The Wee Gig Lowdown: November 2026
In this month’s round-up of wee gig happenings near you, we’re chatting Tara Clerkin Trio, The Wran, Mykki Blanco, and more
If you’re reading our latest round-up of gigs happening at grassroots venues, chances are you view small venues as the lifeblood of music-making. Times are tough for them, but last month saw the release of the SMIA’s Scottish Music Industry Roadmap, which sets out eight priorities to help develop Scotland’s music industry and protect many of the venues we regularly crow about in this round-up. Give it a read here if you’re interested.
Anyway, this month’s Wee Gig Lowdown is crammed with great acts, from the forbidding folk of The Wran to the excitable experiments of Tara Clerkin Trio.
Glasgow
Mykki Blanco
An overwhelming air of cool emanates from Mykki Blanco, a rapper who’s collaborated with Madonna, Charli XCX and Blood Orange. His hip hop has a club temperament, but he’s not afraid to tinker with trap and grime while offering queer rap with real bite. He’s hitting the road on the trail of his latest album Café Paradiso.
The Hug And Pint, Tuesday 3 November.
The Wran
Few could predict Irish folk’s resurgence into the mainstream (let’s call it the ‘Fontaines Effect’), and even fewer could guess that it could sound as vital as a band like The Wran. With seductive melodies from brothers Tommy, Danny, Seán and Stephen Dunford, these twisting stories add psych-rock flair to the traditional instrumentation. If The Mary Wallopers emulate the knockabout frivolity of an Irish tourist pub, The Wran feel more like a bar on the outskirts of Dublin where fists could be thrown at any second. Thrilling stuff.
Stereo, Friday 6 November.
Becky Sikasa
Sikasa’s heartfelt ballads have become well-known for their high emotion. Fusing soul with heartstring-tugging pop, this is part of a mini-tour for the SAY Award nominee, performed with a full band.
The Rum Shack, Thursday 12 November.
Tara Clerkin Trio
On something of a clean streak since the release of their first album in 2020, Tara Clerkin Trio’s lithe approach to jazz and trip hop has managed to infiltrate the 6 Music playlist without losing its experimental edge. The group are currently touring the phenomenal Somewhere Good, a breakout album which has cemented their status as dynamic and surprising arrangers.
The Glad Café, Sunday 15 November (matinee and evening show); also playing Pianodrome, Edinburgh, Monday 16 November.
Liz Lawrence
Lawrence’s latest album, Vespers, was written in the wake of her sister’s death. Her pain makes for an intense listen, with heart-on-sleeve lyricism that echoes mid-period Sharon Van Etten, punctuated by glimmers of hope and indie-rock rises. If you’ve got the constitution for it, her soul-baring should be a work of incredible catharsis.
Mono, Sunday 15 November.
The Field
Expect the walls of Room 2 to shake with Field’s overwhelming, airily euphoric sounds. One of the pioneers of late-2000s electronica, The Field’s exploratory mixes are a clatter of sustained notes and shimmering beats. The Swedish producer has been mixing for almost two decades, so expect him to pull out plenty of fan favourites.
The Room 2, Thursday 19 November.
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Edinburgh
Gintsugi
Perhaps one of the most compellingly strange acts in this month’s round-up, Gintsugi’s woozy approach to pop bears comparison with the otherworlds of The Knife or Fever Ray. She’ll be joined by Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Orly Taylor.
Leith Depot, Wednesday 11 November.
Daniel Avery and Richard Fearless
This djing duo’s back to backs have become a little bit legendary for their experimentation and breadth. Spanning the deep cuts of electronica and the hinterlands of pop, it’ll be an epic afternoon of clubbing.
Sneaky Pete’s, Sunday 15 November.
Clara Mann
Mann’s debut album Rift showcased her ability to write delicate alt-folk with a classic lyricism. She’ll be touring in support of her second album, Wishbone, another collection of gentle folk that’s out now.
Pianodrome, Tuesday 24 November.
Haiver
Former member of Frightened Rabbit Billy Kennedy’s new band has been gaining steam recently since the release of their debut album Ghost Dance. Channelling the melancholic euphoria of Scott Hutchison’s songwriting, there’s something quite nostalgic about its sad-lad Scottish indie.
The Caves, Thursday 26 November.
Jamz Supernova
A leading light of Radio 1Xtra and BBC Radio 6 Music, Jamz Supernova has become a mainstay of the UK clubbing scene. The set will mark the release of her Dance Around The World compilation, so expect afrobeats, jazz and a few surprises.
People’s Leisure Club, Friday 27 November.
Main picture: Syriah Babu.
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