An introduction to Glasgow’s grassroots gigs.
Outside of London, Glasgow hosts the most gigs weekly in the UK at 130 across its venues. With over an 8 million population difference, Glasgow truly does boast a diverse, accessible and rich music scene, integral to its cultural value. As it is the UK’s first UNESCO city of music, moving to Glasgow can be even more exciting, but as a new student it is hard to know how to get involved. This guide can be your way into the eclectic, vibrant heart of Glasgow, whilst ensuring that you spend no more than £20 (pint excluded).
16 September:
The Glasgow Uni Music Society are putting on their first event of the year at the QMU. It isn’t just a gig, it is an opportunity to get to know new people and listen to new bands. During the day there will be the time and space to mingle, get involved with the local student music scene and make some new friends. The bands playing later on are all student bands. Marceline have an art-rock sound, perfect for fans of Jeff Buckley and Radiohead, whilst Defenestrate! lean more towards guitar pop, with influences from Pavement and The Vaselines. All of the bands offer something different, from post-punk with Whissker to funk-punk with Bambitos. There will be something for everyone, with short sets and cheap tickets and, most importantly, a diverse range of music. If you want to start a band, make some friends or just listen to some live music, this would be a perfect, student friendly, way to do so.Â
17 September:
On Thursdays, 1990 puts on a gig where all the profits from the tickets go to the bands performing. New bands are finding it harder to break through with the limited funds they receive playing local gigs. The recent outcry towards DF Concerts, one of Glasgow’s biggest promoters, highlights the lack of support smaller bands get, especially monetarily. They are standing firm in not paying bands fairly, but these types of gigs are proving that it is possible. During freshers week, The Vaunts, bijewn and Altamont are performing. The Vaunts are an indie-rock band with six singles out, one of which is boasting thirty five thousand streams. Similarly, bijewn have four singles out, whilst Altamont are a newer band starting out. These bands are proof that it is possible to break through in the Scottish music scene, even if it’s harder than it used to be. There are ample opportunities to support local bands, and to get involved yourself, no matter how small you start out. If you are a fan of Joy Division or Arctic Monkeys, it would be worth checking out these bands on streaming, or in person.
19 September:
An all day fundraiser gig is taking place at Audio Lounge, raising money for trans harm reduction. Almost all of the eight bands playing are screamo, with the exception of Cheramona who are emo/power pop. Audio Lounge puts on regular emo gigs, but also is a practice space for bands. People are loyal to making the space friendly and accessible. The intention for this gig is to raise money to help trans people in Glasgow access safe transitions, whilst screaming and dancing to a plethora of bands. There is the option to pay what you want, with no one turned away for lack of funds. If screaming and throwing your limbs around is your idea of letting loose, especially for a good cause, you should go along – just don’t forget your earplugs!
24 September:
Three student bands, with another still to be announced, are playing an acoustic gig at Lucky Strike. The bands performing are Attack of the Stick Insects, Marceline and Clutha. The two former bands are made up of Glasgow uni students, whilst the latter are primarily a Strathclyde band. The two latter also competed at last year’s Battle of the Bands, taking first and second place. It will be a familiar environment, with the bands all knowing and supporting each other in the audience. These gigs aren’t just entertainment, they are social spaces for the bands and their fans. These bands are alternative-rock and shoegaze, for fans of Teenage Fan Club and Smashing Pumpkins, but this being an acoustic gig means that it’ll be more of a relaxed, intimate environment.
There are more ways to continue to immerse yourself in the music scene. There is a map on the Glasgow music city website that shows almost all the venues in Glasgow, as well as their capacity, proximity to public transport and the type of venue it is. Local independent promoters are constantly announcing new gigs for upcoming bands, putting them on almost every week. Knowing how to involve yourself in a new scene in a new city can be intimidating. Glasgow’s music culture is friendly and supportive and wants nothing more than new people coming along and supporting small, grassroots bands. These recommendations should help you dip your toes in, make some new friends and listen to some great music.
Image Credit: Harper Cawley
