Sister John

Sister John, a Glasgow-based quartet of multi-instrumentalists, has been captivating audiences since their formation in 2016.

Centered around the evocative songwriting of Amanda McKeown (vocals, guitar), the band also features Jonathan Lilley (guitars, keys), Sophie Pragnell (drums, viola), and Heather Phillips (violin, bass).

Their lo-fi yet lush instrumentation and harmonies, and introspective lyricism have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated following. Their gorgeous, folk-influenced debut, Returned From Sea (2017), was described as “what might have happened had Lou Reed written for Vashti Bunyan.”

Their 2019 self-titled follow-up expanded their sonic reach, described as “The Beatles jamming with John Cale”—a balance of classic songwriting and experimental edge, and included the swaggering I’m The One. In 2021, I Am By Day pushed further into experimental textures and lyrical introspection. #

Now, after a four-year hiatus, Sister John returns with their fourth studio album, Don’t Worry, It’s Forever, set for release on May 30, 2025. This collection offers an intimate portrayal of love amidst loss, reflecting on generational transitions and the evolving nature of identity. Raw, direct, and personal, the album represents Sister John at their deeply affecting finest.

Their music has been championed by BBC Radio Scotland and BBC 6 Music, with support from Roddy Hart, Vic Galloway, Janice Forsyth, Gideon Coe, and Amy Lamé. Most recently, Scottish pop legends The Bluebells covered their song Glasgow Is A Rainbow, further cementing Sister John’s reputation for crafting timeless, resonant songs.