Jim Gellatly selects 10 emerging Scottish acts to watch out for in the coming year.
10 for 2016 podcast also at radiomagnetic.com and iTunes.
100 Fables
Inspired by punk and new wave, the Glasgow band released their debut single Future Girl to great acclaim. The brainchild of singer Lyndsey Liora, they’ve been likened to Blondie. Their cover of Talking Heads’ Psycho Killer is a live favourite, but their own material is strong enough to take them to the next level. facebook.com/100fables
Be Charlotte
Blending synth-pop with folk and hip hop, the Dundee singer was a big hit at the summer festivals last year. Whether playing with her band, or as a solo artist looping her own instrumentation, she’s one of the most interesting and exciting new acts on the scene. facebook.com/becharlottemusic
Bella And The Bear
Winners of Best Newcomer at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (The SAMAs), the Ayrshire duo mix up folk and hip hop with stunning results. Their 2nd EP A Girl Called Bella, produced by Hector Bizerk’s Audrey Tait, just oozes class. facebook.com/bellaandthebear
JR Green
Highland youngsters Jacob and Rory Green recently released their debut EP through Hits The Fan Records. The label previously introduced Frightened Rabbit and SAY Award winner Kathryn Joseph to the world. Only the 3rd act on the label, they’ve also signed a publishing deal with Snow Patrol’s Polar Patrol Publishing. JR Green’s contemporary take on traditional music has been likened to King Creosote, and sets things up perfectly for their first album. facebook.com/jacobandrorygreen
Lional
One of the best live acts I saw in 2015, the Inverness 4-piece have just released their first single Season Of Salt via fellow Highland musician Iain McLaughlin’s IMOUT label. With hints of Arctic Monkeys and Franz Ferdinand, the future of indie rock is in safe hands. facebook.com/lionalband
Lucia Fontainé
I first came across an early demo from Lucia around 3 years ago without knowing anything about her. Such was the quality I just assumed she was some major label priority. Still only 19, the Glasgow singer has developed into something very special. Her dark brand of pop has shades of Lana Del Rey and Lorde, and should take her far. Lucia has star quality written all over her. facebook.com/LuciaFontaineMusic
Man Of Moon
Graduates of the Hit The Road touring programme for young acts, the Edinburgh duo got early airplay from BBC Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway. Becoming one of the most talked about new bands in the music industry, they were soon installed as Buzz Band of the Week by NME. Hailed as Tenement TV’s Rising Star 2015, any hype is totally justified. Debut single The Road has opened many doors, and I expect big things for their new EP due in April. facebook.com/manofmoonband
November Lights
Ploughing a similar furrow to acts like Kodaline and Keane, November Lights’ piano pop has all the hallmarks for mainstream accessibility. With enough of an edge to keep them interesting, coupled with some divine songwriting and great stage presence, 2016 could just be the year this Glasgow band start to make a major impact. facebook.com/NovemberLightsMusic
Single By Sunday
Winners of Capital FM’s One To Watch at the Scottish Music Awards, the East Kilbride outfit have already built up an impressive fanbase. Taking their lead from acts like 5 Seconds Of Summer, it’s all about punky pop with huge hooks. facebook.com/SingleBySunday
The Van T’s
Formed by Renfrewshire twins Hannah and Chloe Van Thompson, The Van T’s get better every time I see them. From their early acoustic demos to the fuzzy guitar sound they’ve now adopted, they hit all the right spots with their recent Laguna Babe EP. facebook.com/TheVanTs
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If you were wondering what Jim picked in previous years…
Jim’s 10 for 2015: C Duncan / Jim Valentine / Kloe / Monogram / Neon Waltz / Sunshine Social / Tallia Storm / Tuff Love / White / The Wild Curve
Jim’s 10 for 2014: The Amazing Snakeheads / Mark Angels / Baby Strange / Herculean / Honeyblood / In Atlanta / Jakil / Model Aeroplanes / Prides / Vigo Thieves
Jim’s 10 for 2013: Anderson McGinty Webster Ward and Fisher / Chvrches / Fatherson / Fluorescent Hearts / Flutes / Fridge Magnets / Holy Esque / Madison / Megan D / The Velveteen Saints
Jim’s 10 for 2012: Bwani Junction / Carly Connor / Discopolis / The Imagineers / Jack Townes / John Wean / The LaFontaines / Little Eye / Nina Nesbitt / Vukovi
Jim’s 10 for 2011: Any Color Black / Capitals / Dot JR / Julia And The Doogans / Midnight Lion / Mopp / Saint Kilda / Rachel Sermanni / Shambles Miller / Weather Barn
Jim’s 10 for 2010: Ambulances / The Boy Who Trapped The Sun / Erland & The Carnival / French Wives / Alex Gardner / GoGoBot / Grum / Kassidy / Kid Adrift / Kitty The Lion
Jim’s 10 for 2009: Alto Elite / Healthy Minds Collapse / Mr Kil / Paper Planes / Pearl And The Puppets / The Phantom Band / Punch & The Apostles / Sugar Crisis / The Velcro Quartet / We See Lights
Jim’s 10 for 2008: The Fire And I / Broken Records / Urbnri / Fangs / Glasvegas / Big Face / Kizzy Star / The Vivians / Twin Atlantic / Attic Lights
Jim’s 10 for 2007: Drive-By Argument / Flood Of Red / ElectricBoyShock / Ghosts / The Law / The Envy Corps / Sixpeopleaway / Low Vs Diamond / Sergeant / Crash My Model Car
Jim Gellatly 