Imagining BBC Radio Scotland Music

The 2025 end of year shake up of BBC Radio Scotland that led to the axing of shows by Billy Sloan, Natasha Raskin, Iain Sharp and Roddy Hart (who now has a new show) stirred an incredible response within the Scottish music community. 

Much of it seemed to centre around these shows seemingly playing a lot of new Scottish music. Something I found puzzling. Whenever I listened to those shows, I didn't hear a lot of Scottish music at all. There certainly wasn't a focus on new and emerging artists.

However, Stephen McCall (AKA Constant Follower), who has been one of the most vocal artists about the changes on Radio Scotland, has conducted a comparative analysis of playlists between early 2025 and 2026, revealing the following, staggering, impact:

• New Music Plays: Down 69% (a massive blow to the discovery pipeline).

• Independent Scottish Music: Down 67% (representing a near-total collapse in national airplay for artists without major label backing).

• Overall Scottish Music: Down 26% (showing that even established local acts are being displaced).

• The Shift: A move away from curated, specialist programming toward a playlist-led "easy listening" format that favors older catalogue music from the 1970s onward.

You can read the full report and an interview at the SMIA website. But finish my blog first! :-)

When it comes to radio, I mainly listen to 6Music in the car (now we have one with a digital radio!) or at home. However, I do sometimes tune in to BBC Radio Scotland if there is a particular news story of interest, or certain guests on in the afternoon. 

Whenever I have tuned in to Radio Scotland in the morning, I have found the content to be largely either (a) drawn out, or (b) repetitive.

Does BBC Radio Scotland accurately reflect the people of Scotland? 

A SNACK Magazine podcast We Need To Talk About BBC Radio Scotland that featured my sister Carla prompted me to write this blog. It's well worth a listen and I'm sure it could have gone on longer!

I think a shake up of BBC Radio Scotland is long overdue. It happens at big companies all the time. People come and people go. There are redundancies - it's happened to me before. It can hurt, there will be a lot of debate ... but change is part of life and it is good to freshen things up.

Regardless of your opinions on the shake up, I think everyone can agree on the fact that BBC Radio Scotland did not play enough music (Scottish or otherwise), or focus/report on the incredible concerts, gigs and club nights taking place in the country on a daily basis. 

Scotland is ripe for musical and creative content! That is not displayed by BBC Radio Scotland, or indeed, their TV/online coverage.  

• Why are there not more interviews with musicians playing in Scotland? There are amazing gigs every week. Incredible bands and artists are in our city every day! Glasgow is a small place! It's pretty easy for presenters to get out to venues, or for artists to visit the studios. Or phone in!
• Why does Ireland have a Late Show focusing on music, culture and art, attracting guests like Noel Gallagher and Roy Keane ... and Scotland doesn't? 
• Why does BBC Radio Manchester have more time devoted to their Introducing show than us?

My solution ... BBC Radio Scotland Music ... or ... BBC Scotland Music (on digital radio, BBC Sounds ... maybe even our own version of The Late Show on TV!). I'll save the TV idea for another blog though!

IMAGINING BBC SCOTLAND MUSIC

We have some of the best labels, clubs, venues and musicians in the world, yet our national radio station, more often than not, feels a world away from what is happening out there. 

Jesus, I have found myself cringing when after listening to Sportsound on a Saturday afternoon, the radio cuts to old school Scottish accordion music! Taking the Floor! Does this represent a nation getting ready for a Saturday night out?!

So ... what if we had a dedicated BBC Scotland Music channel? A station that didn’t just play the hits, but acted as a living, breathing archive and a forward-looking curator of Scottish culture. A station where there was plenty of scope (every day) for Scottish artists and labels to get their songs on the radio

Imagine a station running 8am to midnight, where the presenters are people who live and breathe music. People who are in or around the scene. People who made the scene. Lived and living experience.

Imagine some of the biggest music fans around digging into their collections ... imagine our artists hosting shows ... imagine some of our amazing DJ's mixing live on air ... imagine visiting artists coming on to chat about playing in Scotland ... imagine community radio stations taking over this one for a few hours ...

Surely BBC Scotland could allocate some money to this - even for a 6-12 month pilot?

Here (in my mind) is what BBC Radio Scotland Music could look like.

NOTE(s)

• In my younger days, I'd write down my dream festival line-up. This is my dream BBC Scotland Music line-up! If such a station ever came to fruition, I imagine that it would need some shows dedicated to certain genres. So just take my own line-up as a draft and idea. 
• Why not draft your own?! You might enjoy it as much as I have.
• This station would be playing all kinds of music from all over, but could adopt the Canadian rule where their popular music programming must have a minimum of 35% Canadian content.
• Disclaimer - I'm 50. So this really reflects my taste and knowledge! A BBC Radio Scotland Music should be inclusive and diverse. I totally get that mine is very middle-age and white but then, so is 6Music. If this station actually had the chance of becoming a reality, then it would require a lot debate and discussion. Consider this the start of the debate. 

The Weekday Flow

08:00 – 11:30: Breakfast with Nicola Meighan 

Forget traffic reports, or recycled and drawn out news stories every 15-minutes. We start with Nicola Meighan, the undisputed (certainly in my eyes) gold standard of Scottish music journalism. Expect a mix of Postcard Records classics, new Scottish indie-pop, and thoughtful interviews with the artists actually making waves in the 2020's. Not just Scottish music (but plenty of it). But features on, and interviews with, the bands and artists playing in our country every single week.

11:30 – 14:30: The Monthly Residents 

A rotating midday slot where a different artist takes the reigns for a day, (ideally) a week (or more) to showcase their influences and taste. Imagine a week of Barry Can't Swim (Joshua Mainnie), Rebecca Vasmant, KT Tunstall or Alex Kapranos talking about their love of music and playing some of their favourite songs - new, breaking and underground, old favourites from their youth and inviting peers on for a chat.

