SCOTLAND AT REEPERBAHN
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SCOTLAND AT REEPERBAHN -
16-19 Sep, 2026
Hamburg, Germany
We’re heading to Hamburg for Reeperbahn Festival, bringing three of Scotland’s finest acts with us: Dylan John Thomas, Lucia & The Best Boys and James Emmanuel, all selected by our friends at Reeperbahn Festival.
Full details below, and drop us a line if you’re at the event and want to connect 👋
Dylan John Thomas
Thursday
07:40 PM–08:10 PM | docks / prince’s bar
Growing up in an orphanage, Dylan John Thomas didn't have wealthy parents who could afford him guitar lessons or a formal musical education during his childhood. Instead, the DIY songwriter first encountered Johnny Cash through playing "Tony Hawk's Pro Skater" at home and made a decision: I need a guitar, I want to be a musician. What followed was a cinematic journey through Glasgow's music underground and later across the UK, leading the young upstart to his debut EP, "Dylan John Thomas" (2021), and from there to his self-titled debut album in 2024. "It seems to be kicking off," the self-taught musician modestly declared at the time. Absolutely! And how. Whether he's addressing his ADHD diagnosis, singing with aching beauty about the loss of a loved one, or packaging unrequited affection in laconic lyrics, Dylan John Thomas's songs aren't just good—they actually mean something. This is particularly noticeable at the newcomer's concerts, when the audience sings along, cries, and laughs. A poet without affectation, but with a big heart and a wealth of experience from which he draws with loving attention to detail.
james emmanuel
Thursday
06:00 PM–07:00 PM | St. Pauli Kirche
To support him emotionally and spiritually through the turmoil of growing up, his father enrolled him in the local church choir, thereby not only opening the door to faith for James Emmanuel, but also laying the foundation for a remarkable career. When his father died, young James set off from Nigeria for Edinburgh in Scotland, eked out a living as a cleaner in a sports bar, and rediscovered his passion for singing. Then, everything happened very quickly: After a few open-mic nights and gigs in small pubs, he immediately attracted attention – and not just in his new hometown – with his single “Lonesome Men” (2023). The powerful voice of this incredibly charming soul singer resonated across radio stations throughout the UK, turning him in no time at all into a phenomenon whom many are already comparing to the likes of Teddy Pendergrass and Marvin Gaye. And not without good reason, as James Emmanuel has proved time and again with singles such as “Nothing But Love” (2025) and “Time” (2026). Even before the waves of enthusiasm have really swept across the English Channel, connoisseurs of contemporary soul music here will have their first chance to see this exceptional talent perform live. Don’t miss it.
lucia & the best boys
When she started her Lucia & The Best Boys project, Lucia Fairfull was just 19 and still finding her way. Just as she’s developed and found her identity over the years, the sound of this rising artist has also continually evolved and intensified – from the raw post-punk of her debut EP ‘Best Boy’ (2017) to the larger-than-life synth-pop opus ‘Burning Castles’ (2023). Her songwriting has, naturally, evolved with her, growing and becoming more complex, until finally blending her autobiographical and cinematic qualities to create a unique style. Her new single ‘You Look Like Somebody In Love,’ and her collaboration with Lauren Mayberry, ‘Lonely Girl’ (2026), showcase an artist whose self-assured approach to the production process yields extraordinary intensity. The fact that even Elton John has professed his enthusiasm for her music on his podcast ‘Rocket Hour’ says it all. With her new album “Picking Petals” (2026), she’s now proving these accolades are more than justified. Anyone keen to experience this for themselves can finally catch Lucia & The Best Boys live here for the very first time.