2025 Scottish music scene

Happy New Year everyone

Firstly, thanks for taking the time to visit. I hope my blog (there are well over 1,000 of them!) turns you on to some music you have never heard before, or you read something that encourages you to revisit a favourite song or album you haven't listened to in ages. 

Every January I take a little time to look ahead to gigs, festivals and albums that I am looking forward to over the course of the year. The Scottish music scene is ever evolving; new artists are breaking through, festivals like Tenement Trail are growing in size and reputation, favourite bands are still producing the goods and our appetite for live music shows no boundaries and we are blessed with incredible venues of all sizes in which to experience it.  

2025 is already shaping up to be a cracker. There seems to be more gigs and concerts on than I can ever remember. I have often wondered when the bubble is going to burst - but in these strange and often dark times we live in, music and the escapism offered by gigs, concerts and festivals, is more important than ever.

Here is a glimpse into some artists, albums, show and events that I am looking forward to.

4 New and emerging artists

Yes And Maybe

The buzz around this band at Tenement Trail was incredible. Yes And Maybe more than justified it with an impeccable performance of guitar and synth pop that reminded me of The Strokes crossed with Phoenix. The duo (expanded to a 5-piece live) met online during lockdown and hit it off ... big time! 

I can't wait to see them again live and hear what they choose to release as their debut single. That could be any song from their debut album that is already recorded and resulted in a string of offers from record companies, desperate to sign them up. Ones to watch for sure.

Kerr Mercer

OK, I mentioned young Kerr Mercer in my blog last January and he went on to have an incredible 2024, selling out headline shows at The Poetry Club, King Tuts and Saint Lukes, while also playing TRNSMT and countless support slots. Kerr reckons he is the youngest person to have played the Barrowland so many times. Hopefully, once Mercer releases some music and maybe he'll be one of the youngest to headline the legendary venue!

I'm highlighting Kerr again as his debut single is imminent, possibly around a March tour that includes a Glasgow show at The Garage, and he returns to TRNSMT in the summer. Kerr is writing continuously and building up an impressive collection of songs. Once Mercer starts releasing songs, he might not stop! Wait until you hear this guys voice! Throw in his writing skills, ability to play guitar and piano plus the added fact that his people skills are exceptional! 2024 laid very solid foundations for this young man to build upon.

The Cords

I also mentioned The Cords in my January 2024 blog, but they feature again after a storming 2024 where they released debut single Bo's Haircut / Rather Not Stay, recorded a 6Music session with Marc Riley, supported loads of their favourite bands (including Belle and Sebastian at SWG3) and ended it with a sublime Christmas single.

Eva and Grace have been recording their debut album with Simon Liddell (Frightened Rabbit) and Johnny Scott (Chvrches) and have super cool indie label ready to release it. Expect a couple more singles before then. 

Still teenagers, there is no rush for the sisters, but there is so much support for this band from the Glasgow music community (Monorail have been brilliant, really taking them under their wing) that an album, even at this early stage, seems like a great idea. A document of their time and progression.

Dallas Love Field

Another band I caught at Tenement Trail, their glorious psychedelic shoegaze sound filled BAaD and they seem like they are ready to take a big step forward in 2025. Dallas Love Field released debut single Drowned Out in the summer of 2024 and should be releasing a follow up by Spring 2025. 

The band have been working with Jason Shaw, who has previously worked with Ride. It will be interesting to see if they are working towards an album, or if they are just concentrating on producing as many brilliant songs as they can. That policy certainly worked for the aforementioned Ride who released  string of EP's early on. The band play The Hug & Pint on Jan.uary 11th

4 gigs I already have tickets for

Norman Blake at The Alex James

A hometown gig for Norman! I think the capacity is only around 100. I expected another night (or two) to be added, so the fact this is a one-off only adds to the sense that it should be a really special gig.