14:30 – 18:00: Afternoon Drive with Manda Rin (Bis) 

The afternoon anchor. The high-energy bridge to the evening. Manda brings her infectious enthusiasm and spirit to the airwaves. It’s bubbly, chaotic, and packed with all kinds of music, guests and chat. The perfect antidote to the afternoon slump. 

Manda's lived (and living) experience of DIY culture, independent labels, festivals, tours, Top of the Pops and big support slots would ensure she can effortlessly talk to anyone on any level.

18:00 – 20:30: The Evening Session with guest presenters

A different presenter each week, to bring encyclopedic knowledge of music and passion for supporting new Scottish music to the airwaves. The perfect sunset soundtrack, or winter warmers.

You could have known and established artists like Stuart Murdoch / Lewis Capaldi / Natasha Raskin / Paolo Nutini / The Hen Hoose Collective / Clare Grogan / Stephen Pastel / Lauren Mayberry 

And it could be a platform for new and breaking acts like The Cords and Kerr Mercer to talk about what they are doing and what they are listening to.

Perhaps some of these presenters could be locked in to host for a week, while others could guest for a night. We could even have guests from outwith Scotland doing a guest night/mix with their favourite Scottish music.

20:30 – 22:00: Tenement Trail 

Imagine a daily show where the team behind Tenement Trail can highlight what is going on across the scene, as well as casting an eye (and ear) towards up and coming bands venturing to Scotland at the start of their career. Giving them a warm welcome on air, as well as the one they experience in person in our small venues like Tuts, the Old Hairdressers and Sneaky Pete's. 

This could include guest presenters, like Jim Gellatly who has decades of experience of playing new bands from Scotland and beyond. His passion for music (and radio) shines.

22:00 - 00:00: Late Night Record Shopping

A regular rotation of Record Shop hosts from Monorail, Mixed Up Records, Love Music (and other record shops from across our nation)... playing and talking about what is coming out, re-issues, records they love to play in the shop. 

Imagine those amazing discussions between record shop staff that you might have been fortunate to hear while browsing, actually coming to the radio! Sometimes weird, almost always wonderful. 

Through the night?

If the station was 24-hours (I don't think there is a need for that), then playlists could be curated to keep the music going non-stop.

The Weekend

The station is handed over to DJ's and taste makers from across Scotland. Some of Scotland's biggest record collectors, music lovers who have a record of getting people dancing ... take over the airwaves!

Imagine giving these DJ's free reign to play music and chat for 3-4 hours at a time! Think Community Radio on a national level with the BBC behind it.

Saturday 

08:00 - 11:00: Eyes Wide Open with Holly Calder and friends
Holly's club name (one of them!) lends itself perfectly to a morning slot. Deep-dive garage rock and psych sets that would make your speakers rattle, as well as blissed out gems to chill and sip your coffee to. Holly might need to pre-record this show if she is out on the Friday night!

11:00 - 14:00: Divine!

Andrew Divine is one of the most respected DJ's and record collectors in Scotland. Allowing him to showcase his knowledge, collection and taste on air would be incredible. Other collectors and DJ's could join him for chats.

14:00 - 17:00 - Saturday Social

Former ABC resident Gerry Lyons plays anything and everything ... from Scotland, or with a Scottish connection. Deep dives into labels, album tracks and b-sides, as well as anthems from the 60's to present day. Also chat and guests. And maybe a little update on football scores! 

17:00 - 20:00: Melting Pot DJ's

Bringing the Queen’s Park disco heat to the whole country. High-end soul, disco rarities, and the sound of the Southside. I'm sure they could also invite some of the incredible DJ's who come up to play their nights and festivals to come on for a blether and record a mix.

20:00 - 23:00: Harri and Domenic (Sub Club) 

The longest-running residency in house music history moves to the radio. It’s the sound of the Subby, deep, soulful and impeccably mixed. They could have guests coming on to talk about records and clubs from all over the world.

23:00 - 00:00: The 60-minute guest mix

DJ's from Scotland, and maybe those coming up to play our clubs are invited to create a 60-minute mix to close the night.

Sunday

08:00 - 11:00: Sunday Morning with Duglas T. Stewart

Imagine waking up to the lead Bandit playing 60s French pop, The Beach Boys, Jonathan Richman, and sunshine soul. Think Guy Garvey's show on 6Music.

11:00 - 14:00: Sunday Community Choir

An opportunity for presenters from community radio stations like Clyde Built, Camglen Radio to come on to BBC Scotland Music to highlight music from different regions across Scotland. As well as music they love from across the world.

14:00 - 16:00: Sunday Soul Sessions

Stephen Watt and Paul Molloy from McChuill's High Street Funk n Soul and regular guests from soul nights across Scotland.

16:00 - 18:00: FFS (for folk's sake)

The Scottish folk scene show, with guest presenters.

18:00 - 20:00 - Anything Goes & Everything Flows

Yeah I am giving myself a show! This is my imaginary radio station after all! And I have loads of content pre-prepared from my blog! Expect regular guests from the Scottish scene - fans, singers, guitarists, drummers, record store owners, DIY labels, bookers, promoters, venue owners ... Friendly chat and music.

20:00 - 23:00 -Sunday Evening with Optimo (Espacio)

Jonnie Wilkes and friends take us into the night with the most eclectically brilliant selection on the planet. Optimo is recognised and celebrated across the world. It's about time they had a radio show. Live / pre-recorded, mixes and discussion.

23:00 - 00:00: The 60-minute guest mix

DJ's and musicians from Scotland, and maybe those coming up to play our clubs are invited to create a 60-minute mix to close the night.

Introducing Supersun

Supersun came to my attention via a scene that is naturally developing among a young group of kids in and around Glasgow who share a mutual love of guitar bands - ranging from The Beatles, The Velvet Underground and The Byrds, through to classic Scottish bands like Teenage Fanclub, Velocity Girl era Primals, Eugenius and The Mary Chain. They seem to have found each other or be in the process of finding each other, which is amazing. It's creating a lot of energy. 

