Later this week, XpoNorth returns to Inverness and brings with it over 200 delegates, ranging from game designers and multi-industry reps to fashion designers, writers and musicians.
XpoNorth is one of our favourite media conferences alongside SXSW. Closer to our home than SXSW in Austin, Texas, XpoNorth has a huge platform for music and it's importance shouldn’t be underestimated.
We of course are heading up for this years music showcase and to catch up with some of our favourite local bands, which is why we're talking about it here.
We of course are heading up for this years music showcase and to catch up with some of our favourite local bands, which is why we're talking about it here.
As per usual with this blog, we’ve collated a playlist consisting of our favourites and some of their latest tracks over on Spotify.
We kicked off our playlist with Indigo Velvet and Dancing On Tables. No surprise there is there? We've spoken about both of these bands alot on this blog. They've features so many times. You have to know who they are. If you like Night Cafe, Ten Tonnes, Fronteers, Neon Waltz or Model Aeroplanes you'll love these bands.
Local talent is everywhere at this festival, which leads us on to our next featured band, the Ninth Wave. We’ve mentioned them a few times and they’re already in one of our playlists from earlier this year. Last time we caught them live was supporting Blaenavon in King Tuts. They can be a bit of an acquired taste but we love them.
If you’re like us, you want to know about the live music. XpoNorth’s music showcase spans 9 different venues throughout the city including Hootanannys, Mad Hatters and Blackfriars. (Again, every gig is free entry as part of the festival.)
You can find the full playlist here.
Local talent is everywhere at this festival, which leads us on to our next featured band, the Ninth Wave. We’ve mentioned them a few times and they’re already in one of our playlists from earlier this year. Last time we caught them live was supporting Blaenavon in King Tuts. They can be a bit of an acquired taste but we love them.
Static Union are another band we absolutely love. If you’re into The Sherlocks, High Tyde and even Circa Waves, you’ll probably like this band. We’ve said it before but can see them going pretty far. This type of music is again having its big moment and this band are perfect.
Before you panic, the festival isn't a full indie fest. We Came From Wolves are playing in Blackfriars on Wednesday night, which will bring a mosh pit or two for sure. Following on from bands like Twin Atlantic, Mallory Knox and The Xcerts, this band are the next in line to becoming the next big Scottish rock band.
This festival is much more than a few live gigs. It’s a showcase of talent in every medium possible. It’s 81 musicians, 84 film screenings, 33 conference sessions, a whole gaming playground and one-to-one sessions. Even if you aren’t into going to art exhibitions or gaming showcases, you can spend your day listening to the collection of the speakers from around the world, collating in this northern city for two days.
All you need is a love for something and you’ll fit in with the thousands of other people attending.
Inverness is being swamped by creatives and passionate people for two consecutive days and it’s the best time to visit in our opinion.
The full festival takes place in over 10 venues throughout the city on the 7th and 8th of June, and is free entry.
If you’re like us, you want to know about the live music. XpoNorth’s music showcase spans 9 different venues throughout the city including Hootanannys, Mad Hatters and Blackfriars. (Again, every gig is free entry as part of the festival.)
You can find the full playlist here.