Hinds at Saint Lukes

I loved the Hinds album released in 2024, describing it as dreamy, trashy, thrashy, brashy garage pop with dashes of shoegaze and psychedelia. I think I'll appreciate it all the more after seeing them live.

Brian Jonestown Massacre at Barrowland 

I've never seen the Brian Jonestown Massacre live, despite the fact that their February date at the Barrowland will be their 9th visit to Glasgow since they played King Tuts in 2004! Who knows what mood Anton Newcombe will be in, but you can be guaranteed he'll want to play a rip roaring rock n roll show with his current band.

Oasis at Murrayfield

While I am still very much on the fence about the Oasis reunion, to the extent that I used my pre-sale code to get tickets for friends and not myself, I did then take my brother up on his offer of a ticket. Probably quite apt for Oasis! I imagine that Noel and Liam will travel separately, possibly stay in different hotels and only get together for the shows. Quite sad, but if that's what they have got to do ....

I just hope that they create some magic, that they make people happy and that their anthemic songs are belted out once more. I also hope that they properly kiss and make up, treat us to some hilarious interviews and remind everyone what a brilliant band they were.

3 albums I am looking forward to

Gerard Love & The Magic Influence

Gerry Love is kicking off 2025 with a show down in Liverpool on 28th February. I hope a Glasgow show isn't too far behind. Likewise, I hope we get some news about his long awaited new album. 

Nell Smith

I recently discovered Nell Smith's album of Nick Cave cover versions that she recorded with The Flaming Lips as her band. Sadly, very tragically, Nell died in a care crash last year at the age of just 17. Bella Union will be releasing the album that she recorded before her death. 

Butler, Blake & Grant

Bernard Butler, Norman Blake and James Grant were brought together by Douglas McIntyre to play a FRETS show at Celtic Connections in 2022. The trio clearly enjoyed the experience and have got back together to tour around the UK. A recent Uncut article told of how they jammed, wrote and recorded an album around the log fire at  Norman's home in the Clyde Valley. Sounds blissful! I'm expecting lots of warm acoustic guitars and harmonies.

4 festivals / events

King Tuts Wah Wah Hut is 35

King Tuts is 35! It's not traditionally a big anniversary, but hey, in Glasgow we don't need that much of an excuse to put on an event or party! Expect some big shows and some secret shows in the legendary venue.

Here is a blog I wrote on the 25th anniversary, reminiscing about 25 incredible gigs I attended in a venue that was my local for a decade when I worked across the road! Good times!

Summer Nights at Kelvingrove Bandstand

Summer Nights has announced a series of shows in Queens Park for next summer. Del Amitri, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Saw Doctors and Ocean Colour Scene are booked in. The line-up for Kelvingrove Bandstand has yet to be announced. I'd love to see The Charlatans on the bill. There is so much love for the band in Scotland and I am sure Tim and co would play a blinder in such a stunning setting. There are whispers that one of my favourite bands could be playing ...

Tenement Trail 2025

Tenement Trail is back on 12th October and if we're not doing anything for the school holiday, I'll be at this wonderful little festival set in and around the Barrowland, Saint Luke's and BAaD (Dallas Love Field pictured above). Expect surprise acoustic shows in pubs, sublime street food, cool vibes and some of Scotland's hottest up and coming bands and artists getting the opportunity to play to larger audiences than normal. The last 2 Tenement Trail festivals have seen the aforementioned Kerr Mercer and Yes And Maybe play early sets. Who will Tenement Trail be tipping for stardom in 2025?

Uddingston Musicfest Mainstage (part of The Bothwell Scarecrow Festival)

Returning after a year off, Musicfest Mainstage (part of the Bothwell Scarecrow Festival) is back with an eclectic bill of Echobelly and The Singing Kettle announced so far. Expect a couple of big announcements in the next month. I'm extremely lucky that this festival takes place a 10-minute walk from our house and a mere stones throw from my Mum's flat! Handy for a cuppa!