IT MAY well attract some of the biggest names in music to Glasgow Green, but there is so much more to TRNSMT than the main stage acts.

Tens of thousands of music fans are set to descend upon the city centre for Scotland's biggest "summer" music festival.

Its usual July date was shifted to September to account for all things Covid, but as with all other events taking place in the autumn, there is palpable optimism that such large-scale, open-air events will get the green light.

Expectation is high – organisers have managed to secure a bill featuring Courteeners, Sam Fender, Liam Gallagher, Primal Scream, Twin Atlantic, The Chemical Brothers, Snow Patrol and Amy Macdonald. It is a line-up sure to attract a wide range of music fans.

But there is arguably a greater shine in the names that sit sparkling below the marquee.

This year, TRNSMT will have its usual King Tut's Stage and the River Stage, both filled with emerging Scottish talent. For those looking to discover the big names of the future – those likely to find themselves on that main stage before long – this is the place to be.

Indeed, the last few iterations of the festival have shown the other two stages to be nursery for emerging talent. There have been a number of acts that have performed on the two other stages only to upped in later years, including Declan McKenna, Gerry Cinnamon, Tom Grennan, Lewis Capaldi, Vistas, Sam Fender and Dermot Kennedy.

This year, the stages are packed with potential and with the Scottish music scene on a serious upward trajectory, the odds are high that many of the Tut's and River acts will find themselves rising through the stages in no time.

With the future in mind, The Weekender has taken a look at some of the emerging talents set to feature at TRNSMT in September.
 

TAMZENE
 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Tamzene will open the King Tut's Stage on the SundayTamzene will open the King Tut's Stage on the Sunday

There really should be no discussion about the sheer talent that Tamzene has. The Cromarty star is the perfect example of a star in the making and she is, if there is any justice in the world, a dead cert to become a household name in the years ahead.

Indeed, despite a doom-ridden 2020, the last year or so has been productive for Tamzene. A single, in the form of accidentally told you, reaching in excess of half a million streams is a tremendous achievement – something many established artists would consider a great return.

She also released her Intro EP – a wonderful four-track effort that showcased her impressive songwriting skills. In addition, both Intro and single Best of Me were shortlisted for The Weekender's EP of the Year and Song of the Year, respectively.

While many of her previous releases are now absent from streaming sites, it is still possible to glean an insight of the singer's talents from YouTube.

Surely, one of the best live performers in the country, her set at TRNSMT is one not to be missed. And with the likelihood of another massive release on the horizon, Tamzene will be a key fixture of many festivals to come, with sell-out shows across the UK to come.

Catch Tamzene as the first act on the King Tut's Stage on Sunday, September 12.
 

LUKE LA VOLPE

 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Luke La Volpe will play the King Tut's Stage on SundayLuke La Volpe will play the King Tut's Stage on Sunday

A name that many should know already. A name that has already come on leaps and bounds over the last or so…but it is still one for the future. The reason? There really is no ceiling for Luke La Volpe.

Even before heading into lockdown, the West Lothian man had a back catalogue of festival-ready tracks at his disposal – tunes that pack a punch, with the hook-laden melodies needed to carry all manner of sing-alongs.

He has paid his dues. His apprenticeship includes a number of self-written and released tracks that have notched up tens of thousands of streams and he can boast a string of high-profile support slots including the likes of The Snuts and Lewis Capaldi.

In early 2020, the singer released the three-track Terribly Beautiful EP, recording entirely in his bedroom with Covid restrictions in full flow. Though a more relaxed, even acoustic, feel the tunes have been given a full-band treatment, with the Terribly Beautiful track especially ear-catching.

The year 2020 ended on a high note for Luke La Volpe with the release of the Stand Up and by winning the Scottish Music Awards Breakthrough Artist. And according to the man himself, his next single will "change the game" so there is undoubtedly plenty to come from the Bathgate raconteur.

It is a big 2021 ahead for Luke. With a sold-out King Tut's next month, along with slots at Liverpool Sound City and Live at Leeds already on the books, he is sure to be picking up the pace before the year is out. In the meantime, make sure he's on the list of bands to see at TRNSMT.

Catch Luke La Volpe on the King Tut's Stage on Sunday, September 12.
 

SHAMBOLICS

 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Shambolics will play The King Tut's Stage on the FridayShambolics will play The King Tut's Stage on the Friday

There are a few bands on the scene at the minute that were poised to make their breakthrough before the pandemic struck last year. One of them, for sure, is Shambolics.

Having signed with Alan McGee's Creation 23, big things were expected from the Fifers. Things were beginning to pick up, and just before the restrictions crushed the industry they played a sold-out show at St Luke's in Glasgow.

Singles in the form of Sandra Speed and Love Collides only underlined the band's credentials as a genuine up and coming act. A series of eye-catching Lockdown Covers also raised the band's profile, with their take on classic tracks continuing to make an impression.

Add to that arguably the best lockdown-era live stream performance in the shape of their Kirkcaldy Foodbank fundraiser and it is clear that the band have the fanbase and the fortitude to succeed in even the most trying of times. When the doors open again, they will be looking to make a huge step up.

Before they take the stage at TRNSMT, the five-piece will kickstart their 2021 with a bit of a 'homeshow' at PJ Molloys in Dunfermline on August, 28, and Vibration in Falkirk in early September. Afterwards, they have gigs booked at Liverpool Sound City, with dates in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee in early October.

