As football fans await the kick-off of the 2026 World Cup tonight (Thursday June 11), the man behind a viral unofficial anthem for Scotland has spoken to NME about getting behind his country with an LCD Soundsystem-esque banger.
Long before Belle & Sebastian dropped their heartfelt ‘It Only Takes One Lion‘ and Susan Boyle, Franz Ferdinand and Irn Bru teamed up for ‘We’re Made In Scotland From Girders‘, football writer and musician JJ Bull lit up social media with his parody electro number ‘The Very Unofficial Scotland World Cup Song’.
With the cool, nonchalant delivery like James Murphy over a pulsing minimal electro beat that gradually builds into a euphoric dance-punk wig-out, the song reflects Scotland’s past failures and the downsides of having the World Cup in the US, all while singing the praises of players Kenny McLean, Kieran Tiernay and Scott McTominay and with a thread of national pride rushing through it.
“I know this sounds weird but the entire thing just downloaded into my head from somewhere,” JJ Bull told NME about the song’s inspiration. “It’s like I didn’t write it. This has happened a few times in my life and I’ve always liked those songs, so I had a few goes at making it sound like it did in my head and about three goes later landed on this one! The words, everything, were already written for me! What a boost.”
He continued: “Depending on who you listen to most I am a copy of LCD Soundsystem, Marc Rebillet, The Fall (who I’ve never actually listened to and now don’t want to for fear of copying them), and just any number of bands who sound like them, and also ones I sound nothing like. Phoenix, Fickle Public, Idlewild, The Hives, Michael McDonald, Eagles, Blue Nile, Getdown Services – I’m ripping them all off.
“The sound is just what comes naturally when making these songs up on the spot on a loopstation – they’re mostly repeated four or eight bar loops, which lends itself to dance music, but I’m an indie alternative man.”
Is he hoping for the stamp of approval from James Murphy?
“I’m hoping for nothing but people enjoying it and most people not hating it,” he replied. “I met James Murphy in Subclub Glasgow once, gave him a hug, gave him a CD of mine I had on me just in case. Again – I know this is weird – I bumped into him after a Barrowlands LCD Soundsystem gig. That was about 15 years ago. And I’m surprised I remember that to be honest.”
Paraphrasing LCD’s classic coming-of-middle-age anthem ‘Losing My Edge’, JJ Bull added: “I mean obviously if he liked it that would be nice, but I’d imagine he’d think: ‘The kids are coming up from behind – but this one I’m not concerned about actually…‘”
Originally from Aberdeenshire before moving to London 13 years ago to pursue a career in TV before becoming a renowned football journalist for The Telegraph and providing analysis to millions on Youtube via The Athletic, JJ Bull has always played in bands and had a number of football-related viral hits over the years.
He has released a few EPs and albums of his more heartfelt Frightened Rabbit-inspired solo material, and now livestreams shows where he makes up songs on the spot. He’ll also be joining Goldie Lookin’ Chain on tour in September.
For now, he’s enjoying the success of ‘The Very Unofficial Scotland World Cup Song’ as it enjoys a new life on streaming as football fever grips his home country after their rare qualification.
“It has been excellent,” he admitted. “I make these for myself to enjoy because I think it’ll be fun, it is a massive bonus, and I am beyond grateful, that other people enjoy them. Obviously, as the greatest international football music loopstation genius to ever live I should expect it, but yes. It is very nice.”
And what does he make of Scotland’s chances this tournament?
“Depending on who we get in the final,” he replied, “it should be a pretty straight forward win.”
Scotland’s first World Cup tournament match is against Haiti on Sunday June 14, before they go on to play Morocco on Friday June 19 and Brazil on Wednesday June 24.
JJ Bull’s new album ‘Out Of Your League’ is released tomorrow (Friday June 12) before he supports Goldie Lookin’ Chain on their UK tour in September through to December. Visit here for tickets and more information.