NEXT WEEK, TENEMENT TV will team up with the Paisley Arts Centre for a live double-header featuring two of Scotland’s most exciting talents.
We’re excited to bring Perth outfit Parliamo and Glasgow singer-songwriter Lizzie Reid to the newly renovated venue for two special acoustic shows on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd March.
Supported by Future Paisley and delivered by OneRen, the event is a celebration of Scotland’s grassroots venues and our vibrant music scene – in a venue that has seen its own rejuvenation in recent months.
Grassroots venues are the lifeblood of the Scottish music scene, and the Paisley Arts Centre is a hub of cultural activity – known for hosting music, comedy, dance, drama and everything in between. The space was recently renovated as part of a wider regeneration of Paisley’s cultural venues by Renfrewshire Council – and now includes new back-of-house and performance facilities, improved sound and lighting, upgraded dressing rooms for artists, and enhanced workshop space for rehearsals and other events. An intimate and unique performance venue, it’s not only the ideal platform to nurture talent and showcase up and coming artists, it has all the potential to be a destination venue for those who live a little further afield – or even a train ride away in Glasgow.
Ahead of the weekend of gigs, we caught up with Marie Collins, OneRen’s Music Project Producer, Parliamo and Lizzie Reid – to hear about the shows, the rejuvenation of the centre and the cultural impact of these creative spaces.
Marie Collins said: “The refurbishment of Paisley Arts Centre has been a major step forward, with a multi-million-pound investment to enhance the venue and ensure it remains one of Scotland’s premier small arts spaces! The aim wasn’t just to update the look, but to elevate the entire experience for both performers and audiences. We’ve given the venue a sleek new design while maintaining its intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
“The changes include improved performance facilities, enhanced comfort for visitors, and a more accessible space, all of which contribute to making PAC a key part of Paisley’s cultural regeneration. The refurbishment is part of a wider investment into the town’s arts and heritage, ensuring Paisley remains a vibrant cultural hub for years to come.”
At a time when grassroots music venues seem to be closing at an alarming rate all over the UK, or in danger of closing, the Paisley Arts Centre is a positive example of what can happen with some investment and support from the council and local communities. She added: “The vision for Paisley Arts Centre is to cultivate a space where culture and creativity can thrive! Whether you’re an artist, a performer, or someone who just loves going to gigs and events, PAC is a place where you can feel part of something special. We want PAC to be an inspiring place where people can connect – with the belief that Paisley is a prime destination for people wanting to experience the best of Scottish culture.”
As for the upcoming gigs, Lizzie Reid and Parliamo are sure to make their mark on the venue with what promises to be two special performances.
Known for her introspective and intimate songwriting, the venue will undoubtedly lend itself nicely to Lizzie Reid’s delicate, homespun sound. The Glasgow singer-songwriter’s last release came in 2022 with her brilliant EP ‘Mooching’ – a record defined by its diaristic songwriting, unflinching honesty and thoughtful introspection. Her music has continued to evolve since then though, and attendees can expect something a bit different from her usual live performances…
Lizzie Reid said: “My upcoming set in Paisley Arts Centre is going to be a little different from previous gigs I’ve done. Yes it will be intimate and I have performed in intimate settings many a time.. but this particular set-up will be just me and two backing vocalists (two of my closest friends, Russell Stewart and Anna Shields). It’ll be harmony and vocal driven. My music lends itself well to this kind of arrangement, so I am very excited to explore this approach further onstage, in front of an audience that I trust will provide a warm and welcoming space for us. I am very much looking forward to sharing what we’ve been working on!”
The gig arrives at a time when the singer-songwriter is about to embark on an exciting, rejuvenating new chapter of her own, with new music on the horizon. She added: “Over the past two years I have been working on a lot of new music. It is very ready to be heard and I cannot wait to start sharing it this year. My sound is more confident than my previous records. It has taken some time to find that confidence but I’m glad to say that the work has paid off. My voice, to me, feels stronger. Both physically and lyrically. Although my sound is often rooted in vulnerability and gentleness, my new music has more powerful moments sonically than I have produced in the past, and that it very exciting to me!”
Similarly, Perth outfit Parliamo hope to deliver their own unique style of performance on the Friday night. Known for their dynamic and inventive brand of indie-rock, the band continue to evolve with each release – and last year saw them share the likes of ‘Things I Could Do Without’ and ‘Every Ounce’. However, while they look forward to donning their acoustic guitars for something more stripped back, this will be last time they perform with Mairi Sutherland.
Frontman Jack Dailly said: “Our set at Paisley will be a stripped back set so people can expect to hear our songs in a completely different dynamic. We’re just coming at it from a different angle, few acoustics on the go rather than the full electric setup. So yeah. just something different from us and I think people will enjoy it”
“Another reason people should buy tickets is it’s our last gig with Mairi in the band. Mairi does all the harmonies and adds a really lovely element to all the songs, and especially cause it’s a stripped back show, the harmonies will really shine through. So if you like Mairi, buy a ticket.”
A great chance to see both artists in a different light, the gigs will also be a chance to celebrate Scotland’s rich history of grassroots music and community venues – in this case, Paisley Arts Centre. These creative spaces continue to offer a vital platform for up and coming artists, something that both Lizzie Reid and Parliamo were keen to highlight.
Jack Dailly said: “I think venues like Paisley Arts Centre are vital for the Scottish music scene, they provide up and coming musicians with a platform, places to play, and places where their talent can be nurtured and showcased.”
Lizzie Reid added: “Venues like Paisley Arts Centre and other grassroots venues are invaluable to all musicians and artists. The platforms and opportunities they provide are priceless. They allow artists to express, explore and play with their craft. It’s how and where musicians/artists can learn, grow and ultimately (if they want to take it there) become professionals with the experience and knowledge it takes to support themselves as they progress in their career.
“Not only are grassroots venues like Paisley Arts Centre good for musicians, but they are also a gift to gig-goers and music fans alike. They add vibrancy to the community and allow people to experience live music in all its raw, sweaty, beautiful glory!”
It’s a sentiment that’s backed by the people at the very heart of the venue and Paisley’s cultural scene. OneRen’s Music Project Producer Marie Collins hopes to bring more events like this to the local community, while providing space for more up and coming artists to nurture their craft.
She said: “Spaces like PAC are vital for young creatives and up-and-coming bands. They offer a place for people to perform, develop their craft, and network with other artists. That’s why we’re so excited about our partnership with Tenement TV for this incredible line-up of live gigs! The collaboration is all about championing Scotland’s best new music while celebrating Renfrewshire’s rich cultural scene—perfectly encapsulating PAC’s ethos.
“We have an exciting Spring/Summer programme about to be announced, and we can’t wait to share it with you! You can keep up to date with all our latest events over on Instagram @paisleyartscentre or check out our website at https://www.oneren.org/paisley-arts-centre/
Buy your tickets to Parliamo on Friday 21st March here.
Get your tickets to Lizzie Reid on Saturday 22nd March here.