Led by Adam Graham, Supersun are not just crafting infectiously melodic and harmonious tunes, but also actively nurturing the city's vibrant scene through their exciting new night, The Cabbage that is held upstairs in The Doublet Bar on Park Road. 

Supersun live debut at The Cabbage

Back in November, I was fortunate to attend the first night (also Supersun's first (and so far only) gig) that featured The Violets, Fatale and Supersun, before all 3 united for a gloriously loving ramshackle sing-a-long of Teenage Fanclub's Everything Flows. There was a fanzine, stickers, and friends playing records after the bands had finished. Just a lovely, positive, friendly and welcoming scene. The second Cabbage night is on 15th January. It sold out in 5-minutes. There are only 40 tickets, but that is fantastic!

The Cabbage Forever - Instagram page

As an older guy still kicking about the scene, I feel inspired and uplifted when I learn about all these young bands getting into the kind of music I was discovering when I was their age. The beat goes on.

Everything Flows at The Cabbage

Supersun, as you'll learn in the interview below, is very much a family affair, injecting their shared history and undeniable chemistry into a sound that marries the sun-drenched harmonies and chiming guitars of the 60's - Adam and his brother Jack both play twelve strings. Shack and The Coral came to mind during their set - there is a loving dash and splash of modern psychedelic jangle-pop in the Supersun sound. 

Adam's ambitions for Supersun are driven by a deep pride for Glasgow's musical heritage alongside a love and understanding of new guitar bands breaking through. He sounds determined to leave his mark on the city - through music and events.

I caught up with Adam to discuss the origins of Supersun, their influences, the ethos behind The Cabbage and what is coming up next ...

1. How did the Supersun form? Where are you all from and what do you each play? How did you get to know each other?

Supersun has ended up as a bit of a family affair. There’s me, Adam – the one who sings the songs and plays guitar. Then there’s my brother Jack and sister Julia, who provide the blood-harmonies and colour things in with a few other sounds. Finally, there’s our cousin Chris who plays bass. I needed a vessel for the songs I’d been writing – asking the others to join was just the obvious choice, and the easiest. Since then, we’ve really come together as a force of something I believe to be pretty special.

2. How did you start creating music together? Does anyone take the lead on writing? Or do you jam ideas?

My brother and I have been playing together for as long as I can remember. We have been writing and performing as The Plastic Youth for a while now – Supersun is the new project, with myself emerging from behind the drums. At the moment, I’ve been taking the lead on the writing front, but the real essence of the songs only sparks once everybody has added their charm.

Jack, Julia, Adam and Chris - Supersun

3. What kind of music are you listening to at present? Have any bands influenced you?

We are all massive fans of the 60's – this is what we grew up with in the house and what has ultimately informed our style, especially the harmonies. Our sound feels fresh, something I’ve not really heard before. We encapsulate the charm of the 60's with the pulse of the baggy 90's, with some nods toward modern psychedelic jangle-pop. A bunch of bands that have really influenced the sound would be The Beatles, Donovan, The Stone Roses, The Charlatans, The La’s, Melody’s Echo Chamber, and Alvvays.

4. You've started a night at The Doublet called The Cabbage. What is the idea behind the night? And the name?

The Cabbage is a celebration of all that has come from Scottish youth across generations – from the past masters of Scottish music to the fresh faces on the block. The idea of The Cabbage originally came about to offer Supersun and the bands around us a different route into the industry – an alternative to average, uninspiring nights. At its core, we are the new youth culture, dedicated to championing the next generation of Scottish artists – having a good time while we do it.

As for the name, I remember working with Gerry Love on The Plastic Youth album, we were talking about naming the tracks. He mentioned their song The Cabbage, I don’t know if it was a caution of giving something a mental name or just pointing it out as one of those things you do at the time. Either way, when I was thinking of a name for the scene, I thought that’s perfect – I’ll use that. It’s a nod to Scottish music and captures that feeling of being young and not caring too much.

5. When you think of Glasgow and music, what comes to mind?

Pride. I feel proud to be from Glasgow, knowing everything that has come from the city in regard to music and art. I also feel a drive to etch our name onto its cultural tapestry.

6. What do you have coming up in terms of gigs, recording and releasing? 

We are pretty fresh on the scene, so the future’s wide open. There is definitely something special stirring in Scottish music – our future lies in helping it off the ground and leading the charge. We have a few tricks up our sleeve; the first we can share is our upcoming show with The Cords and BMX Bandits. We are sitting on a number of big tunes, so the plan is to get them out as records as soon as we can. Other than that, we are going to continue creating exciting stuff with The Cabbage and Fool Creations.

Come along for the ride – let’s see where it goes.

Supersun play Mono on Thursday 12th February for the launch of Fool Creations. TICKETS

Fool Creations is Adam's new events and record distribution company. Find out more about them in February.

2026 - Scottish music scene

Happy New Year.

Welcome to my first blog of the year. Read on to learn about;

• New bands/artists I'm excited about following through 2026 and beyond
• Emerging acts I continue to champion 
• Albums I am looking forward to
• Gigs I already have tickets for
• Gigs or festivals I am looking forward to

I hope that you might check some of the artists and shows out.

ENJOY!

5 new bands/artists

Fatale

The most exciting young band in Scotland? I think so. They are certainly my favourite. Fuzzy and scuzzy guitars, loads of songs (Moves You, Another Sunrise and Jesus Christ to name a few) that sounds like potential singles and choice covers of songs by legendary Scottish bands like Primal Scream (Velocity Girl), The Mary Chain (Taste of Cindy) and The Vaselines (Molly's Lips) as well as The Velvets Femme Fatale where they got their name from.

