The EP features the lead single ‘Your Anthem’, a track Bowie wrote at the age of 15, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into his early songwriting journey. Other notable tracks include ‘Dream Of My Own’ and ‘Wherever She Goes’, both of which have garnered significant attention in the lead-up to the EP’s release. The project is available across all major streaming platforms and for purchase on CD and vinyl formats.

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Bowie’s musical journey began in Banchory, Aberdeenshire. He started playing guitar at the age of eight, drawing inspiration from artists like Sam Fender, Ed Sheeran, and Nina Nesbitt. Over the years, he has cultivated a robust online presence, particularly on TikTok, where his engaging performances have gained a substantial following. The singer-songwriter’s most popular song in the UK is currently ‘Love Lost‘, which has over 2 million listens on Spotify.

@calumbowiemusic these boys have been making singing out the window that bit more fun #fyp #edinburgh #wonderwall #oasis #tiktok #insta #viral #funny ♬ original sound – calumbowie

In 2024, Bowie was honoured with the Scottish Breakthrough Artist of the Year award at the Scottish Music Awards, joining the ranks of previous recipients such as Paolo Nutini, Lewis Capaldi, and Emeli Sandé. His live performances have resonated with audiences across the UK and Europe. Notably, he has graced the stages of prominent festivals, including Glastonbury, TRNSMT, and Kendal Calling, further cementing his status in the contemporary music scene.

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As of March 2025, Bowie’s music has attracted over 125,820 monthly listeners on Spotify, with cumulative streams surpassing 10 million globally. His authentic storytelling and relatable themes continue to captivate a diverse and growing audience, marking him as a significant emerging talent in the UK music industry. The musician is currently finishing his UK tour on which he has already included the new tracks. ‘Through The Window‘ offers both long-time fans and new listeners an opportunity to experience Bowie’s artistic versatility and emotional depth.

Established in 2019, Doonhame is still in its infancy after being put on hold for two years due to the COVID:19 pandemic. Rain did not appear to stop the festival-goers last July as they reveled in all that the four stages, the main arena and the beautiful grounds of the estate had to offer. The weekend was complete with a more relaxed, family-orientated Sunday, with youngsters enjoying activities, music and live performances from Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande tribute acts.

Despite having a successful run in 2022 and 2023, like many grassroot venues, festivals and events in the music industry, it too has fallen victim to spiralling costs. Co-director Sandy Sweetman said that although the previous years were a triumph, it had sadly become too much of a strain to balance ticket prices with the financial upkeep of hosting the festival. Mr. Sweetman said in a statement: “2023 was a hugely positive experience for us with the festival taking shape and finding its format, however balancing ticket price with the rising costs of putting a festival together and looking at our own limited availability to dedicate the necessary time to the project sadly makes it unsustainable.

“Mark and myself cannot be more grateful to all the people who supported us throughout this journey, from the dedicated team who put so much time and energy into helping us throughout the last five years, the Crichton for accommodating us, sponsors and everyone who committed by buying tickets.”

Fans of the festival have expressed their disappointment on social media but hope to see Doonhame up and running again in the near future, with one user commenting: “Sorry to hear this news, a sad loss for the region. It’s a huge task and financial commitment to organise a music festival. Sandy & Co can hold their heads high for all their efforts.”

Another user added: “So sad to hear this news but totally understand your reasons. Thanks for the great memories…I had an absolute blast at every Doonhame Festival I attended. All the best to everyone in the team.”

Jill Brown has been intermittently working in Barlinnie Prison for the last 10 years, organising performances and shows for inmates. From this involvement with the prison, Jill began to arrange songwriting workshops for prisoners with an interest in hip-hop and rap music. In addition to the Barlinnie workshop, Jill has embarked on a publishing project. Conviction Records is a label, formed in late 2021, that focuses on giving those with a criminal history the support they need to pursue a career in music. While the label remains in its early stages of development, secured funding from Creative Scotland marks the beginning of the Conviction Records project. 

