THIS year’s Edinburgh Hogmanay line-up has a huge host of Scottish artists playing across free and ticketed events, from Texas headlining this year’s Concert in the Gardens to Arielle Free DJ’ing at the Street Party and a special ‘Night Afore’ concert from Idlewild.
If you’re looking for your new favourite Scottish artist though, it’s all happening on 1st January at ‘First Footin’. Taking place in pubs and venues across the city, First Footin’ will see some of the best new and established Scottish artists play across the city at various free events, welcoming in 2025 with a bang and showcasing local talent.
Check out the full music line-up at www.edinburghshogmanay.com
As we inch closer and closer to 2025, here’s a list of the top artists to see at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay First Footin’ line-up this year:
Dead Pony
2024 has certainly been one to remember for Glasgow band Dead Pony – their debut album, ‘IGNORE THIS’ was released in April and shortlisted for The Scottish Album of the Year Award, they performed at TRNSMT in July, and to top it all off, released outstanding new single ‘Everything Burns’ this past month. They’ve been booked and busy and the first day of 2025 will be no exception.
Fronted by Anna Shields, Dead Pony put together a truly unmissable live show, as previously showcased at Tenement Trail, and they’re bringing their alt-rock anthems to the Virgin Hotels – Greyfriars Hall on January 1st.
Sacred Paws
2024 was also a big year for London-Glasgow-based duo Sacred Paws, who had a triumphant return to the scene with new single ‘Another Day’, their first release in five years. The previous SAY Award winners (2017) will play Portobello Town Hall on New Year’s Day as part of Vitamin C’s club night, hosted by Vic Galloway. Sacred Paws join The Vaselines and Django Django (DJ set) for the perfect 1st January by the sea – whether you’re keeping the party going or blowing away the cobwebs, Vitamin C is the place to be. Tickets from £25, via www.edinburghshogmanay.com
Lewis McLaughlin
A hometown show for Edinburgh singer-songwriter, Lewis McLaughlin joins an epic line-up of Scots at the historic Greyfriars Kirk on New Year’s Day, having released his second album ‘A Hope in Fear’ earlier this year. An indie-folk artist destined for big things, Lewis won Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent competition back in 2022 and has crafted his live show at festivals from Connect to Latitude.
Zoe Graham
Another Glasgow-based favourite, Zoe Graham will perform at a special free show spotlighting rising singer-songwriters at Virgin Hotel’s Eve on 1st January. The indie-pop singer has shared her most personal EP yet with the stunning ‘When Living Came Easy’, in a vibrant new Americana-tinged direction for her. Following a sold-out hometown show at Glasgow’s Poetry Club, Zoe will see out 2024 as part of Edinburgh’s First Footin’ line-up, and is sure to find some new fans in the capital that day. Free event.
Spyres
For more Tenement Trail alumni on display throughout Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, don’t miss Spyres at a special collaboration between The SAY Award and partners Stirling Council as First Footin’ welcome a line-up of SAY Award alumni at Virgin Hotel – Greyfriars Hall. The Sound of Young Scotland nominees will play alongside some of this year’s Shortlist including Bee Asha, Broken Chanter and Dead Pony at the special show. Having supported the likes of The Snuts and Jesus and the Mary Chain, 2025 looks to be a breakout year for the East Kilbride four-piece.
Grayling
Recently nominated for Best Acoustic at the SAMAs, Grayling has dominated ‘Ones to Watch’ lists this year, including BBC Radio Scotland’s very own Vic Galloway’s list. The Glasgow based artist will play a free show at Virgin Hotel’s Eve, as the venue showcases the best rising singer-songwriters in Scotland, alongside EVYE and Zoe Graham. With pristine vocals and ethereal soundscapes, Grayling’s set will be the ideal way to ease yourself into 2025.
Photo by Cris Matthews
