Scotland at THE GREAT ESCAPE
13 - 16 MAY 2026
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND
We’re heading back to Brighton from 13-16 May 2026 for The Great Escape! 🏖️
Twenty Three brilliant artists from Scotland will showcase across the festival lineup, and on Thursday we will be hosting our Scotland at The Great Escape Showcase at Horatio’s from 12:00 - 16:00 in partnership with Creative Scotland.
Scotland at The Great Escape Showcase
Thursday 14 May
12:00 - 16:00
Horatio’s (Pier, Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1TW)
12:30-13:00 Alice Faye
13:30-14:00 Fright Years
14:30-15:00 Becky Sikasa
15:30-16:00 James Emmanuel
SHOWCASE ARTISTS
Alex Apolline is a singer-songwriter from a small town near Glasgow, Scotland. Rooted in a background of theatre and storytelling, she began performing on stage at a young age before turning to songwriting – a natural extension of her passion for vivid, emotionally charged narratives. Her songs offer a window into her world, blending personal experience with swirling arrangements and a cinematic sense of drama. Her debut EP, ‘Tales of an Eldest Daughter’ (produced by Oscar Lang – Beabadoobee, awfultune, Flyte), released in May 2025 via Young Poet, introduced Alex’s hauntingly ethereal sound and lyrical depth, exploring heartbreak, childhood trauma, and the complexities of identity.
Alex Apolline
ALICE FAYE
Glasgow’s Alice Faye is an assured and genre-defying songwriter, blending 70s pop, 60s folk, and country with the theatrical influence of Édith Piaf and Jacques Brel. Her confessional style, reminiscent of Rufus Wainwright, pairs with a powerful, timeless voice to create immersive, emotional music. Her acclaimed EP Deadbeat earned BBC airplay and festival appearances. A standout on Channel 4’s The Piano, she has sold out headline shows across the UK and Europe and is the 2025 Sound of Young Scotland winner. With awards and international touring under her belt, and her debut album Vaude Villain due in 2026, Alice continues to rise as a compelling new voice.
ARCHIE
Archie (often referred to as Archie Cw or Archie CW Music) is an emerging singer-songwriter and pop artist based in Glasgow, Scotland. He has rapidly gained attention on social media and the Scottish live music scene for his energetic, pop-rock, and jazz-influenced sound.
Becky Sikasa is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and producer who blends neo-soul and alternative R&B into rich, introspective soundscapes. Her poetic lyrics explore love, identity, and personal transformation, earning her critical acclaim and growing national recognition.
She released her debut EP Twelve Wooden Boxes in 2022, followed by The Writings and the Pictures and the Song in 2024, both of which were shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year Award. Becky has toured with Nile Rodgers, supported Corto.Alto, Joy Crookes and Crane Wives amongst others and was recently named BBC Introducing’s Scottish Artist Of The Year 2025.
Becky Sikasa
BLAIR DAVie
Good things just need the right time <3
Brodie’s a self described severely Scottish songwriter who uses humour to lull audiences into a false sense of security before hitting them where it hurts with his mournful nostalgic lyricism. The Scotsman’s career started toplining on dance tunes and has since evolved into an indie folky dreamscape of earworms. 2025 saw the release of his EP Reverse Cowboy and in 2026 Brodie seeks to release a ‘Dairy Free’ deluxe version with 3 further singles added. 2 of which are certain to make your eyes rain.
BRODIE BARCLAY
69 years have passed since the cowboys attacked. When the world needed them most, Cowboy Hunters were in the pub. This is a story of Farty Rock redemption. Tie your shoes.
COWBOY HUNTERS
FAEDA
FAEDA is a four-piece indie rock band from Thurso in the Scottish Highlands, made up of Robbie McNicol (vocals), Sam Cowan (drums), Cole Cummings (bass), and Jamie Mackay (lead guitar). Known for their captivating and relentlessly energetic stage presence, they have quickly become one of the most exciting emerging acts in the UK music scene. Their electrifying live performances have seen them share stages with artists such as Sam Fender, The View, The Lottery Winners, THE HARA, The Luka State, King Charles, Neon Waltz, and many more. FAEDA have sold out back-to-back headline tours across Scotland and made waves at major festivals, including the Isle of Wight Festival (55,000 capacity), Belladrum Festival, playing the main stage (25,000 capacity) and Liverpool Sound City, with recognition from NME and other leading music publications.
FRIGHT YEARS
2025 was a breakout year for Fright Years. From a euphoric set at TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow to a BBC Introducing session at Maida Vale, the Scottish indie-rock four-piece have quickly established themselves as one of the UK’s most exciting new acts. With regular BBC Radio 1 airplay, TV placements and a run of sold-out Scottish headline shows, the band are fast earning a reputation for turning raw emotion into widescreen, heart-swelling anthems.
