:User:Seajames/sandbox
{{AFC submission|d|v|u=Seajames|ns=2|decliner=KylieTastic|declinets=20250613125936|reason2=music|ts=20250613125733}}
{{Draft topics|music|northern-europe}}
{{AfC topic|other}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Schtum
| image =
| caption =
| background = group_or_band
| origin = Derry, North west Ireland
| genre = Alternative rock, post-grunge
| years_active = Early 1990s – late 1990s
| label = Big River Records, Columbia Records, Work Group (U.S.)
| associated_acts = The Undertones
}}
Schtum was a Northern Irish alternative rock band from Derry, active during the early to mid-1990s.
Known for their emotive lyrics and guitar-driven sound, the band gained national attention after signing with Columbia Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music, and releasing their debut album, Grow, in 1996.
History
Schtum was formed in Derry City in the early 1990s. They were part of a burgeoning music scene in Derry that also produced acts like Cuckoo, Rare, The Turtle Assassins, The Stray Toasters and The Whole Tribe Sings.The band’s lineup was made up of Christian McNeill (vocals and guitar), Ivan Birthistle (guitar), James Cunningham (bass), and Rory McCarron (drums). They quickly became known locally for their intense live performances, angular guitars, driving rhythms and thoughtful songwriting, combining a post-grunge aesthetic with alternative rock sensibilities.
= Big River Records =
Their early work was released through the local independent label Big River Records, run by Billy Doherty and Paul McLoone of The Undertones. Notable Releases included:
- "Digging Holes" (1993, Big River Records)
- "Last of the Sad Song" (1994, Big River Records)
- "Sky Diver" (1996, Columbia Records / Work Group – promo CD)
which received Irish radio airplay and coverage in the UK music press.
= Columbia Records, ''Grow'', and U.S. Activities (1995–1996) =
Following their early success, Schtum signed to Sony music in Ireland, Columbia Records in the UK and to Work Group in the United States, both subsidiaries of Sony Music. Their debut album, Grow, was released in 1996. It was distributed in the U.S. via the Work label, with releases in multiple formats including cassette and CD. The album showcased the band’s energetic yet introspective style and drew comparisons to contemporaries like Radiohead, The Afghan Whigs, Fugazi, Slint, whilst echoing post punk bands like Magazine and Gang of Four.
To support Grow, Schtum toured extensively across the UK and Ireland, but mostly in the United States and Canada in 1995 and 1996.
Despite promising signs and critical praise, Schtum did not achieve commercial success and ultimately disbanded in the late 1990s. Their music, however, continues to be appreciated by fans of 1990s alternative rock. Their lone album, Grow, is regarded as a cult classic, especially among collectors of obscure or underappreciated alt-rock from that era.
Style and Influences
Schtum’s music was marked by a combination of gritty, layered guitars, soaring vocals, and melancholic lyrical themes. Their style has been associated with the broader post-grunge movement, while also drawing on UK indie rock and Irish alternative traditions.
Band members
- Christian McNeill – vocals, guitar
- Ivan Birthistle – guitar
- James Cunningham – bass
- Rory McCarron – drums
Discography
= Studio albums =
{{Track listing
| headline = Grow
| extra_column = Length
| total_length = 16:04
| title1 = Post Modern
| note1 = Springtown Session
| length1 = 4:50
| title2 = Run
| length2 = 3:26
| title3 = Follow (1989)
| length3 = 4:24
| title4 = Millennium
| length4 = 5:06
| title5 = Skydiver
| length5 = 3:22
| title6 = Space
| length6 = 3:41
| title7 = Big Big City
| length7 = 5:57
| title8 = Turn Blue
| length8 = 4:54
| title9 = Rosemount Watchtower
| length9 = 4:08
| title10 = Grow
| length10 = 4:23
| title11 = Last Sad Song
| length11 = 3:24
| title12 = Crackpot
| length12 = 4:38
| title13 = Low Unknown
| length13 = 3:49
}}
= Singles and EPs =
{{Track listing
| headline = Digging Holes EP
| extra_column = Length
| total_length = 16:04
| title1 = Anger from the Base Up
| note1 = Springtown Session
| length1 = 3:54
| title2 = Digging Holes
| note2 = Springtown Session
| length2 = 4:59
| title3 = Run
| note3 = Springtown Session
| length3 = 4:18
| title4 = Positive
| note4 = Springtown Session
| length4 = 3:33
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Corrupt Cop EP
| extra_column = Length
| total_length = 9:21
| title1 = Corrupt Cop
| note1 = Recorded by Tim Martin
| length1 = 2:18
| title2 = Can't play God
| note2 = Recorded by Tim Martin
| length2 = 3:23
| title3 = Run
| note3 = Recorded by Tim Martin
| length3 = 3:40
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = New Year Dawning EP
| extra_column = Length
| total_length = 9:21
| title1 = New Year Dawning
| note1 = Recorded by Tim Martin
| length1 = 2:18
| title2 = Distance Runner
| note2 = Recorded by Tim Martin
| length2 = 3:23
| title3 = New Brunswick
| note3 = Recorded by Tim Martin
| length3 = 3:40
}}
= Compilation appearances =
- RTÉ Dave Fanning Sessions (1994)
References
External links
- [https://fanningsessions.wordpress.com/2023/06/10/schtum-1994-session/ Schtum – 1994 Dave Fanning Session]
- [https://medium.com/@dutchkillsrecords/almost-famous-a-brief-history-of-derry-music-7339fab435d9 A Brief History of Derry Music – Medium]
- [https://www.derrynow.com/news/what-s-on/1389566/macd-on-music-new-year-old-tribe.html Retrospective on 1990s Derry Music Scene – Derry Now]