Fatale are a real gang who (literally) bounce off each other with natural ease and humour. Their taste and knowledge of music is exceptional and they have a thirst to discover all kinds of stuff - the influences of their influences. Like all good bands, Fatale have fantastic hair. As an added bonus, they regularly showcase a first class collection of retro band t-shirts and AC Milan (via drummer James) football tops.

Fatale are kicking off 2026 with a headline show at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut on Friday 9th January. Still in single figures for gigs, they then head out on the road with fellow faves of mine The Cords for dates in Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness in February. Teenage Kicks!

Yet to release a single, Fatale are focusing on building a following, while also hitting the studio to build up a string of singles and work towards an album.

Instagram  Soundcloud - demos

Introducing blog (June 2025)

Radhika

Citing The Pastels, Cocteau Twins and Strawberry Switchblade as inspiration, Radhika has played some choice gigs through 2025 and starts 2026 by playing London and Manchester shows with support from Gerry Love and Wor_kspace (Finlay MacDonald). Radhika's song Future Me on her Bandcamp is gorgeous dreamy indie pop, I hear a tinge of Belle & Sebastian (especially in the outro) in addition to her aforementioned influences. Starry Eyes (below) is swirling, swoony and sublime. 

Full INTRODUCING blog and interview coming soon.

Bandcamp  Instagram

Angelface

Described by my sister Carla as - the best new girl band in Scotland that you haven't heard of yet. Think The Sundays meets Big Thief with a massive dose of harmonies a la The Roches. 

The band themselves say - we're an all girl indie folk dream pop band.

Angelface play King Tuts on 29th January. 

Instagram

Supersun

3 siblings and their cousin, two twelve string guitars, a shared love of melodic guitar pop music, the introduction of their own regular night and the desire to become part of Glasgow's musical heritage and future. Supersun formed in the fall of 2025 and have only played one gig to date.

Their next is at Mono on 12th February with The Cords and a stripped back set by BMX Bandits. TICKETS 

Full INTRODUCING blog and interview coming soon.

Instagram

Other People's Leisure

Other People's Leisure have a studio/lock up with a bank of electronic equipment and lights. IT LOOKS AMAZING!  The duo released 3 singles within a couple of months at the end of 2025, mixing house beats, ambient and shoegaze textures with all kinds of synth goodness. Debut shows are booked at Leith Depot and The Hug & Pint in March.  Full INTRODUCING blog and interview coming soon.

Instagram

2 emerging bands/artists

Kerr Mercer

After a very busy 18-24 months on the road, supporting a vast array of artists, Kerr 'finally' released his debut single Alcohol at the end of 2024. I say 'finally', as his social media posts made it clear that he was chomping at the bit to get his songs out into the world. No wonder! 

Alcohol is a belter of a debut.Stripped back, leaving plenty of room for Mercer's rich and soulful voice, telling the teenage tale of going out drinking and falling for someone. Check the live video below - exceptional.

Kerr's voice is incredible and in addition to a busy time gigging, Kerr has also been writing constantly. Alcohol could open the floodgates. Still a teenager, Mercer is set to be around for decades.

Instagram

March 2025 BBC Scotland article

The Cords

Eva and Grace gigged hard through 2025 and released their eponymous debut album. With a 3-date tour with Fatale in February followed by an extensive tour supporting The Charlatans in spring, The Cords star is set to continue to rise. Infectious melodies, punky guitar, primal beats and honest lyrics that make observations and tell stories and feelings are winning fans everywhere.

Instagram

Introducing The Cords (Jan 2024)

3 albums I'm looking forward to

Gerard Love & The Magic Influence

2026 will surely be the year that Gerry releases the much anticipated solo album that he has been working on for a while. This has included time down in Liverpool with Bill Ryder-Jones. 

Given the members in his band, Gerry is likely to have to fit a release around Belle & Sebastian and Teenage Fanclub tours. My hunch is that if it happens, it will be a Spring or Winter release ... of this year! 

News of Gerry going into CHEM19 to mix leaves me extremely hopeful. But who knows?

Instagram

Carla J Easton

Solo album number 5 for my sister. 10-years since her Homemade Lemonade album and also Say It All With A Kiss by TeenCanteen. 20-years since she formed her first band - Futuristic Retro Champions.

Carla recorded at CHEM19 with Howard Bilerman on production duties. The two had previously worked together when Carla recorded her Impossible Stuff album in Canada at Howards hotel2tango studio. It's probably my favourite album of Carla's, I love the natural and live feel to it. 

What a shot of confidence to have Howard fly over! And to have so many friends answering calls to play on the album. I think it is Carla's best body of work to date. Her live show at the Old Hairdressers for Tiny Changes was brilliant - I loved seeing and hearing Carla play guitar with a huge beaming smile on her face.

Website   Instagram

Teenage Fanclub 

Touch wood. Teenage Fanclub will be recording an album in early 2026! Will it come out this year? Well, if it's mixed and mastered quickly, you just never know! Autumn gigs? You never know ;-)

Website

4 gigs I already have tickets for

Fatale at King Tuts - 09/01

Less than a year since playing their debut show, Fatale headline King Tuts. Expect new songs alongside early favourites.

Hen Hoose album launch at The Tramway - 30/01

Hen Hoose have really gone from strength to strength in the last couple of years. Tamara Schlesinger had a clear vision and along with her growing collective, she has paved a way for female and non-binary artists to gain peer support, confidence and community. 

12 of the community decamped to the Isle of Lewis in late summer of 2025 to write and record an album, suitably entitled The Twelve, due for release this month. I've been fortunate to hear the album and it's a super fresh mix of pop, reflection and joy.

Instagram

Geese at The Barrowland Ballroom - March and August

Photo by Tommy Krause

Instagram

Big Thief at The Barrowland Ballroom - May 

Photo by Michael Buishas

4 gigs/festivals I am looking forward to

• Summer Nights at Kelvingrove Bandstand

I already have tickets for Cast playing the Bandstand, but I always look forward to the Summer Nights announcement.