Speaking to the BBC, Jill said: “The workshops are designed to give the guys who take part a voice, because a lot of people who are actually in jail have never had a voice.” This is a significantly different perspective than one heard last year from Edinburgh Live and the Daily Record. In May of 2023, a video of several inmates rapping in Midlothian’s Addiewell Prison surfaced on TikTok. Reports from both outlets were scathing, calling the prisoners “Shameless”. Although this video was by no means sanctioned by prison staff and was recorded on a smuggled smartphone, it does reveal that many behind bars need some form of creative outlet. It is this need that Jill Brown aims to serve, making prison a more productive and rehabilitative environment for people who often lack the opportunity to integrate back into society. 

Speaking to the BBC about the workshop program, one inmate said: “It’s gave me something to look forward to, and it’s something I’m going to follow up on when I’m out. It’s came at the right time. It’s gave me a chance.” Projects like these are few and far between but hopefully the success of Jill’s work in Barlinnie will inspire other facilities to take a leaf out of her book. 

On the opening night, Friday 12, Liam Gallagher will grace the main stage. Whilst speaking about his return to the festival he said “Can’t wait to return to Glasgow Green next Summer to headline TRNSMT.” He continued by teasing about what he’ll play, hinting at some solo material “I’ll be playing songs from Definitely Maybe as well as some solo stuff. See you there.”

Bringing the pop vibes, noughties group The Sugababes have been announced for the Friday Line-up. Known for their iconic hits  ‘Push The Button’ and ‘About You Now’, the band are rumoured to have new releases in 2024. The English pop vocal trio of Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy has changed musical line-ups three times before returning to the original members in 2012. The group released their first single in a decade in September 2023, the soulful song ‘When The Rain Comes’. 

Example has been announced as the headline act for the King Tuts Stage. The rapper and singer rose to fame in the 2010s with his catchy songs such as ‘Changed The Way That You Kiss Me’ and ‘Kickstarts’ and his funny personality, with dry humour, which fans adore. His personality has been shown in videos with his celebrity friends such as Ed Sheeran. Lastly, To complete the Friday line-up, fans will be rocking out to Pop Rock band Picture This and indie group The Last Dinner Party.

Saturday sees Gerard Crosbie, professionally known as Gerry Cinnamon headlining after a four-year break from playing the festival. The Scottish singer-songwriter and acoustic guitarist is back, after saying “Get hounded on the daily to do TRNSMT again, well hound no more.”

Pop star, Rick Astley, who is known for his legendary debut track ‘Never ‘Gonna Give You Up’ will be joining the party on Saturday. The 80s singer has made a big comeback over the past few years, with Gen Z audiences ‘Rick Rolling’ each other. The new ‘internet meme’ has become a trend, with people seemingly clicking on a video, and instead being presented with Astley’s ‘Never Gonna Give you Up’. Even supermarket giant Sainsbury’s is ‘Rick Rolling’ the nation in their 2023 Christmas ad.

Sunday is the day for all the ravers, with DJ Calvin Harris taking over the main stage. The popular DJ and producers, who have hits such as ‘How Deep is Your Love’ and ‘Feels So Close’ will arrive at TRNSMT for his first gig following his sell-out Ibiza residency. Dance duo, Chase & Status will also be bringing the energy on the final festival day. To see all these iconic artists and more, get tickets online here

Speaking about the new single, Front woman Anna Shields said, “It’s a story of admiring someone and coming to the realisation that they aren’t the person who you thought they were. It’s frantically trying to piece together broken fragments of yourself and of them, to try and mend what is now lost. Sometimes trust can be fixed but other times it is broken for good. About Love tells the tale of growing up in love and the complications that arise when one of you changes.”

After releasing hit single “Cobra,” Dead Pony have been going from strength to strength, supporting Chvrches on their summer tour and appearances at festivals including 2000trees and Y Not. The band have also embarked on their own headlining tour in September along with another supporting tour with Funeral For A Friend.

As Dead Pony begin to gather a formidable fan base and grab the attention of various music critics and publications, a debut album is certainly on the cards but, as yet, remains a bit of a mystery as to when it will be released. It also remains to be seen whether any of the new singles will make up a part of the record or if the album will feature completely new music.

