Check the label: The Instinctive Racoon

Play: French Wives - Dog Fight


Nature or nurture?

The Instinctive Racoon boss Jamie Webster is a fan of both. After naming his indie label in honour of TV hero David Attenborough, Webster decided to go on and nurture some local talent in his home city of Glasgow.

Founded in 2007, The Instinctive Racoon’s inaugural release was Ross Clark’s debut EP, Anthems in Clams. Since then the label has reeled out four more gorgeous records, including singles by Washington Irving and The French Wives and two more of Clark’s efforts.

Alongside these, Webster promotes sold out local shows on both sides of the M8 under the guise of his Racoon-shaped brainchild.

“I pick acts that excite me and that I believe have potential to develop whilst being conscious of not expanding too quickly,” he explains. "There isn't a specific genre that I adhere to. I think it’s important that we have diversity both in our live shows and our roster to keep the public interested in what we’re doing.”

And to top off this beehive of industry, The Instinctive Racoon also runs a monthly club night called Thankyou Frankley at Glasgow post-grad clubhouse Research Club.

Clearly passionate about the Scottish music scene, Webster’s aim is uncomplicated and true: to work with new bands he enjoys. He says: “Bands I like just now are Over The Wall and John Knox Sex Club. I have worked with both bands before on live shows and will continue to do so.”


Words: Aimi Gold

Instinctive Racoon’s next shows are ‘Thankyou Frankley’ at the Research Club on 31 October and 1 November at Sneaky Pete’s to launch The French Wives Single.


Play: French Wives - Halloween


Play: John Knox Sex Club - John the Revelator


Play: Washington Irving - It Creeps