The Wee Gig Lowdown: September 2026
What’s next on your gig-going calendar? In this edition, we’re chatting Nappy Nina, Man/Woman/Chainsaw, Cords, Alice Faye and much more
It’s a busy time for wee venues, and in this edition we’re including quite a few acts that are on the cusp of smashing their way into larger venues. And so that old maxim ‘catch the artists of the future’ comes to the fore. It’s not the only reason to visit your local wee gig venue, but it’s a pretty good one.
This month, we’re highlighting grassroots US rap, an ageing rock icon, slinky art-funk, and plenty more.
Glasgow
PITCH Scotland
The conference supporting hip-hop and underground music is back with its usual array of speakers and performances. This year’s headliners are Kofi Stone, Tony Bontana and Kadiata, with plenty more to see across three days.
Drygate, Wednesday 2–Friday 4 September.
Nappy Nina and Swarvy
Associated with the burgeoning avant-garde rap scene in America, Nappy Nina has been making her mark with a provocative beat poetry flow. She’ll be touring with Swarvy on the promo trail of their album Sow & So, released earlier this year.
The Old Hairdresser’s, Friday 4 September.
Makongo
The party-starting hip-hop act will be releasing their Visa EP with a packed line-up. As well as Makongo themselves, there’ll be a mix from DJ Big Tuna, micro talks, a panel discussion and African food.
McNeill’s Bar, Sunday 13 September.
Luke Haines
Throughout his many years as a bona fide polymath, Haines has been a member of The Auteurs, Baader Meinhof and Black Box Recorder, and a fully-fledged songwriter in his own right. He’ll be supported by rockers To The Lighthouse.
The Hug & Pint, Tuesday 15 September.
Holy Fuck
Perhaps one of the more daring electro-rock outfits on the planet, this Canadian four-piece have been successfully walking the tightrope between accessibility and experimentalism for decades. They’ll be touring in honour of their latest album, Event Beat.
Stereo, Monday 21 September.
Man/Woman/Chainsaw
There’s a bit of a buzz around this entertainingly named indie-rock outfit, who seemed to have found an interesting halfway point between Wolf Alice and Black Country, New Road (but really, a lot more daring than both). Riding high off their debut album, Cannonball, expect a burst of youthful exuberance from the Londoners.
King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Friday 25 September.
Edinburgh
Destroyer
Dan Bejer’s indie rock vehicle has been a mainstay of the music scene since the 90s, but has gained prestige in the past decade for critically-acclaimed albums Have We Met and Dan’s Boogie. If you fancy catching a cult icon, this is the gig for you.
Voodoo Rooms, Tuesday 15 September.
Alice Faye
Still gaining momentum after winning the BBC Introducing Scottish Act Of The Year award and the SAY’s Sound Of Young Scotland award, Faye’s gentle folk has been quietly courting the mainstream for a few years. Not bad for someone still preparing their debut album.
La Belle Angèle, Thursday 17 September.
The Cords
The C86-inspired rock from The Cords is a melodic, somewhat janky delight made by sisters Eva Tedeschi on guitar and vocals, and older sibling Grace on drums. They’ve already supported The Charlatans on tour and have a punkier second album in the works.
Leith Franklin Academical Beige (FAB) Cricket Club, Friday 18 September.
Arrows Meet
Art funk of the slinkiest order is the name of the game for Arrows Meet who’ve become known for their charming DIY stagecraft and some pretty catchy tunes. They’ll be joined by Baker Island and The Chop.
Bannerman’s, Sunday 20 September.
TV Smith & The Bored Teenagers
Still carrying the torch for punk’s first wave, the prolific TV Smith (formerly of The Adverts) will play with The Bored Teenagers, performing the electric version of his usually acoustic tunes. He’ll be supported by Billy Liar.
Bannerman’s, Sunday 27 September.
Gira - Songs For The Orishas
Jazz fusion with elements of afro-Brazilian chants come from Giulia Drummond’s voice, drums and shruti box alongside Mario Caribé’s bass, guitar and foot percussion for what promises to be a spiritual show with elements of storytelling.
Pianodrome Bruntsfield, Sunday 27 September.
Main picture: Makongo / Moreno Samuel.
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