2013 has certainly been a phenomenal year for Selkirk quintet Frightened Rabbit.

Having released their fourth album Pedestrian Verse to rave reviews, played some of the biggest shows of their lives and sold out US tours with The National, the band has gone from strength to strength picking up new fans on the way.

The band’s songwriter/frontman Scott Hutchison talks to Ben Russell about their recently released The Woodpile EP, solo material and getting to watch The National every night for free.

He said: “This last year has been really exciting for us. It has seen things really take off. We’ve been getting bigger and better shows, but we’ve worked really hard for it.

“We’ve had some incredible moments and getting this far has given us a real sense of achievement.”

A large part of that can be attributed to top ten album Pedestrian Verse, which has helped the band match their critical acclaim with commercial success.

“I have to admit I don’t listen to the album at all but I’m hugely proud of it,” Scott admits rather sheepishly.

“We are all proud of it, we worked immensely hard on it so when people say nice things about it, it’s nice to hear. It’s definitely more important if real people say they like the album, rather than critics or the industry, that’s a lot of pressure off you right there.

“And that’s the good thing about releasing an EP - there is a lot less pressure. When you write, you can be more free, try out different things, different sounds.”

So has the EP, which features title track and three brand new songs, been influenced by the success of the album.

“Maybe subconsciously we were influenced by the success of it but not in any other way I’m sure,” says Scott.

“Most of the material was written after Pedestrian Verse came out but we used the same cramped studio space in Glasgow and used the same producer who we always work with. We didn’t want to go to some studio in LA or work with a fancy producer - that’s just not who we are.”

He added: “The Woodpile is about that night you felt utterly out of place, alone, awkward and cornered. All any of us want in those instances is for someone we care about to come and take us away from it all.

“It's escapist, but also claustrophobic in places. I like the idea of contrasting a big, confident piece of music with lyrics that express uncertainty and vulnerability.”

To support the EP the band will be heading out on the road throughout November including a show at Birmingham’s Institute on November 11.

“I think after this EP and the touring, which will probably end this time next year, the band will definitely take some time off, take stock of what we’ve achieved,” he said.

“I’ve got plans for a solo record and am actually exploring some soundtrack stuff which is really exciting.

“We’ll probably be sick of seeing each other by then anyway - it’s an unfortunate but very true fact about constant touring.

“The only thing to do in those circumstances is try to remind yourself how lucky you are to be in that position. There are also the little things, things like seeing The National live every night. I’m a massive fan so to watch them was an absolute joy.

“That and the music. Keep making new music and keep getting it out there.”

For tickets to see Frightened Rabbit at the Institute, visit mamacolive.com/theinstitute.