BIG Country. Nazareth. The Skids.

Three names that are synonymous with Dunfermline's rich musical heritage, with their lyrics still resonating with music lovers today.

We can reflect on their catalogue of work knowing the songs they wrote helped shape today’s music culture and the minds who yearned to catch their choruses and verses at every opportunity.

It’s a history to be proud of.

However, when you listen to the sounds emanating from the town just now, the future has never looked more promising.

Boasting a plethora of emerging bands and songwriters, the talent pool is currently overflowing with potential.

Sadly, you often hear of many acts touted for great things not living up to their potential, citing the pressures of expectation after early successes being one of the reasons for their shortcomings.

After all, to survive in an industry as cutthroat as the music business, you need more than just a great sound; those days are gone.

You need strong characters capable of adapting to the needs of the group. You need social media nous. You need an appearance that’s promotable. You need a memorable live set that audiences will tell all their mates about the second they leave the gig.

You need what Moonlight Zoo have.

Comprising Jamie Adamson (26), Reece Dobbin (18), Sean Defrancesco (24) and Graeme Mcleod (26), the Press Live Music Award winners of 2015 enjoyed a “whirlwind” 2016.

The release of their second single Breaking or Broken, in April, provided an unexpected torrent of momentum with a number of headline shows - including a sold-out night in Glasgow at the reputable King Tut’s - and a slot at the Isle of Wight Festival, where they shared the same stage with bands such as Stereophonics and The Who.

Jamie told Press:On: “None of us were anticipating a year like that.

“At the time, we were focused on writing the best song we could write and being the best band we could be.

“When Breaking or Broken came out, our heads weren’t really in the business side of things, but that song really opened our eyes to how the industry worked. We’ve learned so much since then.

“We know that there’s no point in releasing a song if it’s not your best.

“You can’t just release a song for the sake of it. It must be your very best work, otherwise you just become irrelevant.”

The single, produced by Bruce Rintoul, was swiftly followed by the infectious anthem Melting in November, the third single chosen for release from their vast collection of material that they’ve accumulated since their formation in 2014 after being inspired from other talents in the area.

They’re a tightknit group in the midst of a year-long plan of action with goals and targets set along the way, which will no doubt be aided by their natural chemistry.

“We’ve got our own studio now - it’s for planting seeds of ideas as we move forward.

“Our main focus is demoing as many songs as humanly possible and having an extensive selection to take to a producer.

“Sean and I usually come with the foundation or the seedlings of an idea, and we’ll sit and demo it in the studio.

“It doesn’t become a proper song until Reece and Graeme get involved, though. I think we all play an equal part in the writing process and everyone plays to their strengths.

“I’d say my own strengths are probably melody and harmony.

“Sean is brilliant, and he’s the main lyricist.

“Reece is the backbone of the group – it doesn’t work without him.

“Graeme has the best singing voice and adds a bit of craziness to the whole thing. You need that bit of spice!

“As I said before though, we just want to be the best band we can possibly be and I think we all pull our own weight.

“There's a lot happening behind the scenes on the business side, too. We've been working with the right people and we’re starting to build a team around the band.

“Sean and I made a quota of writing two songs a week. It's quite a hard task to complete! We really like to push ourselves and throw ourselves into the deep end, but I feel it really brings out the best of the band. It's a healthy way to challenge yourself.”

A new challenge that awaits the guys is their first live stadium show at Bayview, the home of East Fife, on May 21, where Stevie McCrorie, of The Voice success, will headline.

“We’re all massive Pars fans! There’s a wee bit of conflict there for sure! We’re all looking forward to that one.”

While Bayview is the first stadium where they will perform live, it’s not the first to host their music.

Breaking or Broken was played over the tannoy at East End Park earlier this month as part of the club’s initiative with PJ Molloys where local bands feature on the matchday playlist, a surreal experience for Jamie.

“A few of us were at the Pars game against Raith Rovers and it was really cool to hear Breaking or Broken blaring through the stadium and the stands. That was quite a nostalgic moment for us. That really was fantastic. We all love the idea of the playlist as it's been superb to hear local music playing before the game. Dancing on Tables had their song played at the Hibs game and it's just such great exposure for the bands in the area.

“Breaking or Broken had this epic stadium-esque rock sound to it. Some people also said to me that it had this Simple Minds vibe, too. I'll take that as a massive compliment. Not that we're trying to be like them in any way, but what a band to be compared to!”

The idea of comparisons is subject matter that Jamie approaches with a hint of trepidation.

“We've had people say they haven't heard anyone with a sound like us. I guess that's good in a way as it makes us stand out.

"It can be hard, though. A lot of people will find a band they really love and then try to pigeonhole them. We've refused to let that happen. I think we're a pop band, but I don't want us to be categorised into a specific genre. I think that limits the music in a way.

“We all really like such a variation of genres between us. I think that's what really gives us our sound.”

Their style has proved popular not just in Fife but in the rest of Scotland, the UK and beyond, with a busking tour across Europe in 2015 prior to their debut single Captivity proving to be a successful adventure.

While the city streets of Amsterdam, Berlin and Copenhagen provided the group with the chance to take their music overseas, a headline gig in their hometown of Dunfermline is tough to top.

“It's amazing to be a part of the scene right now.

“In my opinion, it’s the best it's been since The Draymin.

“I can't speak for the other guys, but I really like the Bar Keys. You've also got the likes of Foreignfox and The Domiciles, who are quite an integral part to it.

"Dunfermline even has its own acoustic scene right now as Deni Smith and AmyLou are both doing great for themselves and holding their own. They've really created that singlehandedly. Before them there wasn't anything like that. It's great to see stuff like that popping up all around you.”

Moonlight Zoo have worked hard to get where they are today and they were quick to thank those who have helped them along the way.

"The whole of last year right up to this present day couldn't have been achieved without the help

of the Mary Leishman Foundation. They've backed the band and supported us every step of the way. We wish to thank them very much.

"We've had a great run of shows at PJ's as well. The Calum’s (Miller and Traynor) have been such a great help to us. The platform they provide for the local bands is amazing. PJ's is the heart of the scene without question.”

You can see Moonlight Zoo in Edinburgh next Friday as they support Dundee outfit Model Aeroplanes at Teviot Underground.

Tickets are available in advance at a cost of £5, with tickets costing £7 on the door for the 7.30pm gig.

With several festival dates being kept under wraps for now, you can keep an eye on their upcoming announcements via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/moonlightzoomusic/ or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/_MoonlightZoo