Music
The success of Scottish artists across the world spans all different styles of music from folk and rock to dance and pop, and has seen the country produce genuine international superstars who dominate the charts today.
Scotland’s musical contribution has produced some of the most successful bands and artists of this generation such as Biffy Clyro, Franz Ferdinand, Belle & Sebastian, Snow Patrol, Calvin Harris and, of course, the international phenomenon that is “SuBo”: Britain’s Got Talent runner-up Susan Boyle, whose album “The Gift” outsold Lady Gaga in Europe!
Folk music
And it is not just rock and pop where Scotland makes its mark – it has developed its own brand of Celtic folk that started with bands like the Corries, Capercaillie and Runrig and has capturing the imagination of music lovers all over the world. This heritage is being developed today through artists like Paolo Nutini, KT Tunstall and Amy MacDonald, whose debut album went four times platinum in Europe. They blend Scottish folk music with rock and soul to develop truly unique sounds that makes their music so successful both critically and commercially.
Track record
Musical success is not a new phenomenon for the country. In the 1970s “rockers” like Rod Stewart and brothers Angus and Malcolm Young of the heavy rock band AC/DC, blazed a trail of international hits. Even the tartan-loving “teeny-boppers” the Bay City Rollers made an impact on the pop charts around the world.
During the 1980s and 90s, a new wave of bands followed in their wake with the unique sounds of Annie Lennox in the Eurythmics, Simple Minds, Primal Scream, The Proclaimers, Travis and more pop, this time from Wet Wet Wet.
Music events
Wherever people gather in Scotland there is always music – and it’s this inspiration, plus the myriad of pubs, clubs and music venues throughout the country, that have supported the development of musical talent. And the internationally renowned festivals, such as T in the Park, Rockness, Celtic Connections or the truly unique Wickerman Festival are great platforms for Scottish bands to showcase their talents.
Scotland has made a place for itself on the global stage as a music heavyweight. Countless hits have been launched from Scotland’s shores across the decades and will undoubtedly continue to set the standard for great music in the years to come.