Vic’s Picks: September 2026
BBC broadcaster, author, actor, musician, DJ and List columnist, Mr Galloway flicks through some music listings to choose top September gigs in variously sized rooms and across different genres…
Sometimes we need to take stock of how lucky we are to live in a world where Jonsi and his gang of ethereal Icelandic elves continue to perform and record their genuinely exquisite music. Probably the closest emotional and sonic equivalent to experiencing the Cocteau Twins live in this day and age, Sigur Rós are forever triumphant in their grandiose, melodic melancholy and carve out new glacial soundscapes with every album and tour. I’ve witnessed this many times and they always bring something inspirational to the stage. Head along to the SEC Armadillo (Wednesday 2 September) and immerse yourself in all things epic, cinematic and hopelandic.
As summer fades to autumn, it doesn’t mean festivals need to disappear. They simply move indoors... and that’s no bad thing. Originating years ago as the brainchild of The Black Angels, Austin Psych Fest (now renamed Levitation) is a swirling, stained-glass window into the past, present and future of mind-bending, psychedelic rock’n’roll. The idea has now spread across the world for those who can’t make it over to enjoy the outsider side of weirdo Texas. With events happening in UK cities such as Manchester and Brighton, Edinburgh Psych Fest explodes across the capital, utilising the Usher Hall, Summerhall, Queen’s Hall and La Belle Angele (Sunday 6 September) for their fourth year. An extraordinary trio of headliners (Anglo-French art popsters Stereolab, garage-punk firebrand Ty Segall and viral, polkadot math-rock aliens, Angine De Poitrine) demonstrates the sheer diversity underneath the modern ‘psych’ banner. Grab yourself a wristband, if there are any left.
BBC Introducing and Sound Of Young Scotland SAY Award-winning songwriter Alice Faye is rightfully gathering a following for her wry, vulnerable compositions and humble stagecraft. Across various singles, EPs and the forthcoming album Vaude Villain, she demonstrates an effortless, natural ability and a dab hand with melody and melodrama. Her star is in the ascendance, so catch her while you still can at La Belle Angele, Edinburgh (Thursday 17 September) and Café Drummond, Aberdeen (Friday 18 September) as she channels legends such as Edith Piaf, Judy Garland and Rufus Wainwright within her own unique song-world.
Listen to Vic Galloway every Monday night on BBC Radio Scotland, or anytime on BBC Sounds; picture: Joe Dilworth.