• Heather on the Hill Festival

Nathan Evans and the Saint PHNX Band are putting on a massive show in Edinburgh and it is all ages and family friendly. In addition to seeing friends Stevie and Alan headline with Nathan, my kids have their eyes on Ella Henderson.

• Teenage Fanclub tour

Teenage Fanclub are at a beautiful stage in their career where they are releasing and touring regularly, with a desire to play venues, towns and countries they have never played before. The band have played pretty much everywhere in Glasgow, but have yet to play Saint Luke's ... maybe a couple of nights there? Come to think of it, BAaD would also be brilliant for them!

• Tenement Trail

My friend Joe and I try to go to this every year. Can we last until the end in 2026?!

The area around the Barrowland becomes awash with exciting young bands and artists, full of fans mingling between venues, a real buzz. Madra Salach (below) were a highlight.

Fatale at McChuills

Fatale played their first ever headline show at McChuills on Friday night - Halloween. As singer Ben Robertson pointed out when thanking everyone for coming, it felt like the band had come full circle. McChuills was where they played their first gig, back in May. Now, just shy of 6-months later, they had sold it out.

After playing King Tuts Summer Nights in July, a venture through to Edinburgh in September and then Tenement Trail in October, it definitely feels like Fatale are on the rise.

Tenement Trail was great, but this was the best I have seen the band. A headline slot gave them longer to play with, so a packed McChuills was treated to a 45-minute, 11-song set.

Making the most of the screen behind the stage, Fatale came on and fuzzed up their guitars for opening number September. The visuals of logos behind them added to the vibe and a hyped up, dressed up Halloween crowd were well up for it. There was a definite sense of occasion to the night.

The Vaselines Molly's Lips was played next and they tore through it, Robertson was in the crowd at times, bouncing a-long with them. Another Sunrise, with the brilliant hook I'm going out tonight, is becoming more familiar to me with every gig. Definite future single potential.

Speaking of hooks and single potential, new song By The Tide is another that I look forward to hearing again soon. The hook I don't care about what's going on is one I would have loved to have sung as a teenager, but it feels just as relevant to me now. 

A cover of the Mary Chain's Taste of Cindy was a glorious riot. Scuzzed and fuzzed up guitars. Top marks to the couple (pictured below - parents of Adam from support band Bogle) dressed as Jesus and Mary Chained! 

Bogle were on first and their set mixed songs that sounded like early Pink Floyd with songs that sounded like the early Ride EP's. They can play! I'm way more into Ride than Floyd, so those songs were my personal favourites. I really enjoyed their dreamy shoegazey guitars and harmonies. I'll hopefully write a blog on them sometime soon. Their debut EP Shimmer Guitar Pop was aptly named. Also hailing from Lanarkshire, I hope to catch them again soon.

Speaking of Jesus Christ, Fatale singer Ben Robertson had been wandering around dressed as Christ (or now I come to think of it - was he Caesar?)  earlier. He had changed into stagewear for the show but kept his crown of thorns on. I assumed it was Christ because of Fatale's brilliant song Jesus Christ - a song that left its mark on me after I first heard it back at their Tuts show in the summer.

The guitars of Euan and Christopher collide gloriously, there are more hooks than Rocky Bilbao fighting at his peak. Most bands would love to have the verses to this tunes as choruses! The bridges/pre-chorus are even catchier and then there is the chorus itself;

Jesus Christ knocked on my door

Just let me sleep ten minutes more

Coming out with songs of praise

Righteousness lost in the haze

With Han Solo (James) driving things along furiously and beautifully on drums and bassist Oscar in the groove, this is a delicious slice of guitar punk pop. 

How could I hold my head up when you're down

How can I stand the world when you're not around

The little fuzz bass break after the middle eight is superb. Then it's straight back into the chorus for a final blast. Think God Knows It's True era Fanclub meeting The Undertones for a couple of pints of Guinness and then having a jam. Catchy guitar brilliance.

Ending with their (fast becoming) traditional one-two of their demos (CHECK THEM HERE) and currently the only material they have released.

I'd never have thought that The Velvets Femme Fatale would become a sing-a-long anthem for teenagers in 2025, but Fatale are making it one! Their (largely young) crowd lapped it up.

Ben announced that set closed Moves You will be released as their debut single in the very near future. The band tore through it, slowing things beautifully for a breakdown. 

Understand what I'm going through, tried to paint, but it's never you

Understand what I'm going through, tried to paint, but it's never you

It's never you

After another chorus and searing and soaring guitar solo, it's back into the groove with a verse and the catchy hook that is the chorus.  

Keep an eye on Fatale's Instagram for updates.

2024 - Scottish music scene

Happy New Year everyone and welcome to my first blog of 2024.

At the time of writing my blog has been viewed over 971,000 times, so I'd like to thank everyone who has visited and I plan a little event later in the year to mark the 1,000,000 mark! 

The Scottish music scene continues to evolve and thrive with; new artists emerging, world class acts coming to Scotland to play to the best fans in the world, small venues promoting new music, legendary bands continuing to create and inspire and festivals like Glasgoes Pop and Tenement Trail growing and developing.

I'm kicking off my 2024 blogs with a list of things I'm looking forward to over the coming months; new artists, shows, albums, festivals and nights for dancing! Hope to see you along the way.

4 Scottish artists to look out for

Kerr Mercer - This young teenage singer-songwriter has been honing and toning his craft for a few years and during this time he has written hundreds of songs. Now, after a solid six months picking up support slots around Glasgow and Edinburgh, Kerr is ready to step forward for his debut  headline show at the Poetry Club on Friday 19th January. It's sold out and Kerr will be playing King Tuts on 20th March. Equally at home behind a guitar or piano, I'm really looking forward to Kerr's first release. Look out for an introducing blog later this month.

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Homework - see introducing blog from December 23. Homework saw in New Year with a show at Mono alongside Norman Blake. The 4-piece take their Fanclub-y/Pavement-y sound to King Tuts on 27th January. I really love their debut EP and look forward to hearing what they release next.

