The Scottish music scene is an incredibly exciting one to be in the loop of. From interesting melodic vocals to artists harbouring unique rich soundscapes, there is truly something big brewing in Scotland – that is other than Irn Bru.
From The Proclaimers chanting ‘I will walk 500 miles’ to Simple Minds exclaiming ‘don’t you forget about me’ whilst unanimously recreating Judd Nelson’s fist pump in the air, Scotland has offered some of the most iconic tracks there are in music history. Whether that is due to our growing accessibility to grassroots venues or due to the strong sense of community we have within the music scene, Scotland is producing some of the best emerging artists there are.
The artists featured below cover a wide array of genres, each embodying their own sound and creating music that is truly a breath of fresh air to listeners; all contending as to being ones to watch in 2025.
swim school
Indie-pop rock quartet are quite the addition to much needed guitar music. With infectious melodic guitar riffs, loud thumping drums and powerful vocals, swim school offer a platter of pure adrenaline when listening in. Lead singer Alice Johnson proves the power of female artists, indulging each song with her mesmerising vocals and intrinsic lyricism.
The band have set their 2025 off with their latest single Heaven, a dreamy hit that has 90s alternative rock woven into its core. It opens with heavy guitar riffs that is accompanied by Johnson’s dreamy vocals. A catchy chorus, driving drums and a delectable bass, Heaven is a single that produces high anticipation for the Edinburgh band.
Lacuna
The 6-piece band utilise unique melodic soundscapes in their music , incorporating sweet folk-like vocals and captivating harmonies that truly revolutionise the listener’s understanding of folk. The Glasgow based band have been producing music since 2021, most recently releasing their single ‘Shelley’, an alternative folk-pop mix that pushes and pulls tempos, drawing you in to a false sense of security until lashing into full dreamy chaos.
Lacuna have played in multiple festivals and shows, including Glasgow’s music discovery festival Tenement Trail and headlining at King Tut’s New Year Revolution show. Along with having success on stage, Lacuna are gaining widespread attention outwith of Glasgow, shortlisted for the Scottish Alternative Music Award for Best Newcomer and consistently getting featured on BBC Introducing Scotland’s radio.
Expecting 2025 to be their best year yet, releases such as ‘Shelley’ only set listeners’ expectations high, mesmerizing their audience with their captivating lyricism and ensuring listeners are doused in cathartic-swaying hits.
PVC
This five-piece indie alternative band made a steady rise into the Glasgow grassroots scene, keeping a mysterious presence whilst performing until releasing their debut single in October 2024. Although fairly new to the Spotify game, PVC are no stranger to the stage, performing in multiple iconic Scottish venues and multi-venue festivals without releasing a single song.
Thankfully, listeners are now granted with two singles, Cara’s Song being their most recent release. The song incorporates dreamy soundscapes with enchanting riffs and melodic vocals. Starting at a slower, laid-back pace, soothing its listener into the smooth lyricism, the song then eventually progresses into an upbeat hit.The tune dips into a pocket of momentary silence, the lead singer then chuckling to herself until the drums take lead into sweet bliss. PVC have the performance and melodic-swagger that ultimately will drive their talent forward, creating an exciting 2025 ahead.
Fright Years
Another Edinburgh-based band that are producing incredibly emotionally-driven yet vocally serene hits is 4-piece Fright Years. Releasing their first piece EP ‘Still Life’ at the end of February, the band have kicked off their year the right way and are now expected to head out on their first headline tour this June.
Fright Years merge the anthemic pop with the indie rock, utilising powerful lyricism with beautifully melodic vocals that have the listener begging for more. Each song has sentimental intricacies laced within, whilst simultaneously encouraging the listener to sway and move to the guitar heavy segments. ‘Still Life’ incorporates all these elements that make Fright Years an incredibly unique band, where their song ‘Aftersun’ is vocally heavy yet ‘Do What You Wanna’ showcases powerful bass lines that make it impossible to sit still to. The band are incredibly versatile, making their future career an exciting one.
Sacred Paws
Last, but certainly not least, we have Glasgow band Sacred Paws. This dance-inducing duo produce afro-pop, tropical post-punk beats, creating a truly unique soundscape. In 2017, the duo’s debut album ‘Strike A Match’ won the Scottish Album of the Year Award, continually achieving widespread praise for their recent work. Their mix in sounds and genres allow the pair to be in a league of their own, blending vocal harmonies and jangly guitars that are truly addicting for the soul.
Previously being part of Golden Grrrls until the band split in 2013, the duo have been making music together for nearly 15 years, ranging from experimental guitars to intricate vocally lead tunes.
The band are set play a few live shows this Spring, able to showcase their most recent releases. This includes their single ‘Fall For You’, where it incorporates intriciate guitar riffs and an interesting string section that adds a level of dramatics to the song.
