THIS weekend marks the return of one of Glasgow’s biggest parties as Freakender prepares to take over The Old Hairdresser’s on Renfield Lane with three days and nights of unforgettable live music, DJ sets and more.
A festival hugely unique in its fierce DIY ethos and dedication to independent music, last year’s debut event proved so successful that organisers have curated yet another stellar line-up for its highly anticipated second edition. Set to host some of the most exciting artists around at the moment, music fans will get the opportunity to see some of the best garage rock, pop and psych bands from Scotland and much further afield under the one roof across one of the most eclectic line-ups you’ll see all year
As the brainchild of Ian Crawford (El Rancho), Holly Calder (Eyes Wide Open) and Ross Keppie (Fuzzkill Records), it comes as no surprise that Freakender has gone from strength to strength since last year’s inaugural event. Now a staple part of Glasgow’s alternative music scene, the collective have recently launched into gig promotion, bringing the incomparable Sheer Mag, The Gories, LA Witch and cult heroes Black Lips from far and beyond to the city over the course of 2017.
Returning to their favoured haunt at The Old Hairdresser’s for the main event however, they will hope that this year’s artists receive a similar earth-shattering reception as they did last September. Kicking off on Friday 15th September, night one will see performances from indie-poppers Marble Gods, the hugely eclectic Banana Oil, Pleasure Pool and the deeply alluring and unique local favourites LYLO.
Meanwhile, Saturday promises to be the main event. Taking over the entire day from 2pm, bands will be arriving from all over the UK to make an appearance; Leeds, Falmouth, London, Manchester and Dublin will all be represented alongside some brilliant local talent. Highlights promise to be surf-punk outfit The Black Tambourines, practical veterans alongside some of the other names on the list thanks to their wealth of touring experience and material. Elsewhere, Glasgow band Holy Mountain will bring some Black Sabbath riffs and frenzied, unorthodox hard rock, fizzing indie-poppers Cowtown from Leeds will undoubtedly show off a plethora of high-energy material, the hotly tipped Yassassin will deliver a brilliantly chaotic and off-kilter fusion of sixties pop, rock and grunge while Manchester and Fuzzkill favourites Fruit Tones will return with more infectious tunes and ramshackle riffs. Fast becoming one of Scotland’s most exciting live acts, Glasgow band Shredd will no doubt incite utter chaos with another rambunctious set in front of a receptive home crowd.
Sunday 17th September will see performances from the likes of Jack Cooper (of Ultimate Painting), The Bellybuttons, Kelora and Cian Nugent. Not only that though, but the weekend will see premiere outings from fledgling outfits KAPUTT, Acid Cannibals and Tomorrow Syndicate and will also host DJ sets, dance parties, merch stalls and more surprises.
It’s fair to say that The Old Hairdresser’s is the place to be this weekend. Not only a brilliant platform for exciting artists from all over the country, Freakender is a unique celebration of Glasgow’s DIY scene and the range of independent music that comes out of the UK on an annual basis. You won’t find a line-up like it anywhere else.
Tickets for each day can be found on the Tickets Scotland website, while festival-goers are being encouraged to snap up weekend tickets while they can as they are running low.
