What do you love right now?

M : The White Album, good coleslaw and Be My Baby by The Ronettes, All By Myself by Celine Dion. 

V: Pre pleasure by Julia Jackson, flatmates making dinner for me, colouring in.

What do you hate right now?

V: my hair getting greasy too quick, misbehaving candles and peas.

M: missing busses, rude people, bad stereo alignment.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?

V: Melodrama by Lorde. The song writer in the dark has been by my side for years, so much so I got a tattoo of it.

M: Innervisions by Stevie Wonder. I was exposed to this album during my childhood but still hear something new and mind blowing each time I listen.