More about: Glasgowthe snutsMedicine Cabinetuninvited

Glasgow may be known as the place that almost hosted the Eurovision, but for household-name musicians, it is where they tried, tested, honed their craft; and became stars.

The city has produced some of the best global musical talents; Lewis Capaldi, Franz Ferdinand and Paolo Nutini to name a few. It’s unsurprising when it also houses some of the world's best educational and entertainment venues. The Royal Conservatoire (though perhaps better known for its drama department which has produced two Doctor Who’s; David Tennant & Ncuti Gatwa, as well as Tom Ellis, James McAvoy and Alison Brie) is ranked fifth in the world for performing arts. 

The city is otherwise also a Mecca for alternative venues, like Sub club; the longest-running underground dance club in the world, and regularly voted amongst the best clubs in the world. Or the institution of King Tuts which is known to support up-and-coming artists at the beginning of their careers; Oasis were famously signed by Alan McGee at the venue in 1993. The Apollo (back in the days named Green’s Playhouse) hosted the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, ABBA.

Genres are about as varied as you can get, from techno to rock and metal; there’s a place for everyone and everything. Like many of the UK’s big cities, Glasgow’s city centre is a hot spot for buskers, like Ben Monteith who famously turned down the potential of a SYCO record deal with a spot on X Factor. Or there was that one time Harry Styles busked under-cover, and then got hounded in Pizza Hut (yep, it's all going on here).

Glasgow does hold a community atmosphere, there are multiple music festivals hosted in the city (or near enough); TRNSMT, Riverside, T in the Park. Everyone has their own flair, and look, so no two bands ever sound the same. Unlike the capital city, Glasgow is real and raw, and gloriously Scottish. The latter statement might be the only way to describe the indie-rock band The Snuts. Their lyrics have a solid political stance, taking from the learned experiences of the band members, but are still easy to belt out at one of their [many] festival gigs. Their song Glasgow supported their growth in the early stages and now is a cult favourite among fans and listeners. Their music feels nostalgic, but still like nothing you've heard before.

Alternatively, Medicine Cabinet is a five-piece band who rose to fame before ever releasing any original music (yep, they are that good). They built a cult following through sold-out live shows where front-woman, Anna Acquroff, captivates the audience with her ethereal presence [aesthetically and vocally]. Their sound could be likened to being a bit Bjork-y - but there is that extra bit of spice that though I can’t quite put my finger on, keeps me [and many others] coming back for more.

Glasgow is a historically political city, sectarianism runs through its veins, and this influences creatives from all disciplines coming from within it. Like that of Uninvited; made up of 4 members; supporting the cultural shift of non-conformity, in a male-dominated genre. The rock bands' unwavering commitment to their cause has been supported by the likes of the BBC when they got the chance to perform at the Live Lounge earlier this year. Their sound is inviting and unpretentious and still purposeful. Their, arguably most popular, track ‘Behind the Black Door’, explores themes of gender and social and economic divides. It feels like the sort of angsty, “f*** the patriarchy" music we need more of in a world where everything kind of sounds the same…

One of the city’s most identifying buildings, and slogans, reads ‘people make Glasgow’. It is a place which allows for new opinions, sounds and ideals to breed. The Glaswegian identity is a simple one; the hope of a harmonious existence; which is what this motley crew of artists represent. 

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More about: Glasgowthe snutsMedicine Cabinetuninvited