NORTHERN EXPOSURE LIVE: ANOTHER MASSIVE NIGHT FOR NEW MUSIC

LIVE REVIEW |NORTHERN EXPOSURE LIVE: ROUND 2 ft Annie and The Jays, Jasmin Jet, Ryan Brown, Ben Lauder, Gambit | CLASSIC GRAND, GLASGOW|13th February 2026 by Anne Kelly

On Friday night, Northern Exposure Live returned to Glasgow’s Classic Grand for its second installment, once again in collaboration with B12 Entertainment. Following the soaring success of our October debut, we decided to do it all again, this time pivoting toward a pop-leaning showcase of Scotland’s most exciting new voices. We made sure to be through the doors for the early 6.30pm start, just in time to catch Gambit setting the pace for the night.

Gambit

Warming up the room was the vintage-inspired, blues-rock sound of Gambit. The Edinburgh-based quartet has built a formidable reputation for high-octane live shows since forming in 2024. With this lineup now locked in for nearly a year, it’s clear Gambit has plenty to look forward to in 2026. Their recent single,‘Sympathy’ channels the heavy soul of Led Zeppelin paired with the vocal prowess of icons like Janis Joplin or Beth Hart. On record, Gambit are impressive; on stage, they are absolute dynamite.

Ben Lauder

Following Gambit was a tall order, but Ayrshire’s Ben Lauder kept the momentum surging. In a striking contrast to the preceding rock ’n’ roll grit, Ben took the stage solo for a set that was no less dynamic. This performance marked a pivotal creative transition for the artist, coming just hours after the release of his brand-new single,‘Wedding Store’. For a solo performer, stage presence is everything, and Ben had it in spades. With a glowing blend of vocal power, effortless swag, and magnetic personality, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand, singing and dancing along with genuine passion.

Ryan Brown

Glasgow’s Ryan Brown was undoubtedly the dark horse of the evening. Given his leanings toward singer-songwriters like Lewis Capaldi andJames Arthur, I hadn’t expected to be quite so gripped—but his performance was undeniable. Proving his professionalism early on, Ryan faced a missing keyboard stand with DIY grit, subbing in a pair of barstools to ensure the show went on. The set’s true power lay in its vulnerability; alongside his guitarist Georgia Laing, Ryan took a stripped-back, storytelling approach that gave every track a sense of place. I have no doubt our paths will cross again – next time, surely on a much grander stage.

Jasmin Jet

The night’s true shining star was Falkirk’s Jasmin Jet. The definition of a pop icon in the making, Jasmin arrives with a resume that already boasts soaring success. After being crowned Greene King’s Untapped Talentwinner late last year, she secured a feature in Rolling Stone and a support slot for Eurovision legend Sam Ryder. Dressed to impress, Jasmin may be small in stature, but her voice and energy are massive. At just 21, her ability to craft hook-driven anthems – written alongside producer James Allen- is unmatched. Every track in her set raised the bar, but the highlight was crowning a crowd member as her very first ‘Drama Queen’ complete with a shiny garland to match her own plastic tiara. Pop fans: get on this rising star now.

Annie and The Jays

With the evening’s running order determined by ticket sales, it was Glasgow’s own Annie and The Jays who claimed the headline slot, filling the floor to capacity. Led by powerhouse vocalist Annie, the quintet were celebrating the release of their new single, ‘Another Bad Habit’, which completed their debut EP, Dusk, released earlier that day. As their first gig of 2026, the hype was palpable, and the band’s enthusiasm perfectly mirrored the crowd’s energy. Annie’s voice is immense, and her stage presence is as commanding as it is comforting. Breaking the ice early by recruiting the crowd for some Britney Spears backing vocals, she paved the way for a truly world-class set. There is no doubt Annie and The Jays will be dominating headlines and lineups for the rest of the year.

Whilst the early 6.30pm kick-off may have staved the evenings turnout, the buzz in the room remained from the first chord to the final encore. It wasn’t a night without its hurdles, as a few technical sound issues cropped up throughout the evening, occasionally threatening to overshadow the finer details of the performances. However, in true Scottish fashion, the artists refused to be rattled. Each act handled the gremlins with professional grit, proving that when the songs and the energy are this strong, a bit of feedback or a patchy mix can’t kill the vibe. All in all, it was a massive night for new music – proof that whether it’s 6.30pm or midnight, this scene and B12 Entertainment knows how to show up and deliver.

B12 Entertainment bring new music live to Glasgow every week – check out their current listings here!