TENEMENT TRAIL 2026 is just a few weeks away – and it’s set to bring some of the most exciting emerging bands and artists from across the UK to Glasgow’s East End. Headlined by Brogeal and Baby Strange, this year’s bill features an array of touring artists and Scottish talent – including Cliffords, Willie J Healey, The Orielles, The Ninth Wave, The Joy Hotel and much more.
But as with every TENEMENT TRAIL, there’s so much more to discover beyond the top of the line-up. Many bands will be making their TRAIL debut this year – ready to etch their name in the festival’s storied history and win over crowds of new fans, and this is your chance to get to know them.
One such artist is Spanish Horses – a band who first formed in Paris and have since built a strong word-of-mouth following in London with a series of magnetic live shows.
Featuring Tom Onezime (vocals/guitar), Albert Cocker (guitar), Victor Michee (bass), Cyril Stephan (drums), and Spike Davis-Yuille (keys/harmonica, they recently signed to renowned tastemakers So Young Records and shared their debut single ‘Hey Man (Hey Man!)’. It’s an ear-catching, assured debut, imbued with heady shoegaze, jangly indie, Americana and psychedelic textures – and the kind of bittersweet nostalgia and youthful optimism that seizes the heart as much as the ears.
Citing the likes of Velvet Underground, Pavement, Television Spacemen 3, The Replacements and more as inspirations, there’s an undeniable swagger and creative impetus to the band’s sound – at times raw and energetic, at others moody and soulful. And it translates into a magnetic, raucous live show that has earned them many fans – so much so that they recently packed out their tent to the max and played in front of one of their biggest crowds yet at End of the Road festival earlier this month.
A band tipped for big things, they make their TENEMENT TRAIL debut on Saturday 10th October – so don’t miss out.
Ahead of the festival, we caught up to find out more about them.
What’s the story of the band? How did you get started and what were your influences?
The band started in Paris at the end of the summer of 2023. We got together to create Spanish Horses after a period of depression and existential dread when two previous projects simultaneously collapsed.
We had met Spike previously, and asked him to join us once we had made our way to London.
Our influences are varied and always have been. We rally around wanting to make good music, and tight camaraderie.
You’ve just released your debut single, what was inspiring you at the time of writing?
Hey Man (Hey Man!) was written very organically! We pulled up an old voice recording we had and it all happened in a day or two. Before going into that studio session we had decided to make a “summer” record, something fun and exciting.
What’s been the highlight of the year so far?
This year has been pretty fucking eventful! We signed with So Young Records, we released our “debut” single, and we made a video. But a very special moment was definitely playing the Big Top stage at End of the Road in front of thousands of people.
Have you played in Scotland before and, if so, how was it?
YES. When we independently organised our own headline tour of the UK in February, we played at Mcchuills in Glasgow and sold out Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh. We stayed with friends in both cities, and so got shown around, it was beautiful. We also had Scottish breakfast (too many times), and some late night pizza crunch (we rate it).
Why should people come and see your set at TENEMENT TRAIL?
Our set is fun, exciting, and stands out from the current touring acts you may find on the circuit. We keep everyone on their toes, and ourselves included, you should come and check us out.
What’s your best festival memory?
Post-show shower in the Sheffield Wednesday locker rooms when we played Tramlines.
What’s next for the band?
Big things! We’re very excited and can’t wait to share with you all. You’re gonna want to come see our set and be in the know.