Speaking in an interview, Shields shed some light on the band’s intentions for an album, explaining, “We are currently releasing some singles that we recorded through the year, ‘MK Nothing’ and ‘MANA’ as part of an album, but we’re still keeping it kind of secret as to when the album is coming out, and what exactly is going to be on the album, and what it’s called. The new singles that you’ve heard are building up to the album.”

Dead Pony have certainly been enjoying a meteoric rise, with past singles “Cobra,” “Mana” and “MK Nothing” bringing the band many headlines and attention. Fans of Dead Pony will eagerly be anticipating a full length from one of the UK’s most promising acts.

The aim of the festival and its travels is to “showcase underrepresented regional POC artists and engage/connect with POC fans of punk and alternative music in the communities where they live.” This year’s instalment will feature Art Rock musician Kapil Seshasayee, R. AGGS and Trishaaa.

In Kerrang’s free hosted Black Voices In Alternative Music event with the Royal Society of Arts in London on the 16th of October, Decolonise Fest’s co-founder Alex Ekong said, “Decolonise Fest is a space that allows us to advocate for emerging artists of colour, foster a community of like-minded people, connect punx of colour to global struggles against the legacy of colonialism, and indulge in our love of punk together.”

The panel discussion also featured London’s own trap metal star Kid Bookie and journalist Laviea Thomas and centred around their own experiences within the alternative rock scene as well as whether or not they have witnessed or felt any changes and where the scene will go in the future.

A complete DIY festival that began in 2017 in London, Decolonise Fest was began to highlight people of colour within the alternative music scene. Centring on what they term punx of colour, the collective focuses attention on people, “who we define this as people who are descended (through one or both parents) from the original inhabitants of Africa, Caribbean, Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Australasia, North America, and the islands of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, and of Romany Gypsy or Traveller heritage.”

The festival’s site states, “We celebrate the many punx of colour creating right now, acknowledge the legacy of our elders and the doors they opened for us, and make room for more DIY punx of colour to take centre stage and make some noise. You can read our manifesto here.”

Originally released in 2013, The Bones Of What You Believe boasts much of the Glasgow trio’s most beloved work, including their signature song “The Mother We Share”. In an Instagram post, the group reflected on their early days: 

“It feels quite strange that Bones is almost a decade old – in some ways, it’s like it just happened, but also like that era was a lifetime ago. Thank you to all the people who gave that album a special place in their heart, and still show us so much kindness today.”

The announcement of the special edition is accompanied by the release of “Manhattan,” one of the four album outtakes due to feature on the reissue. Check out the song below:

In another Instagram post, Chvrches revealed that “Manhattan” was “one of the first tracks the three of [them] worked on together”, adding that the song “instantly resonated, highlighting traits that became the signature sound throughout the debut album.” 

Band member Iain Cook elaborated: 

“It was the first time we messed around with sampling and chopping up our vocals which would go on to become one of the hallmarks of the band’s sound. Lyrically, we were playing around with pretty abstract apocalyptic imagery—in this case the Manhattan Project. This was right around the time we asked Lauren to come into the studio to try out some additional vocals.”

Cook and Doherty, who had been members of the Glasgow alternative rock band Aereogramme until their departure in 2007, reconnected four years later to work on a new synth-orientated project. After proposing Blue Sky Archives drummer/singer Lauren Mayberry record vocals with them, the duo played their soon-to-be frontwoman a handful of demos including “Manhattan”, and Chvrches was born. 

Following the immediate online success of their debut song “Lies”, the trio quickly began gaining popularity through word-of-mouth. Although initially only intended as a studio project, growing expectations from fans saw the band take to the stage as a live act. Within a year they had released “The Mother We Share” and signed a record deal with Glassnote Records. The Bones Of What You Believe followed in 2013, shooting Chvrches into the mainstream, where they have enjoyed consistent success ever since.

Listen to “The Mother We Share” below:

In 2023, Mayberry revealed plans to tour as a solo artist, but reassured fans that, while Chvrches will be going on hiatus, the trio isn’t done forever: “We are all confident that the Chvrches story has many more pages yet to be written.” 

The singer is set to release her debut single next month and tours the UK in October.

