The Big Day ‘Back to Business’
Officially opening their account for 2024, The Big Day have made a rousing return with new single ‘Back To Business’. The appropriately titled track sees the band do exactly as they promise – but with extra gusto and pop ambition. A soaring pop anthem with a huge hook of a chorus, it’s a song about self-belief and perseverance – about coming back from an all-time low and fighting back to the top. Ryan Hunter’s rousing lyrics are paired with a stirring instrumental that any arena pop outfit would be proud of – think pulsing rhythms, electrifying guitars and soaring melodies. An invigorating start to any weekend, you can catch them at the The Great Escape next weekend where they’re sure to make a striking first impression.
Brogeal ‘Brogeal’
Scottish five-piece Brogeal have unveiled their debut EP this week – and we’re delighted to confirm it encapsulates everything we love about the band and more. Blending a love of traditional folk, punk and indie, they’ve delivered a fiery, passionate set of songs that’s sure to seize the heart and mind of any first-time listener – from the riotous whirlwind of ‘Girl From NYC’, the barnstorming ‘Witchy Emerald Eyes’ to the considered storytelling of ‘Hill is High’ to the soaring, heartfelt ‘Fly Away’. With a busy summer lined up supporting the likes of the Wolfe Tones and Paolo Nutini, you can also catch this hotly tipped band at TRNSMT, The Great Escape and a headline UK tour in September which includes a date at Glasgow’s St Lukes on 6th September.
Linzi Clark ‘Lemon’
Today also marks the return of Linzi Clark with new single ‘Lemon’. The artist, who seized our hearts with her 2021 debut album ‘All I Have Now’, opens her account for 2024 with the sizzling new track – first written a couple of years when she self-admittedly was ‘going through it’. Imbued with those familiar folky Americana influences, it’s an emphatic and vibrant return – defined by that incisive lyrical quality she has made her own. A ‘sarcy, silly and zesty’ track, her distinctively rich, deep vocals are elevated by the stirring, bluesy backdrop, enriched with electric guitar lines and hard-hitting drums.
DAN SOUTH ‘RISE’
Set to receive its first play at our very own Houses Festival this weekend, Glasgow DJ DAN SOUTH has unveiled his debut track ‘RISE’. Known for his invigorating DJ sets that straddle the worlds of rock and roll and pulsating electronica, his first single taps into these influences perfectly – channelling the powerful, rolling energy of bands like Primal Scream, Prodigy, New Order and Justice and the undeniable grit and swagger of GOAT and Queens of the Stone Age. Teaming up with Glasgow’s Ian MacKinnon (Medicine Men, Selective Service), the frontman brings his inimitable charismas and swagger to the track – delivering his unifying sermon over DAN SOUTH’S gripping production. Tapping into the frustrations of being lorded over by the heartless ruling classes, what emerges is a triumphant message of hope and unity.
Lacuna ‘Sinking Woman’
Rising folk-rock outfit Lacuna previously seized our attention with last year’s ‘Overgrown’ EP, Lacuna have returned with new single ‘Sinking Woman’. A song that came to life in their very formative stages as a band, it has been given new life in its current form – reaffirming Lacuna as one of Glasgow’s most promising acts. Imbued with a close vulnerability and intimacy, Emily Beckwith’s vocals – serene yet potently clear in their delivery – take centre stage over a carefully arranged instrumental, oscillating between quiet and considered moments and bright, surging guitars and the warm hue of brass. Capturing the yearning of a familial connection as she steps into womanhood, it’s a beautifully layered, deeply affecting return.
Kaeto ‘HERO’
Scottish-born, London-based artist Kaeto has unveiled a powerful new anthem called ‘HERO’. A blend of pulsing trip-hop beats, shimmering guitars and ethereal synths form the foundations of the ambitious track – providing the perfect backdrop to her mesmerising vocal. A bold step forward, it’s sizzling with pop ambition and raw energy. Check it out below.
Lewis McLaughlin ‘Pressure’
Lewis McLaughlin has followed up recent single ‘Human Beings’ with the equally enjoyable ‘Pressure’. Led by that recognisable Scottish brogue, McLaughlin’s music is imbued with a distinctive warmth and sincerity – adding light electronic touches to his traditional folk sound. A track that speaks directly to the listener about self-worth and belief, it has a warming, positive outlook that’s impossible not to love.
CMAT ‘Aw, Shoot!’
Irish singer-songwriter CMAT has made a welcome return with ‘Aw, Shoot!’. An alluring country banger, it’s inspired by her own life as much as Emily in Paris.
She said: “So there I was, in Paris, France, in a rented flat. I was trying to write songs but it wasn’t going very well at all. I was drinking three bottles of wine a day (Cote du Provence) and I didn’t have any human contact for maybe two weeks, and I was going a little bit crazy, voices in my head etc etc.
“One evening there was a knock at the door. Who could it be?! I opened the door to find an American girl, who said the following: “Oh! You’re not my friend!” and then turned and walked away. Turns out she got the floors mixed-up, American system vs European flooring system. This was actually a seminal plot point in my favourite tv show Emily in Paris. And then? Well, I properly lost my mind. But on the bright side, I got a banger out of it!”
Charlie Preston ‘Popstar’
Embracing influence from the likes of Salute and Confidence Man, ‘Popstar’ is the debut single from Glasgow-based DJ/ producer Charlie Preston. Having graced the stages of FLY Open Air, Otherlands, Cultivate and Sub Club, Preston is no stranger to the euphoric dance scene brewing in Glasgow.
Preston comments on the origins of the track, “After stumbling across the sample, Popstar was made in an attempt to move out of my comfort zone and try my hand at new genres. Popstar was made in my grandad’s spare room in Morecambe using headphones and a laptop.”
Showcasing chopped loops and skippy drums, this summer feel-good tune joins the roster of hit providers from Mañana Electronic, alongside acts like t e s t p r e s s, Macka, Lowree, Sonedo and others. Listeners can expect to hear much more from Charlie Preston in 2024, with ‘Popstar’ perfectly setting the scene for what will inevitably become a breakout year for the Scottish producer.
Hinds ‘Boom Boom Back’
Your favourite Spanish rockers Hinds have returned with summer-ready banger called ‘Boom Boom Back’. A sizzling comeback, it mixes their raw, blistering brand of garage rock with tinges of psychedelia – featuring input from none other than Beck. The track previews a new record for the band which also marks a new chapter for Hinds as a duo – recorded in rural France with Pete Robertson, it’s due out on 6th September.
Listen to the full playlist here:
