Frightened Rabbit

Frightened Rabbit
Company type	Indie rock group
Industry	Music
Founded	2003
Headquarters	Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Area served	International
Key people	Scott Hutchison (founder, vocalist, guitarist), Grant Hutchison (drummer), Billy Kennedy (guitar, bass), Andy Monaghan (guitar, keyboards), Simon Liddell (guitar)
Products	Music albums and EPs

Frightened Rabbit was an indie rock group originating from Selkirk in the Scottish Borders, established in 2003. Initially conceived as a solo endeavor by singer and guitarist Scott Hutchison, the ensemble eventually expanded to include his brother Grant on drums, Billy Kennedy handling guitar and bass, Andy Monaghan on guitar and keyboards, and Simon Liddell on guitar. From 2004 onward, the band operated out of Glasgow.

Their first album, Sing the Greys, was produced by the Hutchison brothers alongside Kennedy and released in 2006 through the independent label Hits the Fan. After signing with Fat Cat Records in 2007, they recorded their sophomore album The Midnight Organ Fight (2008), which saw Monaghan joining the lineup.

The third studio effort, The Winter of Mixed Drinks (2010), introduced guitarist Gordon Skene to the group. Later that year, Frightened Rabbit secured a contract with Atlantic Records, under which they issued two EPs: A Frightened Rabbit EP (2011) and State Hospital (EP) (2012). Their fourth album, Pedestrian Verse (2013), reached number nine on the UK Albums Chart, coinciding with Simon Liddell becoming part of the band.

Following Skene's departure, Scott Hutchison, Monaghan, and Liddell collaborated on the self-titled Owl John project in 2014. In 2015, they recorded Painting of a Panic Attack in New York with producer Aaron Dessner from The National, solidifying Liddell's role as a permanent member.

Tragically, Scott Hutchison died by suicide in May 2018. The remaining members declared that Frightened Rabbit had ceased to exist as a band, though they indicated that unreleased recordings from their final sessions might be published. In December 2018, they briefly reunited for a charity performance in Glasgow featuring guest singers.

Formation and early period (2003–2006)

In 2003, vocalist and guitarist Scott Hutchison began performing under the name Frightened Rabbit—a nickname given to him by his mother due to his reserved nature—as a solo act. This project gradually transformed into a full band with the addition of his brother Grant Hutchison on drums in 2004 and guitarist Billy Kennedy joining in 2006. To promote their music, Hutchison sent out CD-Rs accompanied by biscuits as a unique way to attract attention.

Sing the Greys era (2006–2007)

Their debut record, Sing the Greys, was released in May 2006 through local label Hits The Fan. Although initially offered a contract by Fiction Records, this deal was eventually withdrawn. In January 2007, The Self-Starter Foundation organized a brief tour along the US East Coast. The band returned in March to perform at SXSW, followed by an American release of a remixed and remastered edition of the album in October 2007 via Brighton-based indie label Fat Cat Records, with distribution handled by Caroline Distribution. Subsequently, they embarked on an extensive US tour. The album saw its UK release in November 2007.

The Midnight Organ Fight period (2008–2009)

In early 2007, recording sessions for The Midnight Organ Fight took place at producer Peter Katis’s Tarquin Studios located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Released on 15 April 2008, this album garnered widespread critical praise, including an 8.1 score from Pitchfork.com.

Following these sessions, Andy Monaghan—formerly of Piano Bar Fight—joined as guitarist and keyboardist, completing the four-member lineup. Scott recalled meeting Monaghan during New Year's Eve celebrations in Glasgow, after which he invited him to become part of the band.

In November 2008, Frightened Rabbit supported Death Cab for Cutie during their UK and Ireland tour and released a live album titled Quietly Now! in October.

The Winter of Mixed Drinks (2010)

During the tour supporting The Midnight Organ Fight, Scott Hutchison shared his enthusiasm about heading back into the studio, aiming to create an album that was less confessional and intense. He intended to compose their third studio record in Crail, Fife, with a focus on themes such as solitude and uncertainty.

In May 2009, Hutchison introduced "Swim Until You Can't See Land," which was later confirmed as the album's lead single. By October 2009, the band revealed the album's title, The Winter of Mixed Drinks, and welcomed Gordon Skene (formerly of Make Model) as a fifth member to add depth to their intricate sound. Hutchison highlighted the importance of bringing new perspectives to evolve their music.

The album was released in March 2010, representing a notable development in the band's artistic progression. In May 2010, they made their first US television appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, performing "Nothing Like You," followed by a cover of The Lemonheads on The A.V. Club in June. Their track "Yes I Would" was featured in the TV series Detroit 1-8-7 in October, while "Swim Until You Can't See Land" appeared in the trailer for the movie The Beaver. Additionally, Belle & Sebastian invited them to perform at the Bowlie Weekender festival in December 2010, and they supported Death Cab for Cutie during their North American tour in 2011.

Signing to Atlantic and A Frightened Rabbit EP (2010–2012)

After securing a deal with Atlantic, the band released the three-track A Frightened Rabbit EP on 28 July 2011, initially available only during their tour. On 19 October 2011, it was made accessible as a complimentary download for newsletter subscribers, along with a limited edition vinyl pre-order. The EP includes "Scottish Winds," "Fuck This Place" featuring vocals from Camera Obscura's Tracyanne Campbell, and "The Work" with guest Archie Fisher. This EP was later reissued on vinyl for Record Store Day 2022.