See below for dates:

05/10/2023 – SWG3 TV Studio – Glasgow
06/10 – O2 Academy – Birmingham
08/10 – Academy 2 – Manchester
09/10 – Koko – London

Get tickets here.

Pre-order The Bones Of What You Believe 10 here.

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The shows will see him play Glasgow’s OVO Hydro Arena on the 13th, 14th, 16th, and 17th of December this year at the end of his UK tour. The tour will begin in October with two back to back shows at Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse on the 22nd and 23rd, before heading to London for two shows at Alexandra Palace on the 25th and 26th, and then heading all over the country through Birmingham (28th), Hull (29th), Edinburgh (31st), and Aberdeen (1st November). You can find all the details and tickets here.

With a name that belies his origins, Paolo has come a long way from the small town of Paisley in Scotland where he grew up. Despite now being a chart-topping troubadour and national favourite, the singer was once expected to follow his fathers footsteps into the family fish and chip shop business, before being encouraged to sing by his music loving grandfather and a teacher from his school who recognised his gift.

4 albums later and Paolo is somewhat of a national treasure in the UK, particularly in Scotland where he enjoys icon like status. However the 8 years it’s taken to make and release his latest effort hasn’t been without adversity, at times it’s been fraught with difficult self reflection and turbulence, with it’s title Last Night In The Bittersweet being an ode to his desire to escape those periods. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Paolo explained: “There was a long period of life for me that could have been defined as bittersweet. The juxtaposition between the ups and the downs was really quick. It wasn’t in terms of my career, just emotionally”, he continued: “I think I became very content in that rhythm and I guess there was a point where I sought to move out of that and become a happier person. I’m still in the process, but it was a conscious attempt to figure out what was causing that and to try and conquer that“.

Now he seems more content, having recharged his batteries and gained some perspective, he seems delighted and grateful to be returning to the stage. Speaking of the lockdown and the liberation being unleashed on the world once again, Paulo said “the past two years, watching how it’s affected everybody, that social shutdown, it made me think that it is a real privilege to go out and communicate with people on such a scale. And to have the outlet of release that performing on a stage can give. I get the tunes out there and I already feel a bit lighter, but it’s not just that; you’re giving other people a good buzz and a good kick. It’s a good feeling. It makes you feel like you’re doing something right.”

Well we can only hope (and expect) that he will be giving those lucky enough to catch him at Glasgow’s Ovo Hyrdo Arena later in the year a good buzz too. Welcome back Paolo.

October 22nd, 23rd 2022 – O2 Victoria Warehouse – Manchester

October 25th, 26th – Alexandra Palace – London

October 28th – O2 ACADEMY 1 – Birmingham

October 29th – Bonus Arena – Hull

October 31st – O2 Academy – Edinburgh

November 1st – Music Hall – Aberdeen

December 13th, 14th, 16th, 17th – OVO Hydro Arena – Glasgow

The lineup includes huge acts: Amelie Lens, Chaos in the CBD, Helena Hauff, Hector Oaks, Kornél Kovács, Mall Grab, Nina Kraviz, Robert Hood, Special Request, and FJAAK are all set to perform, among many others.

This iteration of the festival is aptly named ‘Resurgence’, referencing its eventual return after several pushbacks. Issues related to Covid have caused delays, postponements, and cancellations of events and festival, and Terminal V is no exception. The Scottish festivals hiatus has lasted nearly two years, especially devastating considering this was once a biannual event.

Taking place at the Royal Highland Centre, the huge indoor event is now boasting more stages than ever, with six custom-built arenas containing over 80 artists. Surely, the resurgence of this festival will be huge. Running across two days over next years Easter weekend, it will host 40,000 electronic music fans from all corners of the globe, if they are not on the red list by then of course, depending on the Covid situation in four months time.

