It's looking like another promising year packed with artists across a variety of genres ready to make the next leap; this will of course mean different things to different bands.
From debut singles, to 2nd EPs and some maybe albums? A few making the jump from support to headliners, others making their first steps after recently getting a band together.
Below we've listed 10 Scottish acts who we've got a sneaky feeling will tear up 2019 with new material and relentless gigging.
E M I L I E
On the surface, it looked to be a relatively quiet 2018 for the electronic pop singer-songwriter, however behind the scenes it was a different story. Choosing to focus on song-writing and studio work suggests we are in for an exciting 2019 with new material ready to go. Those lucky enough to hear some of EMILIE’s new material live over the past 12 months will agree it'll be worth the wait!
Last Release: Never Enough
CRYSTAL
The indie-rock outfit from Glasgow had a packed 2018 with breakthrough performances at Electric Fields, Kelburn, Wide Days and recently supporting local favourites Baby Strange -that's before we even mention the sprinkling of headline dates across the UK. Led by Anna Shields, whose mesmerising vocals shine along side their grungy, rock-pop vibes. Influences range from Wolf Alice to Royal Blood and a touch of Dream Wife.
Last Release: Heaven
Date for the Diary: 19th Jan, King Tuts, Glasgow (w/ Walt Disco)
Black Dove
The prolific 4-piece have been together since 2016, and have continued to release a string of infectious indie singles. Black Dove have evidently yet to suffer from any writer's block as they released not 1, but 2 well-received EPs in 2018; '4 in the morning' and 'Still Calling'. Armed with relatable lyrics and the big, ambitious sound of Catfish and the Bottlemen; a lethal combo. With a ‘This Feeling’ tour and a supporting slot for The Morning Retakes already booked for the start of 2019, we expect these lads to make their mark on 2019.
Last Release: Still Calling EP
Date for the Diary: This Feeling Tour (Feb: 15th, 16th // Mar: 23rd)
Snash
If you're into frantic punk, then you've struck gold, these Glasgow newcomers are barely year old but wasted no time chalking up a number of high profile gigs throughout 2018. We featured the fierce, debut single ‘Whiteout’ and since then have followed up with the angst-filled ‘Drag You Down’. They kick off the year with gigs along side Rascalton and Strange Bones, not a bad start...
Last Release: Drag you Down
Date for the Diary: 31st Jan, Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh (Independent Venue Week)
LOVE SICK
Forming in September 2017, the pop-duo have been working hard on single releases culminating in last November's hotly-anticipated 'No Sleep' EP. This followed a knock-out performance at Tenement Trail, offering a dark pop alternative, brimming with deep, brooding beats. Proving once more that there are few places quite like Glasgow for variety and live music; if you're good, the fans will get out and support!
Last Release: No Sleep EP
Heavy Rapids
One of the acts on our list who will be familiar to many, however, we fully expect this number to soar during 2019. These boys never miss a beat with a string of strong singles, like 'Stuck With' and the pulsating 'Crying Shame' - an EP is surely only a matter of time. Not afraid to make ambitious goals, they ended 2018 in style with a wild and sweaty homecoming at a sold out Glasgow's G2.
Last Release: Stuck With
Date for the Diary: 2nd Feb, Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh (Independent Venue Week)
VanIves
It's rare a band so unique appear on the scene, but 2018 saw VanIves play their first headline gig in January, this coincided with their debut single 'Positive'. What followed was a year of writing and developing their sound. The talented duo seemingly draw influences from a variety of genres, creating a mixing bowl of off-beat melodies. It's safe to say one the finest live moments of last year was catching them at a packed Mash House, were Stuart and Roan swept the crowd away to another world.
Last Release: Corder
Date for the Diary: 31th Jan, CAA, Glasgow
Whitehill Grove
The Edinburgh-based indie outfit returned to the live scene last year with a string of dates in support of massive single 'Take Off'. The release marked a new chapter for the band who are looking to steer to a more raw, heavier musical direction, while still keeping their ear for a catchy hook. After recently bumping into guitarist Danny, who promised new singles are ready to drop, we're excited to see what they've got planned!
Last Release: Take Off [Listen here now]
Nasari
Another of Edinburgh's emerging bands is set to build upon early singles 'Afterglow' and 'Spoilt Milk' with further releases. Both singles have all the hallmarks of a talented, genre-defying band like Foals; showcasing their diversity and ambition. Talk of their electric live shows is spreading after a recent supporting slot with The Ninth Wave, after playing on a 'This Feeling' tour and headlining at the Hug and Pint in Glasgow.
Last Release: Spoilt Milk
Date for the Diary: 3rd Feb, Stereo, Glasgow (w/ Gallus)
ST.MARTiiNS
From Dundee to Texas; What a 12 months. First signing with Big Indie Records from Austin to performing at the opening of the new VA in their hometown of Dundee. Singles 'ur so pretty' and 'do ur words' both hit impressive numbers with over 300k streams on Spotify. We caught them at Sneaky Pete's and again at Electric Fields, both times fully immersed in the live performance and immediately hooked on their moody, melodic pop. The icing on the cake was no doubt appearing in multiple end of year lists, including a #5 slot in Tenement Tv’s top tracks of 2018. Together, Katie and Mark have both certainly come along way since that first MSN messenger chat!
Last Release: Jazzboy
Date for the Diary: 11th Jan, King Tuts, Glasgow
Words: David Campbell
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