Built around frontwoman Juliette Kelly’s commanding voice – powerful, dynamic, and unflinchingly honest – Fright Years craft emotive, cinematic indie rock that feels both intimate and immense.
Their debut EP, Still Life, recorded with producer Theo Verney (Lime Garden, English Teacher), earned critical acclaim for its honesty and ambition. Centred on Juliette’s reflections on loss and grief, the record transforms deeply personal experience into something universal and cathartic. Its standout track, “Stars”, has become a fan favourite – a beacon
HAMISH
British singer-songwriter HAMISH is a voice of devotion in an era of disconnectedness. With a staggering vocal that evokes the likes of Paolo Nutini, Bon Iver and Joe Cocker, addressing love’s tenderness amongst life’s spikier challenges, he holds a purity of heart and spirit in his songs that harkens the timeless love of bygone eras. It’s only fitting that his debut single, Hello Juliette, triggers an emoting sense of hope that defies the nature of the ‘swipe right’ era.
Helicon was formed by brothers John-Paul and Gary Hughes in East Kilbride, Glasgow. Their sound blends psychedelia, electronica, guitars and sitars with a spirit of counter-cultural experimentation.
Helicon
james emmanuel
The journey of Nigerian-born and Edinburgh-based James Emmanuel began with a gentle nudge from his father, a preacher in Nigeria, who noticed his son could use some grounding amid the challenges of youth. James joined the church gospel choir, where he discovered his love for singing that carries him through difficult times. At 16, after his father’s passing, he took on a new responsibility staying home to support his mother. Later, he set out for the UK on his own, working as a cleaner in a sports bar, where his love for music came alive again.
Edinburgh is where he found a true musical home. His warm, soulful performances have become a mainstay at The Jazz Bar, and his gratitude for Edinburgh’s embrace shines in his track, “Nothing But Love For This City.” Inspired by the challenges he’s overcome and his sense of peace and belonging, he released “Lonesome Man,” a heartfelt debut that resonated far and wide.
KERR MERCER
19 year old singer-songwriter from Glasgow, Kerr Mercer last year sold out two back-to-back headline UK tours (both before he had any music out).
Over the last two years, he has supported the likes of Teddy Swims, Bastille, Myles Smith and Only The Poets.
Debut track ‘Alcohol’ was released in October and currently sits at 3.2M combined streams across DSPs.
kuleeangee
KuleeAngee, formed by Scottish friends Duncan Grant and Keshav Kanabar, blends guitar-driven melodies with acid house influences, aiming to get people moving in clubs and on festival stages.
Hailing from different parts of Scotland—Duncan from suburban Edinburgh and Keshav from South Glasgow—the duo's rich musical backgrounds and experience in various projects help shape their sound. They formed the band whilst waiting in the line at Dalston Superstore London, having met in the city on the circuit as session musicians.
Lucia enters this chapter with clarity. As the frontwoman of Lucia and The Best Boys, she has built a reputation for emotionally direct, high-impact live performances, with NME and BBC Radio 1 noting her commanding presence and powerhouse voice. From the Main Stage at TRNSMT to sharing bills with Wet Leg, Garbage and The Last Dinner Party, she has consistently proven her ability to hold major rooms. The upcoming headline at Glasgow Barrowland marks another significant step.
Her forthcoming album via Communion, produced by Yves Rothman, expands the scope and confidence of the project. The current single Lonely Girl, featuring CHVRCHES’ Lauren Mayberry, has received support and coverage from BBC Radio 6 Music, signalling the scale of what is ahead.
LUCIA & THE BEST BOYS
megan black
Megan Black is an award-winning artist from Scotland creating music that combines the nostalgia of 70's blues rock with the modern sound of queer, feminist pop. Megan has toured the UK and California with her original music, worked on film soundtracks for the likes of Miriam Margolyes, gone on to sell out her own headline shows and play at festivals across the UK and Europe, including an opening slot with Fantastic Negrito at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and recently been supported by Record Store Day Unsigned in the UK.
PAT HAMILTON
Pat Hamilton is one of Scotland’s most promising young artists, with multiple sold out headlines to his name, Pat opened the BBC Introducing Stage at TRNSMT and has amassed over 1,000,000 streams on his debut album ‘To Whom It May Concern.’
Inspired by artists such as Ed Sheeran, Justin Timberlake, and Paolo Nutini, Pat’s unique sound borrows from numerous other genres including Rap, RnB, and Country.
With lyrical intricacy and captivating melodies, Pat has built a true connection with his fans whilst maintaining a notable presence on BBC Introducing in Scotland.
