Where Tradition Burns Bright: Meet The Scottish Artists Dominating The Industry

Burns Night is a celebration of Scotland’s voice – it’s poetry, stories and, just as importantly, it’s music. While haggis, whisky and a rendition of Auld Lang Syne remain essential, there’s no better way to honour the Bard than by supporting the artists carrying Scotland’s creative spirit forward today. 

King Tut's Wah Wah Hut started the celebrations early with Byrnes Night on 21st January. This was the world's first and only genre-defying celebration of two Scottish icons: Robert Burns and David Byrne. The iconic venue hosted a range of Scottish artists reading Robert Burns poems and covering Talking Heads and David Byrne songs. 41 artists took to the stage to celebrate these Scottish legends, an astounding number for the humble 300-capacity venue.

For those wishing to see the real deal, An Evening with David Byrne - Who Is The Sky Tour will be at Glasgow's SEC Armadillo. 

Across the country, venues are lighting up with live music on Burns Night and into 2026, showcasing Scottish artists who are shaping the sound of the nation right now now. From traditional folk influences to indie anthems, soaring rock hooks and modern pop with a Scottish twist, there's a gig for every kind of Burns Night celebration.

Biffy Clyro, formed in Kilmarnock, are one of the UK's most successful rock bands. They fly the Scottish flag proudly at every gig and have just announced an exciting show in their homeland at Edinburgh Summer Sessions 2026.

The iconic Scottish venue, Barrowland plays host to Twilight Sad, the dynamic indie-rockers from Kilsyth. Born in the Kingdom of Fife, Cammy Barnes has had multiple singles reach the UK Top 20 and is playing four nights in a row this February in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, including two sold out nights at King Tut's. There's a reason Brooke Combe picked up the Rolling Stone UK 'Play Next' award in 2024. She's one of the UK's newest and brightest stars, originally from Dalkeith, her career has went from strength to strength in 2025. She is set to play to a sold out King Tut's in April, then twice at St Luke's in the same month followed by Edinburgh Summer Sessions' Heather on the Hill Festival in August.

We're excited for Bellshill's very own Rianne Downey to bring her ethereal blend of country, folk and indie influences to Dundee, Edinburgh and Aberdeen this year.

Synth-pop meets indie rock in Lucia and The Best Boys, whose debut album, Burning Castles, pays homage to the band's Scottish roots. If infectious synth-pop melodies are your thing, you don't want to miss this band at Barrowland in May.

King Tut's is continuing to do what it does best - showcasing up-and-coming Scottish artists. Brodie Barclay, the self-proclaimed "severely Scottish" singer-songwriter will take to the stage at the end of this month, supported by fellow Scots Angelface, Niamh Corkey and Öpaque. With catchy hooks and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, Sister Madds are another Glasgow band that fall into the ones-to-watch category. You can catch them at the iconic venue in February.

Producer, DJ, singer and songwriter Sam Gellaitry, born and raised in Stirling, brings his vivd, genre-blurring music to Glasgow Art School in March.

The Pepsi MAX presents TRNSMT 2026 lineup is littered with outstanding Scottish artists, from rising stars to global successes. Making an appearance on the Main Stage on Friday 19th is Dylan John Thomas, as well as Glasgow-based The Snuts on Saturday 20th.

Also performing on the Saturday are The Fratellis who are celebrating 30 years of their iconic album, Costello Music this year. What better way to do this than at Scotland's biggest party - TRNSMT. Hailing from Glasgow, their performance at the Glasgow Green based festival will be a particularly special show.

Sunday 21st is a Scots-packed day with Lewis Capaldi headlining the Main Stage, supported by Amy Macdonald and Katie Gregson-MacLeod.

Both Edinburgh and Glasgow Summer Sessions are offering music fans festival days jam-packed with Scottish artists. Edinburgh Summer Sessions' Heather on the Hill is a brand-new, family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22nd August. Created and headlined by Nathan Evans and The Saint Phnx Band, the event promises entertainment for all ages and a lively mix of music with some Scottish artists including Skerryvore, Brooke Combe and NATI.

Glasgow's Summer Sessions' State Fayre will celebrate folk-rock, country and Americana music with an amazing mix of Scottish and American artists, delicious food and unbeatable summer vibes! Headlined by The Lumineers, the all-day festival also features Scottish legends, The Proclaimers. The lineup also includes Dylan Gossett, KT Tunstall, The Saw Doctors, Avery Anna, Buffalo Traffic Jam, plus more still to be announced.

Check out all our amazing Scottish artists who are bound to deliver outstanding performances that fill you with national pride!