Scotland is a country that has – over the years – produced an array of artists who are famous the world over. From Texas to Biffy Clyro, Simple Minds to Primal Scream, global sensations such as Calvin Harris, Lewis Capaldi and more – it even being the birthplace of AC/DC legends Bon Scott and Angus Young.
For such a small country it sure has no shortage of talent – here we look at some emerging artists coming out of the Scottish music scene you may want to check out…
Joshua Grant
Earlier this year independent artist Joshua Grant scooped himself a number one in the official Scottish singles chart with his track ‘Edinburgh’ - using nothing but the power of social media, family and friends to help him on his way. The Lothian based artist has only a handful of releases to his name but already shows great promise going forward. His latest single ‘Lay Me Down’ is a particular standout.
Connor Fyfe
Back in March of this year, Connor released his debut album at the age of just 13. For someone so young, the Glasgow based artist shows a maturity in his song writing and has a knack for penning a proper earworm of a song. In 2018 he shared the main stage at Edinburgh’s EH6 Festival with the likes of Gerry Cinnamon, Jake Bugg and The Coral.
Indoor Foxes
Described as “one of the purest voices coming out of Scotland” – the future looks incredibly bright for this unique young talent. Coining her own style as “bedroom indie pop” the Edinburgh artist mixes a blend of modern beats and retro synths to create her distinctive sound. Her latest offering ‘Peach Stone’ has gained a great deal of traction with recent airplay on BBC Scotland and Radio One. 2021 may just be her biggest year yet.
Paris Street Rebels
This band come equipped with a whole load of ferocity and confidence in their sound. The punk outfit seek to carve a name for themselves and stand apart from everyone who falls before them. These lads are a must-see on the grassroots circuit with their exuberant and chaotic performances. ‘Diane’ and ‘Nightcrawler’ are our top recommended tracks.
Swim School
Taking elements from the 90’s shoegaze era and modern-day alternative rock this four-piece create a dream-pop sound that is both infectious and captivating in its innocence – one listen to ‘Too Young To Know’ is all it will take to have you hooked on this band. Featuring on BBC Scotland’s TV channel the group covered Deacon Blue’s anthem ‘Dignity’ and have gained the backing of famed Scottish radio DJ Vic Galloway as one’s to watch for the future.
Shambolics
Signed to Alan McGee’s Creation 23, the Fife outfit continue to go from strength to strength – headlining their biggest show to date at Glasgow’s St. Luke’s to a sold out crowd back in March before the UK wide lockdown, the indie rockers put on a spectacle that will live on long in the memory of all who attended. Fan favourites such as ‘Love Collides’ and ‘Chasing A Disaster’ are sure to get any crowd on their feet dancing along with their infectious blend of memorable riffs and sing-along choruses.
Seil Lien
Drawing comparisons to the likes of PJ Harvey and Kate Bush, musician and artist Marie-Claire creates a hauntingly gripping sound like no other. Her debut album Shatter is an enchanting composition of music that will take you on a journey deep within your consciousness if you allow it – “It’s ethereal and dark, like a nightingale singing in Gotham City” are words to which she herself describes the record. ‘A Little While More’ featured on an ad for No.7’s ‘Inspiring Women’ campaign.
Man of Moon
Chris Bainbridge and Michael Reid make up this two-piece creating a dark psychedelic rock sound that is powerful and ready-made for big room shows. They released their first single ‘The Road’ back in 2015 which the New York Times described as being “the best debut single from a UK band since New Order’s Ceremony”. High praise but justified – they should not be slept on. The Edinburgh duo released their epic debut record ‘Dark Sea’ back in September. Our standout track is the brilliant ‘Silver Linings’
SIIGHTS
Another duo showing huge potential are the excellent SIIGHTS. Their flawless vocals and harmonies blend in perfect unison creating a pop sound that is undoubtedly going to take them far. The girls released their self-titled EP back in April and returned in November with the release of arguably their best track to date ‘A Little Lonely’ – a must listen.
Dead Pony
Formerly known as Crystal, this rock group took on a name change after headlining the infamous King Tuts stage in Glasgow back in January - the band have gone from strength to strength with each new release building more furore and excitement around them and are certainly destined for big things. Their latest offering ’23, never me’ is an all-out punk-rock attack filled with angst and ferocity.
Spyres
With only three single releases to their name to-date this group are carving a name out for themselves fast. Having had the backing of Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, the band have begun to garner quite a bit of airplay with their latest track ‘I Don’t Care’ also recently featuring on reality TV show Made in Chelsea.
The Roly Mo
One of many acts to emerge from the new generation of guitar-heavy bands in the Glasgow scene – the group seem to really have found their feet with their sound this year and have received a lot of praise for their excellent EP ‘TRM’. Their track ‘Diamond Doll’ is a fun number filled with riffs and hooks that will have you reaching for your air-guitar.
The Lutras
The Dumfries indie outfit released a Christmas single ‘Give It Up For Christmas’ in aid of Shelter and the Music Venue trust which last week reached number 47 in the official UK singles chart – not bad going for an independent band by all accounts.
MOY
Glasgow based Kiwi MOY and his band pack a real punch on latest single ‘At My Door’ with its riff heavy alt rock tones. There is little known of the artist himself, but his music does the talking for him – backed by the same management team as the aforementioned mentioned Primal Scream and Texas he is a star lying in wait.
Declan Welsh & The Decadent West
Shortlisted for Scottish album of the year at the prestigious SAY awards with their superb debut record Cheaply Bought, Expensively Sold this group are not shy of admirers. A perfect blend of neatly produced indie-pop instrumentals and clever song-writing make this East Kilbride based group a must watch for the future. With a headline show at Glasgow’s newest premier venue SWG3 lined up and a Maida Vale session for BBC Radio one under their belt they are sure heading for success.
