Little Grandad: The Alt-Country Band Rapidly Rising with a Passion for Live Performance

Little Grandad’s relentless touring schedule shows no signs of slowing. While the London-based alt-country group was taking their first extended break since their debut gig in July, they were contacted about a last-minute slot at the Open Air St. Gallen Festival in Switzerland. True to form, they abandoned their holidays and regrouped in Herisau, demonstrating the same commitment that has defined their rapid ascent.

“We’ve always aimed to prioritize every opportunity,” explains guitarist Ned Ashcroft. “That’s our core philosophy,” bassist and co-lead vocalist Jack Lower adds. “Even this gig—we were on vacation, but we all flew back immediately.” Drummer James Brennan and co-frontman Harry Lower (Jack’s younger brother) echo this sentiment, emphasizing their willingness to travel extensively for short sets.

This work ethic has led to 50–60 performances this year, with Ashcroft projecting a milestone of 100 gigs by September. Despite releasing only two tracks prior to their latest single, “Babe, We’ve Run Out Of Time,” their momentum has been unstoppable, including a Radio 6 live session at Maida Vale and a string of festival bookings. “We never anticipated performing in Switzerland within a year,” Jack reflects. “It started accidentally, and then we just went with it.”

The band formed when Harry, after completing a business degree, returned home with a growing passion for songwriting. His unopened graduation certificate remains a symbol of his commitment to music. Jack, who had also moved back after a breakup, bonded with his brother over shared musical influences—Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and Neil Young. They recruited Ashcroft and Brennan, who had no prior band experience. “None of us had played in a group before,” Jack admits. “Ned had to push me to learn bass, and I’m still paying for it on Klarna.” Ashcroft, transitioning from orchestral music, only acquired his first electric guitar a month ago.

Their raw talent and chemistry have quickly won over audiences. “Harry and Ned’s songwriting and our live synergy have been key,” Ashcroft notes. Their break came when Radio 6’s Steve Lamacq, impressed after seeing them multiple times, invited them for a live session—an unprecedented move for an unsigned act. “He believed in us despite having no released music,” Jack says.

“The song is paramount. Overcomplicating it with excessive solos isn’t our approach” – Jack Lower

Yorkshire’s burgeoning British Americana scene, including acts like Westside Cowboy and Divorce, has created a fertile ground for bands like Little Grandad. “I think it’s escapism,” Jack suggests. “Listeners want to step into a different world.” The band sees this trend as collaborative rather than competitive. “Everyone’s carving their own niche,” he continues. “We’re focused on storytelling through song—guitars, lyrics, nothing unnecessary.”

Never ones to pause, the quartet is already working on their debut album. “We’re skipping the EP phase and going straight to a full record,” Jack says. However, they acknowledge they’re still evolving as a unit. “Even Jack and I are still getting to know each other,” Harry admits. “The sound will develop further in a few years.”

Looking ahead, their ambition remains unwavering. “I want to tour this intensively into my 40s,” Harry says. “We’re aiming for the Bob Dylan ‘Never Ending Tour’ model—playing until the songs outlive us.” Their dedication underscores a singular vision: unending, unpretentious music-making.

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