Moreover, having sold out his Glasgow headline at King Tuts four months in advance, the attention being paid to the twenty year old has intensified as he continues to make quick headway.
QUIET HOUSES
Quiet Houses are an Edinburgh-born indie-pop duo made up of Jamie Stewart and Hannah Elliott. Friends since school, they started the project after college and have since built a body of work across three EPs shaped by their long creative and personal history, giving their songs a rare sense of closeness, tension and truth. Drawing inspiration from artists including Alvvays, Gracie Abrams and Wolf Alice, Quiet Houses create music that feels lived-in, tender and quietly powerful, rooted in deep trust, sharp songwriting and shared experience.
QUIET MAN
Quiet Man is a London-born, Glasgow-based singer-songwriter crafting a distinctive space in modern music with his stripped-back, emotionally charged sound. Raised on classical music, jazz, and Paul Simon, he developed an early songwriting voice rooted in honesty and emotional depth. Nominated for BBC Introducing’s Scottish Act of the Year 2025, he has received ongoing support from BBC Introducing in Scotland and London, with features on For Fans of Olivia Dean, New Music Friday UK, and major editorial playlists across Spotify and Apple Music. He has performed at Pitchfork, Live at Leeds, and SWN Festival, sold out his first Glasgow headline show, and supported artists including Fred Again, Medium Build, and S. Carey.
sixth wonder
Sixth Wonder are a Scottish band forging a bold sound where "djent pop" meets immersive storytelling. With soaring melodies and searing riffs, they craft sonic landscapes that blur genre lines.
One of the most exciting forces in modern metal, they claimed Best Metal at the 2023 and 2025 Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMAs), and shared the stage with Dream State, Gore. and Graphic Nature.
SHAY O’DOWD
Inspired by the likes of Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, and Paolo Nutini, Shay finds writing about other people most interesting. “I am passionate about people and communication; both of which have served me well in the world of songwriting. I value authenticity and honesty as an artist, writing songs that capture the beautiful complexities of life.”
After selling out the iconic Glasgow venue King Tut’s without releasing any music, a momentous debut headline show described as “a night to remember, perhaps one which will be boasted as an ‘I was there’ sort of moment for years to come” (Northern Exposure Mag), releasing two EP’s ‘Growing Pains’ + ‘Saying It Now’, getting BBC Track Of The Week with ‘BACK IN A HEARTBEAT’ and crowning 2025 with a sold out ‘St Luke’s’ show, Shay O’Dowd is rolling into 2026 on a high.
TANZANA
Glasgow 5 piece Tanzana formed at the start of 2023.
They create trip-hop influenced alternative rock music and have been performing consistently on the Glasgow scene, from supporting Lucia at SWG3’s Galvanisers venue, to hosting their first club night at King Tuts in the summer of 2025, Tanzana are creating a distinctive sound to compliment the vibrant Glasgow scene.
When asked what they want their music to do, they replied “… We want our music to be a catalyst, unearthing the creativity and self-expression in listeners…”
There is a specific kind of electricity that hums through Glasgow when a band is on the verge of something massive; it is the sound of a grassroots movement turning into a roar. For The Rooks, that roar has become deafening. Rapidly ascending from local favourites to Scotland’s most anticipated breakthrough act, the band has cultivated a reputation for high-octane, anthemic rock that balances the raw energy of British rock’s golden eras with a white-hot vibrancy that is entirely their own.
The industry has already taken note of this meteoric rise. Stephanie Cheape of BBC Introducing remarks that the band’s uprising feels “reminiscent of Gerry Cinnamon and The Snuts,” whilst Mark Sutherland (The Money Trench) describes their debut EP, Noise & Confusion, as a “boisterous affair” featuring “seven-minute epics with hints of Oasis and early Stereophonics.” As Sutherland succinctly puts it: “Expect these Rooks to take flight any day now.”
THE ROOKS
walt disco
Walt Disco step into a defining new chapter with a sense of purpose that feels deeply earned. This next era is a continuation, sharpened by doubt, grounded in their evolving personal identities, and driven by the belief that they can still become exactly what they were chasing all along, a generation defining band who dare to do something unique.
That clarity runs through everything they are building now. A new label home at EMI North marks a step forward in scale and belief, matched by a band that feels more aligned than ever in how they write, perform and exist together.
Recent shows have already captured that energy, with Walt Disco delivering new music back to back, confident and fully realised. They are operating with intent, leaning into what drives them and pushing forward creatively with a sound and identity that is unmistakably their own.
LISTEN
GET IN TOUCH
If you’d like to meet up at The Great Escape, need further info on the showcase artists, want to connect with Scottish delegates at the convention - or just want some more info on Scotland’s music industry, drop us a line!