Rolla’s biggest moment yet whilst raising funds for Salford Lads’ Club

“Epic, euphoric, no holds barred rock ‘n’ roll for fans of The Verve, Oasis, BRMC, The Music, Pastel.” – This Feeling

As they stand on the precipice of becoming the next breakthrough rock ‘n’ rollers, Manchester quintet ROLLA’s recent focus has been on recognising the importance of their roots. They quickly reacted to the news that the iconic Salford Lads’ Club is on the verge of closure by arranging a special benefit show on November 15th, for which all ticket will be donated to the venue – a gig that sold-out in a matter of minutes, and saw the band highlight its significance with interviews with ITV and the Manchester Evening News. In addition, TMT Band Merch have produced a range of special Rolla / Salford Lads’ Club merch to commemorate the occasion, all income from which will also be donated to the club: two limited edition t-shirts, available both at the show and online HERE, as well as prints. The show is further supported by the renowned menswear brand Marshall Artist.

ROLLA’s support of the Salford Lads’ Club recognises its importance as a community hub, as a music venue, and as a place of culture significance – it will also be remembered for its place in the history of The Smiths, but helping to keep it as an active venue is of infinitely more value than reducing it to a plaque on a new-build block of flats. While ROLLA have been hailed as “honorary Salford Lads Club lads” for arranging the show, they’re certainly not the only musicians to back the club, with others ranging from The Hollies’ legend Graham Nash to local heroes Courteeners. The venue’s GoFundMe campaign aims to raise £250,000 to secure its future, and donations can be made HERE.

As the gig approaches, ROLLA now share the brand new single ‘It Ain’t Easy’. It’s the second track from their upcoming EP and Run On Records (The Royston Club) debut after ‘We Owe You Nothing’ emerged to acclaim as well as airplay from  John Kennedy at Radio X and Jim Salveson at XS Manchester. It was accompanied by a video by filmmaker Charlie Lightening (Liam Gallagher, Paul McCartney).

Each new track sees ROLLA becoming ever more impossible to ignore, and that’s particularly true of ‘It Ain’t Easy’. The track commands your attention with every element, from an elastic bassline that recalls local great Mani with beats that bring an irresistible groove as thunderous riffs echo and James Gilmore’s attitude-laden vocal sneer places him in the storied heritage of the north-west’s rich tradition of captivating frontman. Its lyrics will resonate with a common experience felt across the UK right now: the feeling that the odds are stacked against you, but you’re determined to persevere regardless.

James says, “‘It Ain’t Easy’ was written at a similar time to ‘We Owe You Nothing’, it’s another heavier, baggy tune. It’s got that constant driving groove behind it with the drums and the bass riff but then the guitars and vocals loosen the whole thing up and give it that shuffle. It’s a reflection of the parallels of life, working day-in day-out, all that shite, running alongside the moments of euphoria – a representation of taking the rough with the smooth, living your life to the full and making the most out of bad situations and using them as fuel to find inner peace and enjoyment in life.”

‘It Ain’t Easy’ is also a song with a direct link to one of ROLLA’s biggest influences. In 2022, Serge Pizzorno invited the band to open during Kasabian’s arena tour of that year. Each night the ROLLA lads would watch with admiration at how Kasabian’s songs inspired such a big reaction from audiences. This stuck in their minds as they crafted their new EP, and sent a demo of the track to Serge to get some tips on how to structure it for maximum impact. His guidance helped the band elevate ‘It Ain’t Easy’ to the dynamic explosives and sinewy intensity that you now hear.

‘It Ain’t Easy’ was recorded during the same sessions as ‘We Owe You Nothing’, with production and mixing by Gareth Nuttall (The K’s, Lottery Winners), with additional production and mixing from guitarist Luke McConnell.

Completed by Tom Paddon (guitar) and Saul Bardsley (drums), ROLLA’s rising reputation has already seen them hit #1 on the iTunes chart with their debut EP ‘Nothing Less Than Everything’; blow away festival crowds at the Isle of Wight, the Neighbourhood Weekender and This Feeling By The Sea; and play headline shows which are constantly selling out and growing in size. It ain’t easy, but everything for ROLLA is heading firmly in the right direction.