10 Scottish grassroots bands you need to watch in 2026
Written by Rebecca Kathleen
Grassroots bands are music's next big thing. There has been a rise in venues and showcases for small artists to grow. Here's some indie bands you should follow to claim you 'knew them before they were famous'.
Fogbandits
The band that consider themselves 'Scottish Alternative Noise' have been releasing music since 2022. Although, their new single ‘TRY ME’ is what caught listeners by storm.
It has been claimed that the new single can be associated with those of Gary Numan and contains a blend of synths and guitar mix, by fellow mag, The Scotsman.
The band were labelled as Belladrum Festival’s 'Artist of the Week' in the lead up to the anitcipated festival, and they also had a slot in the SWG3 Commonwealth Games Show as well as being set to perform Tenement Trail this year. The band have also been featured on BBC Introducing numerous times. adding to their musical achievment.
Mixed Signals
The Ayr based band have recently been added to the list of 'ones to watch' and we definitely agree.
After their set at the Isle of Wight Festival, the band packed King Tut's for their headline gig where they played their iconic tune 'Are You Satisfied?' referencing a dysfunctional relationship where it is simply never enough.
As well as their February headline, the alternative rock band supported The Cases at Sneaky Pete's and have teased their return to music via instagram.
Taking inspiration from Biffy Clyro, Wunderhorse and Radiohead, their newest single 'Ghosts' was released in May 2026, built around themes of nostalgia and reflection. The upcoming artists now have nine singles available to stream, and upon their return, they'll make a name for themselves very soon.
Stride
One of my personal favourite bands at the moment, Stride have played a packed King Tut's Summer Nights gig on the 8th of August alongside Glasgow bands; Static Sky, Caligo and Nova Scotia.
Stride released their highly anticipated single 'Out Of Hand' in January of this year, to be streamed with their other tune 'Bunch At The Top'. With strong guitar solos and vocals, the rock band are definitely one to see live.
Similar to their previously released tracks, Stride have also teased their new single on their social media: 'So I take it, misplace it.'
Recently, the West Lothian based band have supported The Snuts at their intimate gig in Bathgate, aswell as performing alongside Liverpudlian band Keyside.
The Rants
Another indie rock/folk-grunge band that will dominate the scene is The Rants, previously performing impressive gigs at Glasgow Attic, SWG3, The Art School and King Tut's.
The Rant’s have wiped their social media to promote their recently released singles 'Skydance', 'Old Red Kite' and 'Meadows', heavily reminding listeners of the popular band Keo.
The Glasgow band have been around since 2024 releasing four singles and a strong EP Ode To A Broken Soul in 2024. Again, with strong guitar riffs and impressive vocals the band are set to gain recognition within the scene. In addition, the band have released their second EP, Harrier, last week.
The band highlighted to Discovery Music Scotland that they take pride in their inspirations taken from Biffy Clyro and Jacob Alan, aswell as embracing their 'Scottishness' within the EP.
Although I have just been introduced to the rants, it is clear that they're filling a gap for sounds like theirs in the industry.
Tanzana
Glasgow's new all-female alternative rock band are certainly ones to watch. In a time where female groups struggle to gain recognition within Scottish Festivals, Tanzana have broken that barrier.
Tanzana have recently performed at TRNSMT's BBC Introducing Stage back in June. as well as travelling to Brighton for The Great Escape Festival. The all-girl group are now heading to Paris, France to perform their 'trip-hop' influenced alternative rock hits overseas including their impressive, drum heavy, song 'Pulse, Pose, Position' similar to styles of Big Thief and Wolf Alice.
The band have performed carefully curated covers at their gigs also, such as those of Florence and the Machine, Massive Attack and Radiohead. Alongside interviews with the iconic Scot, Gigs With Glenn.
The Sankaras
Influenced by Primal Scream, The Sankaras are a Glasgow-based rock band, gaining a mass following through their social media presence which included a viral video focusing on their drummer on stage.
The band have toured round Glasgow and Edinburgh venues such as: Off The Record's Sneaky Pete's Showcase, SMC's four-year anniversary at 1990, Edinburgh venue, The Caves and continue to showcase their talent performing across the UK.
The bands single‘The New Sensation'features heavy guitar riffs and vocals that remind listeners of Pelle Alrnqvist of The Hives. This quartet bring a 60's vibe, unusual to the current music scene, making their sets refreshing to watch.
Limerence
Another King Tut’s Summer Nights headline taking the Glasgow music scene by storm is Limerence.
The female-fronted band have released their debut single 'She Bites' in June, the modern post-punk gaining praise from Discovery Music Scotland and our very own Patchwork Mag.
The band have played in Scottish venues such as Nice N Sleazy, Rocco's, and The Hug and Pint alongside some of Scotlands most talked about bands right now. The team are excited to see what the quartet will do next.
iwanttobeontv
Sister Madds singer Maddie Cassidy's new project is definitely one to watch. The electronic dance punk duo also including Scott Bathgate, have already played multiple impressive venues across Glasgow, such as Mcchuill's, House Guest Fest at 1990 and are back to play King Tut’s once again for their Summer Nights festival alongside Roller Disco Death Party and Bad Gravy.
The duos single 'SNAKE EYES' released in September 2025 pays tribute to the work of Charli xcx, mixing drum and bass with an electronic punk style tune. The female-lead band have were named Underground Band of The Week upon the tunes release.
Spyres
Spyres are the most hyped indie band in the Glasgow gig scene I’ve seen currently. From touring international festivals, to playing Glasgow’s very own Tenement Trail Festival, the pop/rock group are flying.
Their most popular tunes 'Otherside' and 'See Through You' are personal favourites, also being recognised by BBC Radio 1, a massive achievement for an upcoming Scottish band.
The female-lead group have also just played the SWG3 alongside Fogbandits, also from this very list of artists to watch. The band takes its inspiration from Baby Strange, Wolf Alice and The Snuts.
Marigold
All female band Marigold have just headlined King Tut’s Summer Nights. This was the bands second time in the Glasgow venue, previously performing alongside The Grapevine during their headline slot at the 2025 festival. The all-female quartet released their debut EP All I See Is Her Now on all streaming platforms in January of this year.
The song with the same name is a solemn tune reminding listeners of potential influences such as Etta Marcus, The Beatles and Bob Dylan.
Their song 'Half As Nice' sounds as if it should be featured in a movie, the carefully curated tune is certainly underrated and has the potential to become the bands most mainstream song.
Streaming Scottish grassroots music is more important than ever, making a real change within the music scene for bands to grow. These bands are definitely not to be missed during this stage in their careers.