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Dillon Squire - see introducing blog from June 23. Squire and his band produce guitar pop with a nice raw edge, full of melodies and hooks as demonstrated on songs like Dark Circles and Bulldozer. After a string of releases and well received shows Dillon headlines King Tuts on 20th January and 2024 could be a big year for him.

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The Cords - Teenage duo The Cords (15 and 17) are being mentored by my sister Carla through a course at The Rig Arts Centre in Inverclyde. Eva (guitar and vocals) and Grace (drums) have raided their parents record collection and been inspired to write indie guitar pop songs that have a shyness, innocence and melodic edge that wouldn't be out of place on a C86 or Sarah Records compilation. Hopefully The Cords will release some singles through 2024.

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4 places/nights to get you (and me) dancing

Last year my New Year resolution was to go dancing once a quarter. I probably just about managed that. I intend to dance even more in 2024. It's great for the soul, your mental and physical health and fantastic for socialising. You get to listen to and discover fabulous music ... if you go to the right places.

The Admiral (Woods) 

The Waterloo Street pub kicks off 2024 with their annual Bowie Night on Saturday 20th January. Demand for tickets was high, with the basement section selling out in hours, resulting in owner Dave Ross closing his pub to make it a private Bowie party across both floors! I'm really looking forward to it.

The Admiral also plays host to DJ Gerry Lyons on a regular basis and he has 90's Britpop v 00's electro night on 2nd February. Gerry knows his music and his audience very well and pitches his nights as club nights for really old people. They run from 7.30pm-11.30pm meaning people can catch the last train and let the babysitters away!

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Simply Thrilled

Robert and Hugh who run Simply Thrilled have been putting on nights in the basement of The Admiral Woods, though Robert has promised something different for 2024. Lovely people, with very similar musical taste to me, I am intrigued to learn what they have planned.

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McChuills

Regular readers will know that McChuills is my favourite bar. Andrew Divine and Stevie Elements are just 2 of McChuills regular roster of DJ's with exceptional taste in music. The last time I was in, it was old Nick behind the bar playing tunes and it was brilliant - eclectic and it really got the place going. You can't go wrong with McChuills.

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The Old Hairdressers

The Old Hairdressers on Renfield Lane, slap band in Glasgow city centre, is like a pop-up dive bar with a scuzzy underground vibe. The loft upstairs is great for a gig or club night. So I'm putting on a night on Friday 8th March with Starboard Hazes and Broken by Rock playing live before DJ Phil Redfearn gets people dancing for a couple of hours at the end. TICKETS HERE

My sister Carla also regularly attends the Pull Shapes night that plays an eclectic mix of indie and pop music and I intend to hit that up sometime this year. 

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4 gigs I have tickets for

Kerr Mercer at The Poetry Club 

Young Scottish singer-songwriter Kerr Mercer is one to watch in 2024. I caught Kerr playing Saint Lukes as part of Tenement Trail in October and he blew me away. Every song sounded like it could be a single. Since then, Kerr has played a string of support slots in Glasgow and Edinburgh, including a show at The Barrowland with Calum Beattie. Kerr's Poetry Club show is long sold out, but you could get a ticket for his King Tuts show on 20th March. See you there.

Andrew Wasylk and Gerard Love at The Mackintosh Church

What a double bill this is. I first caught Andrew Wasylyk in this beautiful West End venue when he supported The Pastels a number of years ago. Andrew's arrangements are entrancing and he has been building a tremendous catalogue of music, pretty much releasing an album a year. Wasylyk is likely to have a 7 or 8 piece band with him to help layer sounds while he sits (and dances) at his piano and gives them nods to go for it or slow it down. 

Andrew is joined by Gerry Love who will (fingers and toes crossed) hopefully be completing and releasing his new album this year. It's still to be confirmed if this will be under his own name, or Lightships. Tickets here.

Steve Mason at Saint Lukes

Steve Mason released one of my favourite albums of 2023 and my friend Lorna caught him 3 times at the tail end of the year, including a trip to Hamburg! I've heard nothing but good reports about Mason's live shows where he works up grooves with his band and gets lost in the music. Mason has a wonderful ear for music, a deep desire to create and has a beautiful voice that is naturally melodic and soulful. Tickets here

This Is Memorial Device at The Tron Theatre

I've just started re-reading David Keenan's wonderful psychedelic tale of the post punk, new wave music scene in Airdrie, with Memorial Device at the heart of it. The book has various characters from the scene reminiscing about meeting each other, gigs, rehearsals, songs and releases - including the legendary Mushroom Giro Scene EP. Now adapted for the stage, with music by Stephen Pastel, you can catch performances at The Tron Theatre at the end of March. Will Mary Hanna show up?! Tickets here

4 albums I'm looking forward to

Gerard Love/Lightships

I'm not the only one (im)patiently awaiting news about when Gerry Love will be releasing his next album. Although one thing fellow fans have learned over the years is that it is always worth the wait.

Gerry has yet to confirm whether the album will come out under his own name or that of Lightships, the guise Gerard released an eponymous album under in 2012. 

It's coming on a year since Gerry and friends travelled to record with Bill Ryder-Jones in Merseyside and social media indicates that they have also recorded at CHEM19 in Blantyre. 

A summer / early Autumn release would be perfect for Gerry's dreamy melodies and beautifully layered soundscapes. Fingers crossed! 

Bill Ryder-Jones

Speaking of Bill Ryder-Jones, lechyd Da is out on 12th January. Ryder-Jones has spoken of working exceptionally hard to create this album that includes a children's choir and strings. And it is bound to tug on listeners heart-strings. Bill plays a solo instore show at Mono on 16th January before returning to Glasgow in March for a show with his band at Room 2. Tickets here Order the album from Monorail here

Gruff Rhys

Gruff Rhys is also releasing an album in January. Sadness Sets Me Free is out on Rough Trade on 26th. Incredibly, this will be the 25th abum of Gruff's career (individually, collaboratively and as a member of various bands) spanning 35-years. 

