TENEMENT TRAIL 2023 | THE BEST BITS NORTHERN EXPOSURE

VISTAS, THE BIG DAY, LIZZIE REID, BEMZ AND SILVI AMONGST THE 51 ACTS WHO PLAYED THIS YEARS MULTI-VENUE MUSIC TRAIL.

Likely one of the most important music events of the year for emerging artists across Scotland and beyond is Glasgow’s Tenement Trail. Established in 2013 by Tenement TV, the multi-venue indoor festival has previously hosted big names such as Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi and Yungblood over the years. There’s a real charm about the trail, knowing you could be witnessing truly special. With artists such as The Big Day, Bemz, Vistas, Ben Walker and Lizzie Reid all performing throughout the day, festival goers are truly spoilt for choice.

Despite the torrential downpour overnight forcing travel distribution across Scotland, the venues were thriving early doors. Local bands such as San Jose, Walt Disco, Soapbox and Tina Sandwich are amongst some of those making an early appearance. Not even 5pm and the first ‘full to capacity’ has occured with Glasgow synth pop duo Majesty Palm over at The Winged Ox. The newbies are teasing all the right energy on the scene right now so it’s no surprise that even fellow artists and press miss the rare opportunity to catch this hot duo. Back over at Van Winkle, similar sights are occuring with queues lined down the street outside for GIRLS.SPEAK.FRENCH. For a band who only released their first single earlier this year, that’s a fairly impressive debut.

Adverse weather conditions don’t discriminate though so it’s only after the fact that I finally make an actual appearance onsite. Just on time to catch Edinburgh based band Figurines at The Winged Ox, the room is packed fairly tight this evening. Catchy indie pop tunes with a charismatic stage presence to match, the audience are really feeling it. Especially the enthusiastic bearded gent beside me who nudges me with his plastic pint to tell me ‘They’re bloody good, eh?’.

Next door at St Luke’s is singer/songwriter Ben Walker. St Luke’s has to be one of the most beautiful venues Glasgow has to offer. Built in the 1830’s, the former Church of Scotland has recently been refurbished with original features restored. The spiritual ambience of the room only glorifies this evening’s performance. Just turned 20, the Montrose lad has supported the likes Ben Ottewell (Gomez), Mark Sharp & the Bicycle Thieves and soon he will join The View on their sold out Scottish tour dates in December. Witnessing this young talent deliver such a dynamic set with his band is by far one of the days highlights.

It’s over to BAaD next where we catch Bandit Country. A band bloomed out of lockdown, Bandit Country were engaging from the off and seemed to be at ease holding such a large crowd. Back at The Winged Ox it’s about time for something a little heavier with Glasgow quintet, Arcade State. With 3 guitarists on stage, you know this isn’t going to be for the faint hearted. A combination heavy riffs with melodic heart, Arcade State channel Biffy Clyro vibes into their set which is made up on entirely new unreleased material. Despite the fresh material, there are a lot of people here to check them out and it goes down beautifully.

By this stage of the days events, clashes are inevitable and some tough choices need to be made. Well that and some mad dashes between venues. For this one it’s the latter than wins and it’s a a dart across the road in the rain to catch Plasticine at BAaD. The emerging alternative Glasgow band are utterly captivating. Their stage presence is mesmerising with front woman Summer holding the attention of every person in the room.

Trying to pull myself away to head back to The Winged Ox was a difficult ask, However, arriving just on time for West Lothian singer Silvi was an easy decision. For such a powerful performance, the stage set up is simple. Drawing all focus on the incredible power of her voice, Silvi is accompanied by producer/guitarist Scott Bathgate and drummer Murray Bartle (Lo Rays) who compliment her sound so beautifully. Silvi proves to be a hidden gem you really ought to check out.

With the festival drawing to a close, it’s over to the different venue headline acts to make their appearance. Rory James takes the prime position at 226 Gallowgate, Lizzie Reid headlines BBC Introducing Barrowlands 2 stage and upstairs on the main Barrowlands dancefloor is the incredible Vistas who have short notice stepped in for Circa Waves who has to pull out due to illness. However, St Luke’s is our venue of choice for multi award winning rapper Bemz. Breaking down barriers within the Scottish rap scene, Bemz is the gentle giant that is hard not be drawn towards. Everything about Bemz performance is outstanding. Bringing with him a full backing band and guest appearances from the likes of Sean Focus, the SAY AWARD shortlisted artist has the entirety of St Luke’s bouncing.

With just one stop left, it’s over to BAaD for The Big Day. Another ‘new’ band on the scene, the pop plenty four piece are drawing massive crowds who can’t resist their stylistic 80’s theatrical energy. These guys are very good. Like seriously impressive. Frontman Ryan Hunter knows exactly how to work a crowd and whether or not that confidence is organic or built on a fake it til you make it, it deliver

The new music scene thrives on events like Tenement Trail. With so many venues and promotors afraid to take a punt on fresh talent, high profile events like this give the industry a massive boost. Where else can you catch 51 bands for £30??

If like us and you are already counting down the days to next year’s event which will take place Saturday 12th October , you super eager can already get their hands on early bird tickets here

Photo Credit Hope Simmers & Anne Kelly