Rod Jones

Rod is best known as a founding member of Edinburgh-based indie rock band Idlewild, with whom he has co-written and recorded six studio albums. Jones also has released two solo albums and currently fronts rock band The Birthday Suit. He is also a co-creator of the ongoing musical project, The Fruit Tree Foundation.

In September 2016, Rod opened Post Electric Studio in Leith, and has recently produced music with artists such as Tom Joshua, Skjør, Man of Moon, Maria Muller and Hamish Hawk.

We caught up with Rod to find out what he loves most about Edinburgh...

When I hear the words 'Forever Edinburgh', the first thing that springs to mind is…

Home. I’ve been here for 22 years now and happy to call it so.

I am proud to live and work in Edinburgh because…

It's a very European and cultural city and despite having a village feel, always has something interesting going on.

Edinburgh still surprises me when…

I go away and return. I always forget how beautiful it is when I see it every day. A little time away and you re discover its architecture and surroundings all over again. It's a very unique city.

Edinburgh's music scene is unique because…

It's so disparate. There is not really a cohesive centre or the cliques that you find in many cities. I think this can make it easier for bands to retain their own identity and maybe pushes them to develop their sound. On the down side it can be hard to get people to shows for the same reason.

My favourite place to discover live music in the city is…

Ever changing. Venues seem to come and go from the 90s with the Cas Rock café and The Venue, to more recently Electric Circus and The Picturehouse. There are a few new exciting possibilities in Leith though with the Leith Depot, and a few other spaces up to Leith Theatre.

As a local, my hidden gem that most visitors to Edinburgh may miss is…

Again….Leith. On a smaller scale though, there are so many. From Stack Dim Sum for eats, The Waverley Bar to music and poetry nights from Neu Reekie.

A perfect day in Edinburgh ends with...

A pint or few in Nobles Bar and a pie on the way home from Storries all night bakery. The simple life.