Singles to date showcase Rhys' sublime voice and knack for finding unique melodies. Strings soar and swirl and it all sounds beautifully grand, melancholic and cinematic at times. Gruff plays Saint Lukes on Monday 19th February.

J Mascis

J Mascis releases What Do We Do Now? on the legendary Sub Pop label on 2nd February. I'm a big fan of J's solo material like See You At The Movies and Wide Awake. It's not a million miles away from Dinosaur Jr, but there is a more mellow feel to his solo material. J plays acoustic a lot more, but can still let rip with an electric guitar solo over the top. J's melodies shine through and the singles released in advance have been excellent.

4 more albums I am looking forward to

What Now? by Brittany Howard - 2nd February

Where's My Utopia? by Yard Act - due at the end of February.

Glasgow Eyes by The Jesus and Mary Chain  - due at the start of March

Dua Lipa - title and date tbc. 

4 other things

Summer Nights at Kelvingrove Bandstand 

I always look forward to the line-up for the Bandstand shows being announced. I'm hoping that The Charlatans might play. Underworld would also be a great shout.

Summer Nights KGB Facebook

Glas-goes Pop

I've not been able to make the first 2 years due to family/holiday commitments. Booking my ticket and putting it on our kitchen calendar means I am going this year! This DIY festival has quickly developed a loyal fanbase who know that they'll get a quality bill of independent guitar pop acts from through the years.

Glas-goes pop tickets

Barrowland shows 

My first Barrowland show isn't scheduled until 11th May when Camera Obscura take to the stage. But I hope to maybe pick up a ticket for a couple of shows before then with my eye on The Bunnymen and Orbital in particular. And no doubt there will be loads of shows to come in Autumn.

Barrowland website

TENEMENT TRAIL 2024

I only briefly popped into Tenement Trail 2023 back in October. A storm was blowing and trains were cancelled, but that didn't stop music lovers from packing into venues of all sizes down the Gallowgate to catch new and up and coming bands. Walking around the Barrowland market was a buzz as people picked up wristbands, bands walked about carrying equipment and venues opened their doors and quickly filled up. Just being in that atmosphere gave me goosebumps and I vowed to return for the full day in 2024.

Tenement Trail website

Scottish music scene 2023

It could be my age, or it could be that the pandemic has just f**ked with my concept of time, but 2023 still sounds very futuristic to me. I mean, we are now 8-years after the future that Marty and Doc travelled to in Back To The Future II!

And what does the future hold? People have been predicting the end of time and doomsday for centuries. Now it feels like we really are at the crossroads and sadly it feels like too many people are still facing (and heading) in the wrong direction. 

Are we too far gone? Can we make the world a better place? Safer? Cleaner? More inclusive? Can we look after each other and our planet? Can we place that at the top of every priority list worldwide?

Is that too much to ask? Could we not put political and religious beliefs to one side, forget about profits and focus on people and the world as one. Humanism. We only have one planet.

2023 is now. The world is quite a scary place. I do believe the youth of today can turn things around. Maybe we should just hand power to them right now.

Music is more important than ever. I truly believe that it has saved people over the last few years. The sense of community it can bring (online and in person) and the beautiful escapism it offers ... we need it.

So here are a few things that I'm looking forward to in 2023 in the Scottish music scene. New acts, reforming bands, old favourites, touring bands, venues, festivals, music ... 

My new year resolution

My new year resolution is to go out dancing at least once a quarter! Not clubbing until all ours, but to bars that the likes of Andrew Divine, the Simply Thrilled lads, Holly Calder or Stevie Elements are DJ-ing in - playing good music, loud. McChuills being the most obvious choice. Also to ensure that any gigs I put on have a DJ playing a set after live music to ensure people have the opportunity to dance. 

Some of my best nights out post pandemic have been dancing with friends; to the Simply Thrilled lads at McChuills after Teenage Fanclub at the Barrowland, to Stevie Elements at McChuills last summer and to my friend Phil (pictured above) at La Chunky in October. It's pure escapism and joy.

New music - 3 Scottish acts to look out for

See this blog on Swim School, Lizzie Reid and Goliath

The return of The Delgados

My first gig of 2023 is likely to be The Delgados at The Barrowland on Burns Night. At their best, The Delgados are inventive, melodic and have a touch of psychedelia about them. The Great Eastern is an exceptional album. I'm sure this will be a real celebration of a very important Scottish band. Their fierce independence and paved a way for so many, taking learnings from labels like Postcard before them to form Chemikal Underground, releasing landmark Scottish singles and albums by the likes of BiS, Mogwai and Arab Strap. They also set up the CHEM19 recording studio. An inspirational band.

Brian Jonestown Massacre at The Barrowland

Talking of inspirational bands and fierce independence, the Brian Jonestown Massacre come into town to play The Barrowland in February. Two trips to the legendary venue within a couple of weeks. A great start to the year!

FRETS CONCERTS

The good people at FRETS always have something cooking. 2022 was an exceptional year for FRETS shows in Strathaven (and beyond). The night before Brian Jonestown Massacre play The Barrowland, FRETS have a night in the CCA for The Hungry Beat book that Douglas MacIntyre co-authored. There will be a Hungry Beat super group playing. Can I do 2-nights out in a row? Can my bank balance?!

FRETS shows in the Strathaven Hotel have been real highlights for me. The setting and stripped back vibe seems to bring out the best in performers. 

Butler, Blake & Grant return to Strathaven for 2-nights in February and there will be a lot more shows announced in the new year. Keep up to date with them all HERE

Starboard Hazes at The 13th Note

My own band Starboard Hazes play our second show to launch (assuming recording goes to plan!) our second EP! Forming this band was a real highlight of 2022 for me. After all, I have dreamed about forming a band for decades! To hear songs I wrote as a teenager and into my early 20's fleshed out has been incredible. I get a buzz from every practice session and to the rush from playing our first gig was exhilarating. Tickets are available HERE It would be lovely to see you there. 