The lineup is extensive, including just about every major electronic artist from the last few years. Chaos in the CBD, who have steadily built up a strong standing in the house scene, will feature on the same weekend with Mall Grab, one of the biggest acts to emerge from the scene in the last few years, becoming a staple of almost every festival up until lockdown. These two artists are worth the entry fee alone. See the full lineup on Terminal V’s Facebook below:

With the changing picture of Covid in mind, Terminal V have reassured ticket buyers that their money is in safe hands. On their website, under the page titled ‘Our Ticket Promise’, they stated: “Have peace of mind that in the circumstances of a cancelled event, we will always refund the face value of your ticket(s). This relates to any Terminal V event and the ongoing pandemic. If we need to reschedule/postpone an event, your ticket(s) will be automatically transferred to the new date. If you’re unable to attend the new date, then refunds will always be issued for requests received within 7 days of the new dates and times being fully announced.”

Tickets are open for registration now, with final tickets on sale on Tuesday the 7th at midday. Register for a ticket here.

The legendary rock band have taken to their Instagram to announce the news to fans.

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The broadcasting conglobate have planned a series of concerts for this year featuring various artists, the iconic welsh band are the third act announced to perform. Due to the limited sized audience available at the concert, from 11th September 2021, the performance will be available to view on BBC iPlayer and on BBC Sounds. The special gig’s highlights will also be broadcasted on BBC Radio 2 the next evening from 7 pm-9 pm.

The Brit award winners will perform at Cardiff’s famed venue, St David’s Hall, home to the annual concert Welsh Proms Cardiff. James Dean Bradfield, frontman of the ‘A Design For Life’ rockers, has spoken on the importance and symbolisation of the group’s performance at St David’s Hall. “We are really excited to be playing St David’s Hall in Cardiff on August 12th for Radio 2 Live. I’ve seen bands and artists including The Waterboys, Echo and the Bunnymen, John Grant and Gary Numan perform on stage there, and myself and Nicky Wire busked outside of it in the mid 80s. Hopefully we can add to the musical memories we have experienced there.”

Head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas has also expressed the station’s excitement for the new concert series. Thomas states the purpose of the new series, Radio 2 Live, whilst confirming the other two acts included within the station’s productions. “New for 2021 and beyond, Radio 2 Live will take the spirit of our very special radio station around the UK. Manic Street Preachers delivered an incredible performance for Radio 2 Live at Hyde Park in 2018, so we’re thrilled to be bringing them to Cardiff to perform an intimate set for their fans in Wales. Listeners and viewers can watch these exclusive performances from the Manic Street Preachers, Texas and Steps on BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer in September.”

Other acts included within the exciting new series are 90’s pop band Steps and Glasgow rock band Texas, the Scottish group known for their long-standing music career and multiple hit songs. Steps are set to perform in Manchester on 10th August 2021, famed for their ‘5,6,7,8’ hit, the group have released the following statement expressing their excitement and stating what ticket-holders can expect from their performance. “We are beyond excited to be performing for Radio 2 Live in Manchester. It will be our first live performance in front of an audience in over three years and we cannot wait. It’ll be a great chance to play some of our latest singles and Steps classics and get warmed up ahead of our UK arena tour this November.”

BBC radio presenter Zoe Ball announced via her breakfast show the date and venue for Texas’ performance in partnership with BBC’s concert series, Radio 2 Live. Texas is confirmed to perform at St Luke’s on 4th August 2021, located within the band’s hometown. The front-woman of Texas, Sharleen Spiteri, has conveyed her thoughts concerning the group’s hometown show. “I’m always excited to play in Glasgow, our hometown! And I’m thrilled to be performing for the first time at St. Luke’s for Radio 2 Live.”

The head of Music for Radio 2, Jeff Smith, has provided the following statement concerning the new concert series’ mission statement whilst expressing his joy to be organising live performances once again. “Radio 2 is committed to bringing live music performance to its listeners as we know how much they love to listen and watch their favourite artists perform the songs they adore. Over the past year, Radio 2 House Music has done a brilliant job with performances from Joan Armatrading, Kelly Clarkson, Rag’n’Bone Man and many more, but now it’s time to get back to live performance in front of an audience. Radio 2 Live is going to feature incredible sets from major artists, in front of what I’m sure will be a very excited audience of Radio 2 listeners.”

In order to attend the event, fans are invited to register by the BBC’s website, the lucky ticket holders will then be chosen via a ballot. Click here to register and be in the running to see Manic Street Preachers, Steps and Texas live.