HOSTING its biggest and most eclectic lineup to date, this year’s Tenement Trail looks set to be one of the most exciting days in Scotland’s musical calendar so far.
With a huge array of talent on show, ranging from local artists to those from much further afield, music fans have the opportunity to catch some of the country’s most promising acts in a selection of Glasgow’s best venues.
In an industry often considered to be a very male-dominated environment, Scotland’s thriving music scene continues to generate a variety of artists to get excited about; and this year’s Tenement Trail lineup is keen to display this. Today TTV would like to shine a light on Scotland’s leading ladies; those women who are paving the way in the industry and continuing to create exciting and innovative music.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the fantastic acts you should check out on Saturday 8th October.
Be Charlotte
It is testament to Be Charlotte’s unbelievable potential that is becoming difficult to find new words to sum up the pop starlet’s refreshingly original talent. Having played at Tenement Trail last year, the singer and her band will be returning to play one of the day’s biggest slots in October; a move that is reflective of the kind of year she’s had so far.
Having released her fantastic debut single ‘Discover’ earlier on in the year, she followed it up with the equally brilliant ‘Machines that Breathe’ not too long ago; proving that she has the material to match the buzz that seems to constantly surround her. Effortlessly bringing together a range of different influences and genres with huge pop hooks and thought-provoking lyricism, her wonderful compositions indicate a unique creative vision that has made her a force to be reckoned with in Scotland’s thriving music scene.
Her dynamic and experimental live-set is a must-see; Brimner has been known to silence crowds with her unbelievable acapella vocals before getting everyone dancing with those massive pop bangers. With her star continuing to grow, we recommend catching her before she inevitably hits the big time.
The Van T’s
Another TTV favourite, the Van T’s have also enjoyed a busy year following the release of their critically acclaimed second EP ‘A Coming of Age’ and a number of big festival slots. Spearheaded by twins Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson with Joanne Forbes on bass and Shaun Hood on drums, the four-piece are continuing to develop their song-writing prowess while forging out their own lane and blossoming in it.
Describing themselves as ‘everything you ever wanted from a 90s dream’, the band hark back to classic grunge bands while effortlessly bringing in elements of surf-pop and shoegaze to create something entirely unique and refreshing. With their live sets known to be full of amped up guitars, pounding drums and irresistible harmonies, The Van T’s are sure to put in a fiery performance in front of a receptive home crowd.
TeenCanteen
TeenCanteen will be bringing their infectiously catchy indie pop anthems to this year’s Tenement Trail. TTV was proud to premiere the exclusive first stream of the band’s long-awaited debut album ‘Say It All With A Kiss’ at the start of the month and it didn’t disappoint; packed with youthful exuberance, it is full of sugary sweet melodies, shimmering synths, fun lyrical imagery and singalong choruses.
Regarded as one of the highlights of this year’s Electric Fields festival, their uplifting pop is sure to transcend into a brilliant live set at Tenement Trail.
Lucia Fontaine
Without much released material to her name, this Glasgow songstress has certainly generated a significant amount of excitement in recent times in order to warrant a place on this year’s Tenement Trail lineup. Armed with an effortlessly cool sound, Lucia Fontaine comes armed with a bags of potential and an undeniable songwriting maturity that has made her one to watch in the city’s music scene.
Channelling her garage rock influences, the singer impressed earlier in the year when she unveiled the brooding ‘Lose My Mind’ before following it up with the equally brilliant but more upbeat ‘Best Boy’. Full of hazy guitar riffs and led by her distinctively soulful and husky vocals, the two tracks have created a lot of anticipation for the release of her debut EP ‘Best Boy’, said to be coming out in Autumn. Following a well-received performance at this year’s T in the Park, her live set is not to be missed on the stage newly hosted by Dead Beet Records.
Emme Woods
Having previously performed under the moniker Something Someone, Emme Woods has ditched her folksy, acoustic sound in favour of an electric guitar and it seems to have opened up a whole new path of creativity for the singer. She released her impressive debut single ‘I Don’t Drink To Forget’ earlier this year; an intense slow-burner which shows off her wonderful vocals, gradually gathering pace with its haunting guitar-work. With a more bluesy-rock direction, she has gained comparisons with the likes of PJ Harvey and is sure to put on a captivating display at TT16.
HQFU
Bringing more variety to this year’s Trail is HQFU, aka Sarah J. Stanley. Having previously been known for her folk music, it looks like Stanley’s switch to electronica has certainly paid off. Following the release of her debut album earlier in the year, she has gained a reputation for being a must-see live act, often leaving her audiences in awe with her live shows. Influenced by nineties dance tracks, she combines live vocals with dreamy melodies, elevating beats and synthesisers; moving effortlessly between full-on rave rhythms and swelling moments of euphoria.
FIVE COUSINS
Led by the enchanting vocals of Summer Skye Bain, Five Cousins ply their trade in unabashed and exuberant pop-rock with allusions to more alternative influences such as Violent Femmes and Pixies. With a string of sold out shows under their belt as well as high profile support slots and the choruses to elicit any reaction in a crowd that they see fit, they’re a band with a bright future and are sure to find themselves with a whole host of converts after their performance at TT.