Badly Drawn Boy at Saint Lukes

Badly Drawn Boy was one of the first acts that my wife and I went to see together. Silent Sigh was a big song for us and we still have a mix CD I made with that song on it. I think his first two albums in particular are works of a genius. Damon Gough could pluck a beautiful melody from a rubber band. This show is part of a tour to celebrate 25-years of releasing music. 

James celebrates 40-years with an orchestral tour

James are celebrating 40-years since their formation with an orchestral tour that includes 2-dates in Scotland; at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh and the Armadillo in Glasgow. 

What a truly wonderful band. Never ones to do things by half, they are touring with a 22-piece orchestra and a gospel choir. I've been fortunate to catch James live a number of times over the years and they are always on it. Tim Booth is a sensational front man and he'll be conducting the crowd along with the orchestra.

Belle & Sebastian's Glasgow Bowlie?

Stuart Murdoch has hinted, to the extent that he has pretty much confirmed, that Belle and Sebastian will be hosting a Glasgow version of their legendary Bowlie weekender. The original version took place back in 1999 at Camber Sands Holiday Park.

What venues will they use? How many of those original bands will play? How many times will the Belles play?

I don't think we'll have too long to wait to find out. Hopefully Stuart is OK health wise. The band had to cancel end of year tours at home and in South America and he hasn't been tweeting for a while. 

Murdoch and his band are (in my humble opinion) responsible for one of the most golden periods any Scottish band has ever had. Their 3 albums and 4 EPs from 1996-99 are sublime evidence of a band and songwriter(s) totally in the zone.

Belle and Sebastian are celebrated everywhere they go, but if they pull this off I think they deserve extra acclaim and Stuart deserves a very special ovation for his exceptional creative energy and ideas.

Glasgow Goes Pop

Speaking of Belle & Sebastian .... Tita Geddes (wife of the Belles Chris) is someone I've got to know through a mutual love of Teenage Fanclub. We ended up dancing together in McChuills after the bands post pandemic comeback show at the Barrowland in 2021. One of the best nights out I've had in many a year!

In 2022 Tita and her friend decided to put on an 'indie pop happening' in Glasgow. A 2-day festival of independent guitar pop music that they love. It clashed with my cousin-in-laws wedding, so we missed what sounded like an incredible weekend.

The feedback was universally positive and as a result Glas-Goes Pop is back for round 2! Early bird tickets sold out, so keep an eye out for tickets going on sale.

Kelvingrove Bandstand shows

Edwyn Collins at Kelvingrove Bandstand, August 2022

I always look out for the Summer Nights shows at the Kelvingrove Bandstand being announced. Watching bands like Teenage Fanclub, Belle & Sebastian, Super Furry Animals, Primal Scream, Human League and legends like Brian Wilson playing in such a beautiful setting has been a pleasure and privilege over the years.

A Teenage Fanclub album?

Teenage Fanclub ended 2022 with a blistering intimate show in Dunfermline and a couple of festival gigs. The band really look like they are enjoying themselves and surely it won't be too long before we hear new material, following on from surprise single I Left A Light On which was dropped back in April 2022.

Hopefully there will be some more shows. After PJ Molloys in Dunfermline, I wonder if they could play some more intimate shows across Scotland?

A Lightships/Gerard Love album?

Watching Gerry Love gently reintroduce himself to the live music scene over the last 4-months of 2022 was an absolute joy. It sounds like Gerard is going to be recording a new album in February/March. Whether this comes out as a Lightships record, his own name, or another guise has yet to be confirmed. All I know is that I can't wait. Fingers crossed for more shows through the year.

Ride & The Charlatans co-headline tour?

Ride and The Charlatans are heading off on a joint American tour, with Ride playing their Nowhere album and The Charlatans playing Between 10th & 11th. Surely there will be some UK shows!

Just putting it out there - how about 2-nights at the Kelvingrove Bandstand? Alternating headline nights!

A Carla J Easton album?

My sister Carla has finished recording her next solo album. I've heard a number of songs and it's yet another strong body of work. Mixing should be completed through January and hopefully Carla will bring a couple of singles out through the year. Potentially the album as well. After a storming December show at The Glad Cafe, I also hope she lines up some gigs. Look out for some news on the Since Yesterday documentary coming soon.

Poster Paints - USA and ?

Speaking of my sister, Poster Paints are heading (all being well) to SXSW in March. The eponymous album that Carla & Simon created with the help of friends is a real gem. One of the great things about Poster Paints is that there was never any real plan. Things happened quite naturally. But after the response to their album and a Stateside trip, it might be time to make a plan. 

Doune The Rabbit Hole

My eldest daughter Zoe watching Teenage Fanclub at Doune 2022

I really enjoyed Doune The Rabbit Hole last year. And until just before Christmas, I was really looking forward to this year. Then things started to sound exceptionally dodgy - artist after artist started to confirm that they hadn't been paid for playing this year. News came out that Doune The Rabbit Hole was going into liquidation and changing owners, although it seems to be staying in the same family.

It's a real shit show. No artists or bookers should be confirming for this festival until all outstanding artist fees are paid. A festival isn't a festival without performers. And they need to be paid for their time and talent.

I'll be keeping a close eye on this and hope it gets sorted. At the time of writing, I'm not holding my breath that Doune will take place in 2023.

The Bootleg Beatles at The Barrowland

A few weeks before Christmas my friend Dougie sent a message to a group chat I'm in and asked if anyone was up for seeing The Bootleg Beatles at the Barrowland. I was immediately in!

Seeing The Bootlegs at The Royal Concert Hall was an annual experience for me for a number of years through the 90's and into the 00's. It's been a while since I've seen them and I suspect they'll take the roof off the Barrowland.