TENEMENT TRAIL 2023 is drawing ever closer, with thousands of music fans set to descend on Glasgow’s East End this Saturday to check out the nation’s most exciting new bands and artists.
With a jam-packed line-up that offers something for everyone, it’ll be a hard task to decide just who to catch on the day. So, to make your decision-making that little bit easier, we spoke to some Tenement Trail heroes of the past to find out who’ll be top of their lists.
Featuring Tenement Trail 2022 BAaD headliners Gallus to Trail veterans like Man of Moon and Baby Strange to the initmitable Kitti, check out their top picks below.
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Gallus (Barry Dolan)
The Big Day – I love the bones out of each member of the band and the talent that they possess is unbelievable. They make me a very proud friend and a very jealous artist.
Tina Sandwich – One of the most entertaining acts out there. The songs are great and the vibe is great. It’s quite literally impossible to leave a Tina gig and not have a smile on your face.
Voodoos – These legends know how to put on an excellent show and will have everyone watching them bouncing. Voodoos gigs are never ones to be missed! Very solid list to do as there are way more than 3 acts that are going to put on amazing shows this year. Special mention goes to one of the best songwriters in the game Lizzie Reid. You should also check out Bemz, Walt Disco, Easy Days and Plasticine.
Man of Moon
Man/Woman/Chainsaw – I came across this band when checking out who was playing this year, and these guys sound like they would be amazing! I really like their sound and unpredictable songwriting. I bet it’s wild live.
Lizzie Reid – I’ve always been a big fan of Lizzie and recommend anyone who hasn’t seen her to go see her. Incredible songwriter, musician and singer.
Bemz – I saw Bemz recently at Connect Festival performing a stripped back set on the Tiny Changes stage and he was proper amazing. No beats, just Bemz and a piano player and it was class.
Kitti
Bemz – I’ve had the pleasure of knowing BEMZ since we were both selected for the Tennent’s Spotlight Project Funding, and since then, BEMZ has been unstoppable! His debut album is a well polished, truly honest body of work, and it’s so inspiring to be following his musical journey. BEMZ excites me. This will be THE “must see” show at Tenement Trail this year, and I already feel sad for you if you miss it.
Jacob Alon – Jacob and I supported Kassidy this year at Kelvingrove Bandstand, and I was more than pleasantly surprised with the set I heard. I was gobsmacked with the beauty of vocal range and heavenly showcase of musicianship. Their heartfelt lyrics are beautiful, and if you like Jeff Buckley, you’re in for a treat!
Lizzie Reid I’ve known Lizzie Reid for a long time, and she is truly one of Glasgow’s most accomplished singer/songwriters. Everything she does is so delightfully earnest, and her vocals have this angelic quality that give me goosebumps every time I hear her. A show not to be missed.
The Big Day – The Big Day are one of the most exciting new bands in the UK in my opinion. They have songs that could fill stadiums and I believe that will happen. They only have a handful of tunes out but by watching the live show you wouldn’t know that. The musicianship and stage presence is next level.
Bemz – Bemz is one of hardest working people out there. He’s on the ball, always thinking about the bigger picture and is an amazing artist, as well as a lovely person. I seen him at SWG3 a few months ago and was blown away watching him play with a live band. Definitely one to go see.
Voodoos – It’s no secret how much I love Voodoos. I’ve been singing their praises ever since I saw them live for the first time in 2017 and I’ll continue to do so. They have amazing songs and the live show is full of energy and sing alongs. It’s great to see their name so high up the bill for Tenement Trail this year, they deserve every bit of success that’s coming their way.
Rianne Downey
Bemz – The coolest guy kicking in Glasgow right now! Causing a storm in the industry. Great tunes, great entertainer. Guaranteed to go off at his set.
Reignmaker – one of the best new bands in Liverpool right now! Every time I’ve watched them, they’ve blown me away and I can totally see why they’re building the following they are. Their Scottish debut will be a gig to remember, I’m sure!
Cara McBride – Cara has the voice of an angel and her songs are just as beaut.
Spyres (Kiera McGuire)
Bottle Rockets – We have been loving Bottle Rockets for a wee while now and they are definitely a must-see at Trail! Haunting, verby melodies and massive indie choruses will have you hooked. Wolf Alice meets The Sundays, you can always rely on them to deliver the most moving middle 8 in a song.
Bemz – Brings the energy every time! If you are up for a dance, I would 100% recommend going to see Bemz. Following him over the past few months and seeing the move he’s been making is inspiring, a guy that definitely puts in the grind! The best act to close the St Lukes stage.
The Big Day – From their first single just under a year ago, they have already made such a big name for themselves and for good reason! Big synths, fun 80s energy served with complete utter coolness. Doing something totally different from everyone else, love love love them!
