Off The Record Resources

As a trained designer with an interest in the world of accessibility and a chronic illness to boot, it always intrigues me to see the next innovation in how to make the world more of an equal playing field for all and in the arts especially. Written by Aiesha Duncan

Off The Record’s virtual weekend was jam-packed with brilliant panels and workshops, each containing a number of fantastic guest speakers offering their expertise on a range of different topics, relating to various aspects of the music industry. Additionally, 1-2-1 meetings and the chance to meet guest speakers were featured throughout the two days.

The time has come round once again where our listening habits are exposed to the world. Some of us are strangely proud; others embarrassed beyond belief.

I am talking, of course, about Spotify Wrapped.

It's easy to forget that the Scottish music scene goes far beyond hotspots like Glasgow and Edinburgh. From the borders all the way to the highlands, here are a collection of artists doing big things from some wee-ish places.

Vistas formed only a short four years ago in the Scottish capital, making their live debut at Edinburgh’s Bannerman’s Bar on the Cowgate in January 2016. Since then we’ve seen them soar into the stratosphere supporting indie icons like The Wombats and Circa Waves, selling out venues across the UK, and racking up over half a million monthly Spotify listeners. In May of this year Vistas released their debut album ‘Everything Changes in the End’ which reached number 2 on the Scottish Album Charts this summer, and in 2021 they’ll take to the stage at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom.

If lockdown’s got you down in the dumps, work’s hammering your brain or you're just struggling to get yourself going for the day, check out this playlist to switch off and lift your spirits! A mixture of upbeat guitar anthems, joyous pop and chill beats to start the day off with positive vibes. With so much talent on display in the country right now, it features some of the best current Scottish artists such as Joesef, Bossy Love, Cara Rose, Russell Stewart and many more!

Growing up in Glasgow has its perks. One of them being the vibrant nightlife which, as an angsty teenager, I took full advantage of. There’s a party every night of the week - whether you want to see an ABBA tribute or dissociate to some deep techno - Glasgow has got you covered.

When thinking about the top hubs for the Rap and R&B scene in the UK, Scotland proves itself to be an emerging and deserving contender. The scene of course, wouldn’t be what it is without the many impressive young BIPOC artists who are shaping it. These are just a handful of the talented artists to look out for.

This exciting playlist features some of Scotland’s best female musicians in the traditional music scene! From older traditional sets to new arrangements influenced by other genres and everything in between. Balanced between the english and gaelic language, this playlist celebrates all the women that embrace scottish traditional music

There are certain aspects of the music industry which are more female-led, such as PR, and others which are more balanced, such as accounting and admin, marketing and legal.