Tenement Trail 2026 could easily be the best yet. Headliners Brogeal are riding that 'word of mouth' wave that even the best marketing teams can't buy, while old Glasgow favourites Baby Strange are set to reunite for the 10th anniversary of their debut album Want It Need It.
I love how the area around The Barrowland Ballroom has developed over time. It's still got that gritty edge, but there are now super cool pubs and additional music and arts venues that have created a fantastic vibe and buzz. It's a super cool area to hang out. Joining The Barrowland to host bands and artists for Tenement Trail 2026 are; Barras Art and Design, Saint Lukes, McChuills, Van Winkle and 226 Gallowgate. There might even be some secret shows elsewhere if previous years are anything to go by.
Read on for my 5 Top Tenement Trail Tips and 10 acts to look out for.
TTTT Top Tenement Trail Tips
1. Go early
In recent years I've caught Kerr Mercer playing first on the bill. Kerr has since gone on to release a string of singles and tour with ... well loads of people, including huge shows with Lewis Capaldi. It's just a matter of time before this young Scottish singer-songwriter breaks through. Kerr's voice is extraordinary. Super soulful.
I'd especially recommend looking out for last minute additions to the bill. They are likely to be on early and be bands/artists that are generating a new buzz and that industry types are keen to see. Tenement Trail attracts labels and agents, it's a great festival for young acts to play.
2. Plan for food
Last year my friend Joe and I parked up at the Guinness BBQ outside Saint Luke's for delicious burgers and pints of the black stuff. The previous year we had street food from the wonderful Ho Lee Fook. This year - well we might head in for lunch, but we want to book a table so I'll keep the venue quiet until my review so we can get a space! The area is awash with funky bars, cafes and stalls to cater for your needs.
3. Research
Not my strong point! Thankfully my friend Joe is bang into researching the acts playing and last year led us to Van Winkle for Madra Salach (pictured above) who absolutely blew us away. They have gone on to great things and are growing from strength to strength. So check out all the acts online in advance - or get a friend to help!
NOTE - My research has improved for this year, as evidenced below!
4. Pace yourself!
I need to take my own recommendation. Last year I was home for 10pm! I had a fantastic day though and caught some brilliant acts. For me, the best part of the festival is ducking and diving between venues to catch lots of bands I haven't seen before. So, if I'm in for the kick off, I'm usually pretty knackered by 8 or 9pm. This year, I am intending to stay sober ... but if the outdoor Guinness bar at Saint Luke's is on again, that will be put to the test!
5. Keep your eyes and ears open
Who will be the secret midnight headline act at McChuills? Will there be an secret acoustic sets in The Gate? Regardless, I'd recommend a visit to this gem of a pub across the road from the Barrowland.
10 acts to look out for
Fatale
My favourite new band are riding the buzz of releasing their debut vinyl only EP, radio airplay and a string of cool support shows. Fatale's development over the last year or so has been really exciting to witness. Christopher Jollie's songs naturally find hooks and choruses, while Ben Robertson has really found his voice on record and come into his own on stage through lots of live shows and regular rehearsals. Euan Corrigan's lead guitar gels effortlessly with Christopher's rhythm, while Oscar Tighe on bass and James Lindsay on drums create beautifully tight but loose grooves to keep it all going. Fatale love playing live and if you like a lot of the music I write about in this blog, I think you'll love Fatale.
20-year old Edinburgh singer-songwriter. Cameron Winters vibes. Stoned. Strings. Crooning. Soulful. Could be pretty special. Swan released his beautiful, near 7-minute, debut single Me vs. Mothra back in January and then followed it with his 4-track Swans Today EP in the summer. Instagram
Ferguson Hi-Fi
Ferguson Hi-Fi released their outrageously catchy debut single Get Over It in the summer and it immediately caught the attention of Steve Lamaq and 6Music. No wonder. This is high energy garage guitar punk pop. The verses immediately command attention, singer-songwriter Pete Ferguson screams the bridge to the chorus, then rams the chorus home time and time again. There is a gorgeous breakdown with Pete just letting out an ooh as if in love with the sound of the guitar riff, then it's back into the chorus one final time. Look out for a future introducing blog on this band.
Supersun
Supersun have had a super productive 2026, releasing a limited edition 7-inch flexi single Shine On for Record Store Day and playing regularly in all the right places across Glasgow. Mono for RSD, Old Hairdressers for Freakender, headlining McChuills and also running their own night The Cabbage. Oh and they produce a fanzine! Two twelve string guitars are central to their melodic sound. Supersun play 3-dates with The Bluetones later in October and should win plenty of new fans.
Maicin
Imagine the lovechild of Billy Bragg and Jarvis Cocker ... now get your head out of the gutter and picture Maicin - so says the bands Bandcamp page. Maicin (pronounced Mackeen) are playing some dates with The Pogues later this year. Hailing from Cork in Ireland, their name comes from the nickname bestowed on frontman Matt by his Nan. Maicin means 'little man'. Described as punk with dirt under its nails and poetry in its back pocket - I'm planning to check them out.
Angelface
Despite blogging about Angelface back in January, I have yet to see them live. I can't wait to experience their glorious harmonies in person. Describing themselves as indie-folk / dream-pop, they've posted a series of cover versions and originals on their social channels, generating a lot of interest as a result.
The Paris Match
I caught The Paris Match playing McChuills last year. Their Libertines-y guitar pop and high energy antics won a lot of fans that day. I expect many of them will be heading out to see them again and this time they will bring their pals. Instagram
Tom A Smith
I heard about this young guy via Rowetta from Happy Mondays Instagram after she guested on vocals at one of Tom’s live shows. Hailing from Sunderland, Smith has already released his debut album. it's a mix of beats, grooves and kind of Baxter Dury / Yard Act style vocals. Check I Don't Blame You - all kinds of edgy catchy cool. Instagram
The Orielles
Signed to Heavenly Recordings, I was shocked to learn that The Orielles released their 4th album earlier this year! So I've not been keeping up with them! I got Silver Dollar Moment, their debut, back in 2018 and caught them in Mono around that time. The Orielles are fiercely independent and are capable of finding cool grooves and having fun with them, while having a pop mindset.
Oedipus & The Mamas Boys
Edinburgh 8-piece who have released 3 singles to date. They are quite eclectic. Bleed isn't really my thing, it's a bit too heavy. But Stretched/Kitchen is tender and lush, building to a dramatic conclusion, while A Daisy for You, John reminds me of a whole mix of bands like Admiral Fallow and Idlewild. Instruments include saxaphone, violin and trumpet. Website
