Scotland’s music scene has shown considerable strength in the last decade. Despite the pandemic’s lingering effects on the industry, it remains a live music powerhouse, with Edinburgh and Glasgow as global music capitals. There are many up-and-coming artists of note from a wide range of genres. I have chosen to spotlight five new artists that particularly stand out to me: Michael McGovern, Dancer, The Cords, Goodnight Louisa and Fergus McCredie.
Michael McGovern
Firstly, Michael McGovern is a Glasgow-born folk artist. His songwriting is rooted in rich, emotionally direct storytelling, delivered in a classic folk style. Dylan-esque finger-picked guitar lines and poetic lyricism draw listeners in, while his warm, gentle voice carries soft, captivating melodies. His newest album, Thin White Road, showcases full-band arrangements and layered harmonies, featuring saxophone, synth strings, and occasional fiddle. As a named inspiration, you can hear Leonard Cohen’s influence in his sombre, introspective songwriting, apparent in his viral acoustic single ‘Evelyn,’ telling a sentimental, familiar story of lost love. McGovern, for me, is one of the most compelling new Scottish artists stepping up in the contemporary folk genre, so much so, I have booked to see him live in Edinburgh!
Dancer
Next is Dancer, a Glasgow-based post-punk band. Their recent debut album, 10 Songs I Hate About You, has a warm, playful energy. The popular lead single ‘Bluetooth Hell’ features the hallmarks of Dancer’s sound: jagged guitar lines, slightly off-kilter rhythms and an experimental, edgy feel. The quartet is composed of vocalist Gemma Fleet, guitarist Chris Taylor, drummer Gavin Murdoch and bassist Andrew Doig. The lyrics are witty and insightful, with Fleet’s delivery often leaning toward slam poetry. The band’s punchy sound has a danceable intensity that translates on stage to electrifying live performances. For listeners drawn to playful art-rock fused with a fresh post-punk edge, Dancer are well worth exploring.
The Cords
In a similar vein, The Cords are an exciting indie-pop sister duo from Inverkip, just west of Glasgow. Eva and Grace Tedeschi are bringing fresh zeal to the well-worn genre, inspired by their shared love of 1980s and 1990s indie throwbacks like The Umbrellas, The Cure, BMX Bandits and Heavenly. Their debut album, The Cars, cemented their stripped-down DIY approach, buzzing with a youthful, spritely energy. Standout tracks like ‘Fabulist’ and ‘When You Said Goodbye’ exemplify their short, punchy, joyful pop songs with catchy melodic hooks and simple, direct songwriting. On stage, their sibling chemistry and youthful presence captivate audiences, marking them as one of Scotland’s most confident new indie-pop acts.
Louisa McCraw
Louisa McCraw, or Goodnight Louisa, is another Glasgow-based up-and-coming artist with a bold, atmospheric take on synth-pop. Her 2022 debut album Human Danger earned praise for its dream-pop, buzzy electronic sound blended with introspective and vulnerable lyrical themes. Specifically, the title track and ‘Only a Matter of Time’ highlight her ability to blend dark undertones with driving, upbeat momentum. Drawing influence from 1980s synth-pop and disco, with Hot Chip and early Madonna as named inspirations, Goodnight Louisa is established as a promising new voice in synth-pop with emotional edge, rich electronic production and expressive storytelling.
Fergus McCredie
Lastly, Fergus McCredie is a Scottish Jazz pianist to certainly look out for. As the first jazz artist to win the Scottish Album of the Year award, McCredie is leading his genre, blending modern jazz with Scottish folk influences and his deep love of Scotland’s sublime natural landscapes, having grown up in Jamestown, a village in the Highlands. His work often feels spacious, expressive and lyrical, with a hypnotic beauty that transports listeners. Notably, his 2022 album Forest Floor is emotionally intense and audibly cinematic, demonstrating excellent storytelling and textural complexity.
“Coldplay Concert Stage (Osheaga 2009) with Fireworks & Butterflies” by Anirudh Koul is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.