Scottish New Wave

Scottish New Wave is a genre characterized by its distinctive blend of post-punk's raw energy, jangly guitars, and soaring synths, infused with Celtic musical traditions and poetic, storytelling-driven lyrics. Emerging in the late 1970s and flourishing throughout the 1980s, this genre was shaped by Scotland's vibrant music scene, particularly in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Marked by lush, atmospheric soundscapes, driving rhythms, and heartfelt, often melancholic vocals, Scottish New Wave drew upon folk, rock, and pop influences to create a unique sonic identity. As a cultural phenomenon, it captured the essence of Scotland's post-industrial identity, exploring themes of social change, urban life, and national pride. While sharing similarities with British New Wave and Indie Rock, Scottish New Wave's distinct flavor is set apart by its Celtic roots, poetic sensibility, and the atmospheric, introspective qualities that defined its most iconic bands.

Latest Scottish New Wave Release
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Live at The Royal Albert Hall 04.10.23
Album - 26 Tracks - Released November 8, 2024
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Simple Minds
The Waterboys
Edwyn Collins
Midge Ure
Big Country
Strawberry Switchblade
Top Playlists
80s Rock 3 Scottish New Wave artists
Richard Thompson Top Radio 2 Scottish New Wave artists
80s HITS - 100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s 2 Scottish New Wave artists
All Out 80s 2 Scottish New Wave artists
Dire Straits Top Radio 1 Scottish New Wave artist
Weird music for weirdos 1 Scottish New Wave artist

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  1. November 8, 2024
  2. October 25
  3. October 11
  4. September 20
  5. August 9
  6. August 9
  7. June 28
  8. June 10
  9. April 26
  10. April 24
  11. March 15
  12. February 23
  13. February 2
  14. January 4
  15. November 24, 2023
  16. November 24
  17. November 3
  18. October 27
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  20. September 29
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  22. September 22
  23. September 15
  24. September 1
  25. August 25
  26. August 25
  27. August 16
  28. June 30
  29. June 30
  30. June 14
  31. January 13
  32. December 13, 2022
  33. December 9
  34. December 2
  35. December 1
  36. November 18
  37. October 21
  38. September 30
  39. September 5
  40. August 26