Upstate Uk

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Upstate UK
Upstate UK are a six-piece covers band from Plymouth, Devon, bringing a fresh and exciting energy to the local music scene. Formed in August 2025, the band features Scotty, Richy, Ian, Lee, and Kane — a group of seasoned musicians united by a shared passion for performing live and getting audiences on their feet.

Their setlist is as diverse as their influences, spanning everything from classic floor-fillers to modern-day anthems. With a blend of tight musicianship, dynamic stage presence, and a love for connecting with the crowd, Upstate UK deliver a show that’s guaranteed to keep the dance floor moving and the good vibes flowing.

Driven by the simple goal of doing what they love — entertaining, having fun, and building a community of fans — Upstate UK are quickly carving out a name for themselves as one of Plymouth’s must-see live acts. With influences drawn from all eras and styles, their sound and spirit appeal to music lovers of every kind.

Vocals:

Scott brings infectious energy and a genuine love of music to every performance. A lifelong fan, he didn’t front his first band until the age of 40 — proving it’s never too late to chase your passion.

He’s performed with Southern Trash, Dangerzone, Medium Rare, Las Vagrants, and Las Vegas Rush (recording the mini-LP A Present for Wednesday), before moving on to Fret Level Midnight. Now in Upstate, Scott delivers high-energy performances that combine enthusiasm, commitment, and stage presence.

“Onwards and upwards!”

Lead / Rhythm Guitar:

Richard’s musical journey began the night John Lennon was taken. Picking up a guitar after watching Help! - he’s been chasing riffs ever since.

A fan of everything from Dean Martin to The Sex Pistols, Richard’s musical journey starts with Totally (1983), then Machinery Breakdown (1998), Slim Tank Helmets (1999), Red Vegas (2000–2008), The Vultures (2005), and Johnny Unstable (2019). Now with Upstate, he brings decades of experience and passion alongside long-time collaborator Kane.

“Still chasing the perfect riff, one gig at a time”

Lead / Rhythm Guitar:

Matt picked up the guitar at fourteen, took a long break at eighteen, and came back in his thirties with more grit than ever. He started out singing and writing in Stum (1997) before moving through projects including Rebel 47 (vocals/guitar), Problem Child (guitar, 2019), the metal originals band Bonesalt, and Junk Club (guitar/songwriting, 2024). He’s also known for his “off the wall” tribute act Wheeler Walker Jr (2023–2025) and the almost launched Pretentious D; plus guest appearances with Bashed to Bits.

Influenced by everything from Nirvana and Guns N’ Roses to Queen, The Beatles, and Arctic Monkeys, Matt’s goal is simple: keep pushing, keep creating, and one day make it onto Jools Holland’s Hootenanny.

“I took the long way around, but it turns out the long way gave me the loudest stories.”

Keyboards:

Ian’s love of music began at six or seven, inspired by the smiling pianist at his aunty and uncle’s club. From that moment, he knew he wanted to play.

With over 50 years of piano experience and 19 original tracks spanning orchestral to contemporary styles, Ian continues to evolve as a musician. Now in Upstate, he brings skill, versatility, and energy to create a fresh, exciting sound for the Plymouth scene.

“Still evolving, still exploring, still loving every note”

Bass Guitar:

Hailing from Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Lee began his love affair with bass in his 20s with Booyaka, an acid-funk outfit known for tight grooves, chaotic parties, and almost signing a record deal.

Since moving to Plymouth in 2002, Lee has been a low-frequency linchpin across a variety of bands, from the 12-piece ska-funk powerhouse Circus of Sound, to roots-reggae outfit Tru Steppaz, jazz-reggae fusionists The Bluespots, and the wedding-and-function veterans Jessica and the Rabbits. He currently rocks the bass in Instincts Take Over, the South West’s premier ska-punk quartet.

A connoisseur of rhythm and a master of groove, Lee now brings his seismic basslines to Upstate, helping build the band’s fresh, high-energy sound. Offstage, he’s the unofficial Minister of Pedantry and Introverts, keeping the band amused with surreal riffs, memes, and the occasional existential bass pun.

“Laying down the groove, one note at a time”

Drums:

Kane is a drummer with a passion for rhythm and a love of heavy metal at heart. Inspired by legends like Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Steve Gadd, Lars Ulrich, and Roger Taylor (Queen), he first picked up the sticks at 16, taking lessons before life and A-levels temporarily took him off the kit.

His musical journey reignited aboard HMS Somerset during his naval career, where he met long-time collaborator Richard and discovered the joy of performing live again. Over the years, Kane has driven the rhythm for bands including Machinery Breakdown (1998), Red Vegas (2000–2010), The Vultures, Crossfire (2010–2012),