As the dust starts to settle after a hyped up New Year which no-doubt ended in disappointment, and everyone gets back to the 9-5 office grind (or maybe that’s just me?), there are those in upcoming bands who are planning on how to take their music to the next level and kick off the new decade in style.
Last year we predicated big things for the likes of Heavy Rapids, who headlined numerous tours and released a thrilling EP, and of course the fantastic Vanives who went from strength to strength, playing gigs above bagel shops to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party.
Due to the ever increasing number of talented Scottish-based artists, this year’s 10 picks were not chosen lightly, but we feel they are the current stand outs who will go on to have a strong and exciting 2020.
swim school
What a debut year it was for another one of Edinburgh’s leading lights with three excellent singles, a number of festival appearances including TRNSMT, Tenement Trail and supporting slots for the likes Walt Disco - all this without a single headline show!
This has of course changed since they announced their debut headline gig at Sneaky Pete’s this February, which sold out in weeks.
The buzz is real, don’t miss out on their blend of scuzzy lo-fi indie-rock.
Must Listen: sway; too young to know
Vistas
A band familiar to many across Scotland, so why include them, you might ask?
Just two words: Debut Album.
After playing tours up and down the UK, releasing their own brand of infectious indie-pop singles and EPs, the time has come for a Vistas album.
Last year saw their Hello EP draw a curtain on the band’s first chapter as they ushered in the new year with singles ‘Teenage Blues’ and ‘Sucker’. One of Scotlands finest live bands and all-round likeable lads.
Must Listen: Sucker | Teenage Blues | Eighteen
Better Halves
Better Halves are Edinburgh’s newest indie kids who formed when lead vocalist Liam invited some mates round to play on a couple songs he had written, it proved to be successful and too good not to build on.
They initially caught the eye with the ambitious debut double A-side containing ‘Dreamcatcher’ and ‘You Wouldn’t Believe’ - which showcases perfectly what this band excel at - soaring melodies, heart-felt lyrics and musicianship far beyond their young student years. Both songs went on to form half of their Technicolour Smiles EP which was released at the back end of 2019.
Must Listen: You Wouldn’t Believe | Days Gone By
HYYTS
2019 saw the band sign a record deal and release a collection of tracks for their debut EP from disco beats to dark, dreamy pop. They burst into our consciousness with an captivating live performance at last years Gig in the Goil and we’ve been hooked since.
Not ones to take themselves seriously, from naming their debut EP ‘eepee’ to their now infamous Thistle anthem (which you’ll likely never hear live again!) - backed by Warner Music, the electro-pop duo look set to take 2020 by storm.
Must Listen: Car Crash Carnivore ; Breaking into Heaven ; Bullet
Neon Seas
Releasing their debut single ‘Salt’ in early 2019, the alt-pop synth 3-piece went on to have a breakthrough year culminating in ‘Dead Cells’ their third and most progressive single with highly regarded producer Stephen A. Watkins (SAW) at the helm. They kick off 2020 back at King Tut’s as part of their ‘New Year’s Revolution’ session. Dynamite live.
Must Listen: Dead Cells ; Salt
Spyres
Any ‘one’s to watch in 2020’ list worth reading will continue a Sypres mention, rarely have we seen such buzz for a band so young, and after catching them live - it’s fully justified. The 4-piece, lead by joint-vocalists Keria McGuire and Emily Downie, have managed to draw on local Glaswegian influences from the likes of Van Ts and Crystal, while still keeping it fresh and raw.
With their debut single ‘Otherside’ released to huge acclaim in 2019 and their follow-up only days away, Spyres look set to tear through the next 12 months and continue to be the emerging band on everyone lips.
Must Listen: Otherside
Cameo Habitat
First catching the eye at a local gig in Edinburgh, Cameo Habitat have went on to release a further two singles in 2019 and grab slots at festivals such as Tenement Trail. In only 3 singles you can hear the progression and the undoubted talent this 4-piece hold.
Now on the roster of one of Scotland’s newest music management projects, Whitecord, it’ll be exciting to watch where this partnership can go in 2020!
Must Listen: Hypersomnia ; How I Knew You
Lilura
Hailing from Inverness, Lilura, has been honing her own blend of dreamy-electro pop sound since 2017, with latest self-released single ‘Nylon’ a true triumph. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Billie Eilish and Charli XCX, Lilura will be looking to build upon her 2019 releases with more live shows and electric live performances.
In our opinion one of the brightest artists in Scotland.
Must Listen: Nylon | Killer Karma
Cloth
We’ve tipped some bands who we believe will go on to release their debut album in 2020, but here Glasgow’s dark alt-rock favourites, Cloth should see 2020 as a year to build on their successful self-titled debut LP, which dropped in November last year.
With a slight XX feel, the high-regarded 3-piece have been tipped by many, including Radio 1’s Huw Stephens (nice to know we have similar tastes), to have a big 2020 - and who are we to argue? Keep an eye out for live shows, festival performances and (hopefully) future singles over the next 12 months.
Must Listen: Demo Love | Felt | Old Bear
Vlure
If 2019 was laying the foundations, then 2020 is sure to be year Vlure explode onto the scene. With no singles, no Spotify and no promos, the growth has truly been organic through word-of-mouth on the back of their intense and mesmerising live shows.
Filmed in an old brick art room, full of attitude with an 80s vibe underpinning the black and white footage, lead single ‘DESIRE’ has already grabbed the attention of music fans across the UK. A band you can’t ignore and need to see live during 2020.