TRNSMT is just around the corner with many ticket holders studying the line-up trying to decide who they're going to see . As well as headliners like The Strokes, Lewis Capaldi and Paolo Nutini, the festival is the perfect place to discover your new favourite band or check out a performer you would never have considered before.
With such a selection to choose from, we took our query on must-see acts right to the top. Here's who TRNSMT boss Geoff Ellis has as his top picks for this weekend's festival.
He said: "I’ve avoided picking the obvious heavy-hitters such as Paolo Nutini, Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, The Strokes, Foals and Wolf Alice, all of whom are must-sees.
Read more: TRNSMT 2022: All you need to know about tickets and what's still available
"I've instead focused on artists that everyone may not be fully aware of yet, the exception being Nile Rodgers & Chic. As you’ll hear from their set, it’s chock-full of hits - Nile has produced more hits for other people than some artists have achieved on their own. This will be their biggest gig in Scotland to date and is sure to be a real treat for fans, old and new.
"This list is only a handful of the wonderful new acts on the bill at TRNSMT this year – if anyone hasn’t heard of the artists, I would urge you to check them out – Lewis Capaldi, Sam Fender and Gerry Cinnamon all played early slots on the King Tut’s stage before they became global names."
Wet Leg - Boldly emerging from the Isle of Wight, Wet Leg have quickly made a name for themselves on the UK music scene, combining quirky lyricisms with moody bass heavy grooves and electrifying indie guitar. ‘Chaise Lounge’ is already a classic, I have no doubt they’ll attract large crowds this summer at TRNSMT with their refreshing sound.
Self Esteem - ‘Prioritise Pleasure’ was quite possibly my favourite album last year and I can’t wait to see Self Esteem perform her tracks live. Moulding her sound and image after pop veterans of the past, from Madonna to Kylie she is a connoisseur of the scene and a role model to other female artists’ - a natural performer, her live shows are a dazzling spectacle of visuals, sound, and edgy choreography.
Dylan John Thomas – Another home grown star likely to join the ranks of Messrs Cinnamon, Capaldi and Nutini, Dylan John Thomas has gone from busking to performing his own solo headline show at the Barrowland and invited to play with Noel Gallagher at Dundee Summer Sessions. His unique DIY sound is drenched in stories and anecdotes of his city, of Glasgow and I’m keen to see what he does next, his slot on the main stage at TRNSMT will be memorable for sure.
Nina Nesbitt - Nina Nesbitt has been a staple on the UK music scene for over a decade, from her early musical roots working alongside global superstar Ed Sheeran, to today with two albums under her belt and a third ‘Alskar’ just months from its release date, it’s an exciting time for the young Scottish star. Though she's no stranger to the TRNSMT main stage, performing a duet with Lewis Capaldi of his smash hit ‘Rush’ in 2018, Nesbitt’s back, this time on her own terms and I couldn’t be more pleased for her.
Beabadoobee - Headlining the illustrious King Tut’s Stage mere days before the release of her second studio album ‘Beatopia’, Beabadoobee is making her long awaited TRNSMT debut giving festival fans a peek inside her dream world. One to watch, Beabadoobee wears her influences on her sleeve and ironically, her vintage Britpop sound makes her one of the freshest sounds in contemporary pop today.
Bemz - After an incredible year which saw the Scottish rapper supporting The Snuts and being crowned BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year, Bemz is ready to show TRNSMT fans what he’s made of as he opens our River Stage on Saturday 9th July. Combining sharp thought-provoking lyrics with contemporary hip hop beats, he’s a future hip hop star hailing a short distance away from Ayrshire.
Alex Amor - Few were as prepared for the last couple years in all its turbulence and uncertainty like Alex Amor was, after building a music studio in her parent’s stair cupboard - she devoted herself to working remotely, experimenting with technology, and creating new, unique sounds. She is a fascinating figure in today’s pop scene and after gaining traction on Radio 1 and Radio Scotland, she is making a name for herself in the pop mainstream.
STONE - Breaking through with their bruising, in-your-face anthem, ‘Leave It Out’, STONE have distinguished themselves from their guitar-shredding contemporaries, with lead singer Finlay Power’s seething Scouse delivery and fearless display of showmanship regularly see STONE drawing large crowds from Punk rock devotees, they’re not to be missed.
Dylan - Noting AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses as major influences, Dylan has her sights set on greatness, and there’s no denying she’s on her way. Fresh off a supporting slot on Ed Sheeran’s UK tour, Dylan is making her debut on the Green with her dreamy brand of alt-pop and introspective lyrics, catch her performing the banger ‘Nineteen’ over at the Main Stage this July at TRNSMT.
Thomas Headon - Thomas Headon, with all his charm and dazzling, raw talent has proved himself as an emerging star on the UK indie-pop scene. His song ‘Strawberry Kisses’ is an undeniable banger and will be a TRNSMT favourite.
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