Tuesday 25th May 2010
Summer Festival Guide: The top eight Scottish music festivals and the bands to watch out for
The Scotsman
The top homegrown talent playing at Scotland's festivals
There is much to discover in Scotland's boutique festivals, and of course the mega music store that is T in the Park. And, gloriously, much of the talent is homegrown, on the cusp of becoming major UK and world players.
First, MEURSAULT appearing at both Knockengorroch World Ceilidh and the Kelburn Garden Party. Soundtracking a similar wilderness as Twilight Sad, Neil Pennycook's Edinburgh collective are buried down the bill at both festivals but are one of the most scintillating live acts to emerge in the past 12 months. Fellow Edinburgher WITHERED HAND is another act to look out for at Knockengorroch. Dan Wilson's one-man band is more shambolic but equally charming, with a roots and country twist. You can also see him at the Wickerman festival. Another Edinburgh singer-songwriter worth catching at Wickerman is sometime Aberfeldy guitarist CHRIS BRADLEY, whose solo album At The Outpost is worthy of attention. Bradley also plays Knockengorroch, the Insider, Jockstock and the Wickerman.
At Rockness, look out for STEVE MASON, lurking low on the Best Arena bill. The former Beta Band man has just released his solo debut album – at any rate under his own name – and should prove extremely interesting live.