Blending neo-soul, R&B, nu-jazz and hip-hop into a sound that’s uniquely her own, Glasgow-based singer-songwriter GAÏA is one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists. Drawing inspiration from her mixed heritage and Glasgow’s vibrant grassroots jazz scene, her music explores identity, belonging and self-expression with warmth, honesty and effortless soul.
A two-time Scottish Jazz Award nominee, GAÏA has performed at festivals including Celtic Connections, Kelburn, Edinburgh Jazz Festival and Glasgow Jazz Festival, while also supporting artists such as Bemz, Brian Jackson and corto.alto. Fresh from performing at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, she brings a captivating live show to Summer Sessions that promises to be one of the highlights of Friday’s line-up.
Dubbed “Scotland’s newest country supergroup” by Americana UK, The Black Denims bring together eight award-winning musicians, songwriters and performers to create one of the country’s most exciting live acts. Blending folk, bluegrass, country, jazz and Latin influences with a distinctly Scottish sound, the band delivers rich harmonies, exceptional musicianship and unforgettable performances.
Known for their infectious energy and outstanding songwriting, The Black Denims have built a strong reputation on festival stages across the UK, supported Nashville Songwriting Hall of Fame inductee Gretchen Peters at Celtic Connections, and sold out headline shows around the country. Expect a joyful, genre-defying performance packed with heart, humour and world-class musicianship.
Glasgow singer-songwriter Alice Faye is one of Scotland’s most exciting emerging artists, blending classic folk, pop and country influences with striking storytelling and a powerful, distinctive voice. Her acclaimed performances have captivated audiences across the UK and Europe, earning appearances at major festivals including Celtic Connections, Belladrum and Eden Festival, alongside sold-out headline shows in Glasgow, Edinburgh, London, Paris and Amsterdam.
Following her memorable appearance on Channel 4’s The Piano, Alice was crowned BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year 2026, cementing her reputation as one of the country’s brightest new talents. With emotionally rich songwriting and captivating live performances, she’s quickly becoming one of the must-see artists on Scotland’s music scene.
In Crisis are an up-and-coming alt-rock trio hailing from Thurso. Forming in 2024, they’ve garnered a strong local fan base, captivating audiences for their energetic live shows. The group have played alongside bands such as Pure Grief, Katanes and Socialites, and will be headed off to play at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival this summer.
Edinburgh-based Curiosity Shop are one of Scotland’s most exciting new alt-folk bands, blending singer-songwriter roots with folk, jazz and traditional influences. Known for their rich vocal harmonies and warm acoustic sound, the five-piece have quickly built a loyal following with sold-out headline shows and captivating live performances.
After signing with Fontana Records, the band released their acclaimed debut single Crows and have gone on to support acclaimed indie-country band Divorce on tour, while securing festival appearances across the UK and Europe. With new single Wandering Arrow recently released and debut EP Bound for the Sky on the horizon in September, Curiosity Shop are a band you’ll be glad to discover at Summer Sessions.
Glasgow duo Sacred Paws have earned a reputation as one of Scotland’s most exhilarating live acts, fusing post-punk, Afrobeat, indie pop and infectious guitar hooks into a sound that’s entirely their own. Their debut album, Strike A Match, won the prestigious Scottish Album of the Year Award, launching them onto festival stages and into the hearts of audiences across the UK and beyond.
Returning with their acclaimed new album Jump Into Life, Sacred Paws continue to deliver joyful, energetic performances packed with irresistible rhythms, vibrant melodies and boundless optimism. If you’re looking for the soundtrack to a perfect summer festival evening, this is a set you won’t want to miss.
Led by Glasgow singer-songwriter Lucia Fairfull, Lucia & The Best Boys have become one of Scotland’s most acclaimed alternative bands, known for their soaring anthems, cinematic sound and unforgettable live performances. Blending indie rock, synth-pop and emotionally charged songwriting, they’ve built a reputation as one of the country’s most exciting acts.
Arriving at Summer Sessions just after the release of their highly anticipated new album Picking Petals, the band continues to push creative boundaries while staying rooted in Scotland’s vibrant music scene. Expect huge choruses, powerful vocals and a captivating set from a band at the very top of their game.
Altram is a celebration of the next generation of traditional Scottish musicians, bringing together five outstanding young performers from Caithness and Sutherland who have grown through Fèis air an Òir. Once participants and now tutors themselves, they represent the remarkable legacy of one of the Highlands’ most inspiring traditional music organisations.
Featuring Gaelic song, fiddle, pipes, whistle, accordion and guitar, Altram combines exceptional musicianship with a deep connection to Scotland’s musical heritage. Their performance is a showcase of local talent, community spirit and the bright future of traditional music in the North Highlands, making them the perfect act to open the final day of Summer Sessions.
One of Scotland’s most distinctive singer-songwriters, Rachel Sermanni has captivated audiences with her beautifully crafted blend of indie folk, poetic storytelling and haunting melodies. Her songs find magic in everyday moments, weaving intimate reflections on love, family and the human experience into rich, atmospheric performances.
Rachel’s latest album, Dreamer Awake, explores themes of motherhood, identity and creativity with warmth, honesty and imagination, further cementing her reputation as one of Scotland’s most compelling musical voices. Expect an unforgettable live set filled with heartfelt songwriting, captivating musicianship and moments that will stay with you long after the final note.
Blending the traditional music of Scotland and Ireland with influences from the Balkans, North America and beyond, Dallahan have become one of the UK’s most acclaimed contemporary folk bands. Renowned for their breathtaking musicianship and adventurous sound, the quartet has spent more than a decade captivating audiences across 25 countries with performances that are both rooted in tradition and boldly innovative.
With multiple Folk Band of the Year nominations and appearances at leading international festivals including Celtic Connections, Dallahan continue to push the boundaries of traditional music. Their latest album, Speak of the Devil, showcases a band at the height of its creative powers, making their Summer Sessions performance the perfect finale to an unforgettable weekend.
Check out the ‘EVENTS‘ section of our website to see everything that will be happening over the course of the week…
