What does it take to build a band from scratch and earn a place on one of Scotland's biggest festival stages?

In Episode 2 of Shaping the North East, Chris sits down with Stu and Stu from The Funky Red Pandas to explore the band's journey from an ambitious idea to one of the North East's most exciting live acts.

From winning Battle of the Bands just months after forming to releasing their debut album, The Word is F.U.N.K., the pair reflect on the milestones that have shaped the band's story so far. We also discuss what it means to perform at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, why live music still matters, and how they've stayed true to their sound while building momentum.

Whether you're a musician, a creative, or simply someone chasing an ambitious goal, this conversation is packed with honest insights into perseverance, collaboration and taking opportunities when they come your way.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How The Funky Red Pandas came together

• Winning Battle of the Bands

• Releasing The Word is F.U.N.K.

• Preparing for Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival

• The future of the band and what's next

Check out "The Word Is F.U.N.K.":

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lsFK0ZSJW_GPCLQd7UoUDjcoez965dVgw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4mx6oPuKt7oVWioPOLGc56?si=N9pYar-iSjSArWiLN5A_9Q

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-word-is-f-u-n-k/6781120041

Follow The Funky Red Pandas:

https://www.facebook.com/thefunkyredpandas/

https://www.youtube.com/@UCS5yZoTY60xrrjvrXoi0r5g

https://www.instagram.com/thefunkyredpandas

https://www.tiktok.com/@thefunkyredpandas

Shaping the North East is a podcast exploring the people, ideas and ventures defining the region's next chapter.