Catch Shambolics as the opening act on the King Tut's Stage on Friday, September 10.

 

VLURE

 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: VLURE will play the River Stage on the FridayVLURE will play the River Stage on the Friday

Something special this way comes. VLURE have made so many sit up and take notice in only a short space of time. While they have just their debut single to their name, they are no strangers to the Glasgow scene.

In many ways, VLURE has been years in the making with the members seemingly coming into each other's lives at just the right time. It has proven to be a successful blend as their aggressive post-punk tendencies collide with their new wave sensibilities.

By all accounts, their performance at Latitude last month was a rousing eye-opener for many. Their intensity, it seems, will be a force to be reckoned with on the live scene.

A great addition to this year's TRNSMT, and well worth a nosy for those curious about the VLURE buzz going around.

Catch VLURE on the River Stage on Friday, September 10.

 

SPYRES

 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Spyres will play the River Stage on the SaturdaySpyres will play the River Stage on the Saturday

Another incredible band to emerge from the swelling Glasgow scene, Spyres are equal parts sugar cubes and razor blades and poised for a tremendous 2021.

The four-piece were quick out the blocks with the infectious Otherside in 2019, before following up with Fake ID in early 2020. Those two tracks fit together well and seemed to show what the band were all about.

Then came their most recent single I Don't Care which represented a major step up in their craft. The hope is that their latest track is a sign of things to come and a couple more Spyres this year would be more than welcome.

In the meantime, their set at TRNSMT this year is one not to be missed.

Catch Spyres on the River Stage on Saturday, September 11.
 

AARON SMITH

 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Aaron Smith will play the River Stage on the SundayAaron Smith will play the River Stage on the Sunday

I'm sure by now he's sick of being compared to Lewis Capaldi, but the fact is the Polmont man has all the talent of the latter. A gifted singer with a real penchant for finding that emotional level to connect with his audience, Aaron Smith is odds-on for the top tear-jerk moment of TRNSMT.

He shot to relative fame with the release of his 2019 single Unspoken, co-written by Aqualung's Matt Hales, with the track sitting with almost 19 million streams to date. Smith later found further success with Better Than You Loved Me, Brother, and Unconditional.

Smith was due to support Tom Walker in Glasgow last August, along with festival dates south of the border, before Covid struck. He was, however, able to play what would have been one of the last gigs before lockdown when he sold out the Poetry Club.

Catch Aaron Smith on the River Stage on Sunday, September 12.

 

VUKOVI

 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: VUVKOVI will play the River Stage on the SundayVUVKOVI will play the River Stage on the Sunday

Few Scottish acts have that brutal intensity and outlandish, even charming, over-the-top veneer of VUKOVI. There is no doubt this set from the Ayrshire duo will be a highlight of the weekend – and with good reason. They are really good – like, really good.

Even a cursory assessment of the two VUKOVI albums is surely enough to gleam the raw talent, clear originality and enviable musicianship they have to offer. Three tracks from their upcoming album have already been unveiled and it is clear they are still on that same track they carved for themselves from day one.

Speaking with The Weekender earlier this year, singer Janine Shilstone told of how the band boasts a massive following around the world, with top listeners often coming from Russia the States or, in some cases, other parts of the UK. Should their compatriots get fully behind them with the release of their upcoming record, there is no doubt they will be on the main stage in no time.

Recently, along with Twin Atlantic, they took part in the Download Pilot festival in June and will be hungry to play another massive set, this time for a Scottish audience. With the energy they will bring, a quick trip to catch them at TRNSMT is a must. Prepare for the Carnival of the damned.

Catch VUKOVI on the River Stage on Sunday, September 12.

 

LUCIA & THE BEST BOYS

 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Lucia & the Best Boys will bring the curtain down on the River Stage on the SaturdayLucia & the Best Boys will bring the curtain down on the River Stage on the Saturday

Another massive band on the up, Lucia & the Best Boys are sure to be grabbing 2021 by the scruff of the neck. With two EPs released in 2020, the hard-working outfit show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

The band's sound has slowly taken shape since earlier releases – sharpening and strengthening into a tremendous addition to the TRNSMT line-up and a worthy stage closer on the Saturday.

Eternity, released in 2020, was a major step forward with singles such as City of Angels and Good Girls Do Bad Things paving the way. Only a few months later, they released The State of Things EP, buoyed by the impressive commercial performance of lead single Perfectly Untrue.

Catch Lucia & the Best Boys as they close the River Stage on Saturday, September 11.

 

SARA 'N' JUNBUG

 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Sara 'n' Junbug will open the River Stage on the SundaySara 'n' Junbug will open the River Stage on the Sunday

A bit of an unsung gem, and well worth checking out. Sara 'n' Junbug is a band that slides into just about any market… indie, folk, country and you can be sure they'll give you a great performance in whatever forum.

They have an enviable back catalogue of infectious pop-laden ballads and foot-stomping bangers. On top of that, there is always great emotion in each line, making every note a little sweeter. Just the perfect band to open a stage at TRNSMT, really.

No stranger to the big stages, the four-piece have supported the likes of Emeli Sande and Tom Walker in the past and will be aiming to make up for lost time this year. Indeed, today (Weds, Aug 4), they release their latest track Dragon Soop Diaries – one to kick off their TRNSMT set, no doubt.

Catch Sara 'N' Junbug on the River Stage on Sunday, September 12.