FESTIVAL REVIEW | TRNSMT DAY 3 14/07/24 by Anne Kelly
Third and final day of TRNSMT 2024 and while we might be withering a little, the atmosphere isn’t. Set to be headlined by Scotland’s very own superstar Calvin Harris, there’s a real party atmosphere in the Green today. But for us, Sunday is all about the Girl Power with Nova Twins, Majesty Palm, CMAT and Baby Queen at the top of our itinerary.
“Hello Glasgow! My name and CMAT and I’m from Ireland.
Starting off another scorcher of a day down at the main stage (before the pens become full) we popped along to catch country pop star CMAT. Having already secured two album No.1’s in her native Irish homeland, CMAT just been nominated for the 2024 Mercury Prize for 2023’s Crazymad, for Me, and now I can honestly say what all the fuss has been about. Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson (aka CMAT) has a vocal delivery and stage presence to be cherished. Despite it being an early crowd, the space is well occupied and when ‘I Wanna Be A Cowboy, Baby” is introduced with a simple side-step dance lesson; everybody is getting involved. CMAT encapsulates so much energy and personality into her performance. Projecting the most endearing style of “don’t give a f**k” attitude, her natural Irish humor and wit are woven seamlessly into her performance. So when the singer referenced the impending EURO 2024 finals by declaring “I’m feeling a little bit Spanish today” whilst rollicking across the floor, the site erupted in a unified cheer.
Meanwhile over at the River Stage, BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year runners up Majesty Palm were making their TRNSMT Festival debut. Another local act who are creating quite buzz, the Glasgow electro-pop duo welcomed well attended curious crowd for such an early set.
Back over on the main stage, Baby Queen is set to take the stage. Having had the honour of chatting with Bella (aka Baby Queen) earlier in the afternoon, I was particularly excited to check her set out. Wearing an oversized shirt, black sunglasses and an adorable plastic crown, Baby Queen’s stage presence and sound matches her aesthetic naturally. It was particularly warming to see the young women who had gathered at the barrier to show their support. Singing every word like it was their own and using every moment of pause to cheer for their idol.
Another highlight of the weekend was the sensational Nova Twins over on the King Tuts Stage. The rock duo are quite likely one of the best live acts on the alternative seen right now. These two women pack a fair punch on stage; they are raw, they are loud and they are strikingly fearless. Having been on tour with the likes of Foo Fighters, Muse and Limp Bizkit (to name but just a few), the duo are flourishing right now.
Nova Twins have taken complete ownership of a genre which is vastly underrepresented by Black women. They are part of a growing crowd of those inspiring other women to pick up guitars, leading the way for better representation in rock music. A scene which we have seen generously over the weekend, but it’s still not quite there. Over the three full days and three stages, only one headline act, English Teacher (River Stage, Sunday), show any female representation. As for non-white headliners, English Teacher have done it again, with vocalist Lily Fontaine being the only headliner to meet that description. For Scotland’s biggest music festival, that just isn’t good enough.
Whilst the weekend showcased a variety of upcoming artists from different backgrounds, the line up’s lack of diversity only highlights the level of discrepancy across the industry. Whilst we can appreciate the need for promoters to sell tickets by booking big acts, they also need to be actively trying to change the narrative for future generations. If Glastonbury can do it, then surely TRNSMT can try harder. The women across the weekend, particularly those occupying the male dominated rock space, have absolutely smashed it.
As the day goes on, the main stage is monopolised by the guys again with Tom Grennan and Blossoms attracting the younger indie crowds. Introducing ‘Gary‘ – an 8 ft statue of a Gorilla – to their Scottish crowds, Blossoms front man Tom Ogden explains that the Gorilla is a replica of one which was stolen from his own home. New addition ‘Gary’ takes up residency as a more permanent member of the band, wetting the appetite for their forthcoming album of the same name in September.
As the night draws in – and England await their football fate – the three stages ensure a mixture of choice for those still standing. On the River Stage it’s one for the new music fans with the riotous Essex trio Bilk penultimately wrapping up the action ahead of the new Mercury Prize nominated English Teacher. Whilst King Tuts is reserved for the mosh pits with post hardcore rock band Enter Shikari closing the weekend action there. But the party is ultimately taking place over on the main stage with Chase & Status ahead of Scotland’s own superstar headliner, Calvin Harris. Keeping the crowd dancing and celebrating for a full 2 hours in what has been a spectacular weekend of music.
TRNSMT Festival is set to return to Glasgow Green in 2025 with dates falling on 11, 12, 13th July.
Early Bird weekend tickets are on sale now with payment plans available too.
More TRNSMT coverage available HERE!
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