Next weekend signals the start of the Summer as we head west to Lochgoilhead for Gig in the Goil which takes over the Drimsynie estate for a full weekend of music, fun and hopefully a whole lot of sunshine!
The 3-day event is spread over a number of indoor stages showcasing the best of Scotland with an array of household names along with some of the best emerging artists and acoustic talents from across this bonnie land.
With our eyes firmly fixed on Scotland’s best up-and-coming artists, we’ve focused on the ‘Showcase Stage’ and plucked our favourites acts which you simply can’t afford to miss!
Friday
The band who kick off proceedings on Friday are the ‘Next Big Thing’ winners, Rubian, who’ll bring their own unique blend of indie/rock, fronted by the impressive Cheryl Risk whose commanding vocals grab the audience’s attention each time we’ve caught them. With a new 4-track EP on the horizon and a number of festivals already lined up, 2019 is shaping up to be their breakthrough year. Listen: Start Again
Following Rubian are Clydebank lads, The Fences, who continue to cause a storm on the Glasgow scene with massive shows at both King Tuts and Stereo already this year! They’re no-nonsense lyrics on love and friendship along with their frantic live shows are sure to go down a treat in Lochgoilhead. Listen: Red-Eye Rebecca, Taxi Rank
Headlining the Showcase stage on Friday is Edinburgh-based Vistas, arguably the hottest band in Scotland at the moment. The newly re-jigged 3-piece have been a constant on the scene for the past few years and have now made the indie-pop genre their own with a succession of irresistible singles, including latest hit ‘Eighteen’. With a new EP ready to drop, get in early as we expect the venue to be packed to the rafters as fans scramble to get a glimpse of this future headliner. What a coup from the GITG team!
Listen: Headspace, Tigerblood
Saturday
Arriving on stage mid afternoon and ready to blow your hangover away are Bathgate-duo, Pyro. The young pair have been steadily developing their raw, emotive rock sound over the years which has seen them headline venue’s such as Sneaky Pete’s and the Midnight Breakfast Club. In March, they dropped their most adventurous single to date, Tear Me Down, showcasing Connor’s (drums/vocals) heart-felt lyrics and Cameron’s (guitar) fearless solos. Listen: Regret or Forget, Dont Hold Back.
Later in the day will see Aberdeen’s newest pop pioneers, The Roov, bring the funk and get everyone throwing shapes last seen at your Auntie’s wedding. The 4-piece are not afraid to mix it up as each single adds another string to their pop bow from the dreamy-pop vibes of Nevada to bombastic Cruisin’. Get those dancing shoes at the ready. Listen: Workin’ on U, Nevada
Evoking the true spirit of rock ’n’ roll, Emme Woods, will offer up her grainy vocals and fresh bluesy style to the Showcase stage and offer something truly different. Latest single, and first for over a year, ‘kill yer darlin’ sees Emme back at her emotive best with her full band creating a Jeff Buckley-influenced sound. Listen: Kill yer darlin
The night climaxes with two incredible live acts, firstly Mark Sharp & The Bicycle Thieves, who never disappoint live. As their rousing indie matched with Mark’s gravely vocals are sure to whip the crowd into a frenzy. Listen: Warpaint, Firewater, Fools.
Secondly, we have Fife heroes, Shambolics, who will close Saturday with a heavy dose of rock ’n’ roll and psychedelia. Known across the UK scene for a number of years now, the 4-piece have already played their genre transcending sound at the likes Isle of Wight and Leeds/Reading and gone on to attract the attention of mainstream radio stations such as Radio X. Listen: My Time Is Now, When She Goes Home.
Sunday
As festival punters wake from their on-site lodges to tackle day 3, they will be immediately blasted with the explosive rock of IDKID. The three-piece are first up on the ‘Showcase Stage’ and will bring their notorious live show to the shores of Loch Goil as their grunge/punk infused sound is sure to impress. Listen: Sonic Boom.
Another three-piece taking to the stage will be Falkirk newcomers, Primes, a band we recently caught live - who instantly impressed. When bands aim for the big, stadium rock sound early in their journey it can often fall short, not the case with Primes, they’ve continued to release impressive singles seeking influences from giants such as Kings of Leon and Feeder. Listen: Bodies, Don’t Forget Your Memories.
Amy Lou and The Monday Club are up next, a 3-piece lead by their feisty lead vocalist, Amy, who will share tales of love and lost, and no doubt witty banter between tracks for good measure. Latest single 'Fiat Five Hunner' is a track made for the festival season, so if you're after big indie singalongs then get down for 18:00!
For our next pick we suggest you drop what you’re doing and seek out the electronic beats of Edinburgh-based, Folda. Leading the way for the darker side of pop, the 4-piece (including producer extraordinaire, Mark Marrow) will bring their distorted vocals, hypnotic beats to the Showcase Stage for an unmissable show. Their debut lust EP was one the best records released in 2018, we can’t wait to see it come to life on stage. Listen: you won’t, in writing
The penultimate band of the weekend will be Dunfermline’s Moonlight Zoo, who will woo the crowd with some of the most upbeat pop tracks you’ll hear all weekend. Their 2018 single ‘Wild’ is packed with soaring vocals, pounding drums and power solos! What more do you want? Listen: Wild, Breaking or Broken.
Bringing the curtain down at this years Gig in the Goil will be another fellow Dunfermline band, Foreignfox. Renowned for their emotionally lead lyrics sung with conviction by frontman Jonny Watt, and their gorgeous, often beautifully simplistic melodies; the 5-piece have the potential to be the band of the festival. We’ve had latest single ‘Birthday Flowers’ on heavy rotation since its release. Listen: Birthday Flower, Lights Off, Carry Me Home.
There are countless great acts across each stage with the likes of Zoe Graham, Trail West and the legendary Donnie Munro, so grab your sun cream, your festival planner, a pint and let the music takeover. With the recent news about Electric Fields, it's apparent how hard it is for boutique festivals to continue, so great credit is due to the Gig in the Goil Team for building year upon year! See you all there! - DC
Listen to all the artists coming to Gig In The Goil with their own Spotify Playlist
Grab the last few tickets HERE
Find out all you need to know about the festival HERE