In 2010, Scott Hutchison contributed to the charitable collective The Fruit Tree Foundation, appearing on their debut album, First Edition.

Pedestrian Verse (2013)

By December 2011, preparations were underway for their fourth album, with Scott Hutchison mentioning that they were experimenting with minor keys and initiating production. Recording sessions began on 1 May 2012. Unlike previous albums, songwriting responsibilities extended beyond Hutchison alone, which he acknowledged as beneficial for the new material.

Their fourth album, titled Pedestrian Verse, was released on 4 February 2013 following the earlier release of the State Hospital EP featuring Scottish singer Aidan Moffat in September 2012. The album received critical praise and was supported by an extensive tour.

Owl John and Gordon Skene's departure (2014–2015)

In October 2013, Hutchison revealed intentions to work on a fifth studio album, expressing interest in relocating their writing sessions to the United States to inspire fresh creativity. By January 2014, he announced his solo project named Owl John, collaborating with keyboardist Andy Monaghan and touring guitarist Simon Liddell. On 25 March 2014, guitarist Gordon Skene parted ways with the band due to "differing opinions," with the remaining members choosing to proceed without him.

Painting of a Panic Attack (2016–2017)

Frightened Rabbit revealed their fifth studio album, Painting of a Panic Attack, set for release on 8 April 2016. To promote the record, they released a trailer featuring the track "Lump Street" and announced tours across the UK and US spanning 2016 to 2017. On 11 July 2017, the band unveiled the single "Fields of Wheat," which addressed contemporary themes. Later that year, they issued the three-song EP Recorded Songs, which included a collaboration with artist Julien Baker.

Sixth album developments and Scott Hutchison's passing (2018–2019)

At the start of 2018, Scott and Grant Hutchison formed a side project called Mastersystem alongside Justin and James Lockey from Editors and Minor Victories. Their debut album, Dance Music, was released on 4 April.

To commemorate the tenth anniversary of The Midnight Organ Fight, Frightened Rabbit embarked on a tour in early 2018. Scott disclosed that they were constructing a home studio in Glasgow and working on new tracks for a sixth album, aiming for completion by the end of the year. He also mentioned a lyrical shift away from personal relationships toward wider topics.

Scott Hutchison was reported missing on 9 May 2018 after last being seen leaving a hotel in South Queensferry. His body was discovered by police at Port Edgar on 10 May and officially identified the following day. The band expressed deep sorrow but found solace in his enduring legacy of hope and compassion.

Following this tragedy, Frightened Rabbit canceled their First Incident festival planned for 1 June in Glasgow. Fans were given options to receive refunds or donate to the Scottish Association for Mental Health in Scott's honor.

In August 2018, the band announced their first performance after Scott’s death at Glasgow's Sleep in the Park charity event scheduled for 8 December. They performed eight songs, joined by guest musicians such as James Graham (The Twilight Sad), Simon Neil (Biffy Clyro), and Kathryn Joseph.

In May 2019, the Hutchison family established Tiny Changes, a mental health charity named after a lyric from "Head Rolls Off," as a tribute to Scott’s memory. Atlantic Records released Tiny Changes: A Celebration of Frightened Rabbit's The Midnight Organ Fight in July 2019—a covers album featuring various artists honoring the band's 2008 release. Scott had approved this tribute prior to his passing. Remaining band members stated that Frightened Rabbit "does not exist" without him but acknowledged that demos for the intended sixth album remain and could potentially be released.

After the publication of Scott’s lyric book The Work in January 2022, Grant Hutchison expressed interest in revisiting those sixth album demos: "We feel a responsibility to finish off unfinished work," considering whether to release them as a full album or as individual tracks.

Band line-up

In 2008, Scott Hutchison described how the band came together: beginning as a solo endeavor, he was soon joined by Grant about a year later, who added fresh energy. Six months after Grant’s arrival, Billy Kennedy became part of the group, bringing a calming presence. Andy Monaghan joined in January 2008, enhancing their sound with additional layers. In 2009, Gordon Skene from Make Model joined and made his live debut with Frightened Rabbit on 6 November; he left the band in March 2014.

Band members

Scott Hutchison – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (2003–2018; deceased 2018)
Grant Hutchison – drums, percussion, backing vocals (2004–2018)
Billy Kennedy – lead guitar, bass, keyboards, backing vocals (2005–2018)
Andy Monaghan – guitar, keyboards, bass, backing vocals (2008–2018)
Gordon Skene – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2009–2014)
Simon Liddell – guitar, keyboards (2014–2018; toured 2013–2014)

Charitable work

In 2011, Frightened Rabbit partnered closely with the Invisible Children music initiative, joining tours alongside representatives to promote the charity's objectives. Their set included a rendition of the Death Cab For Cutie song "Different Names for the Same Thing" as well as "Scottish Winds" from their latest EP. At the conclusion of the tour, a signed guitar was auctioned off to benefit Invisible Children. The band also supported Ditch the Label, a UK-based anti-bullying organization, in 2015 by raising funds in response to cyberbullying. In 2017, they took part in Sleep in the Park, a charity event aimed at aiding homelessness in Scotland, and were slated to perform again in 2018; following Scott Hutchison's passing, guest vocalists contributed to their performance.

Discography

Studio albums

External links

Official Website
Frightened Rabbit profile at The Self-Starter Foundation