City Beats: Glasgow
In our City Beats series, we explore underground scenes in cities all around the world, and this week we're spotlighting Glasgow, Scotland.
The biggest city in Scotland has long been known as a hub for house and techno. Local institutions like Sub Club, La Cheetah and The Berkeley Suite have championed 4:4 rhythms and juicy basslines since the ‘90s; and Glasgow has never had a shortage of talented artists to play there. This is the birthplace of Hudson Mohawke, Optimo, Jackmaster and SOPHIE to name a few.
In the last five years, Glasgow’s experienced a cultural explosion so today, we’ll take a look at the artists, radio stations, night clubs and collectives redefining one of the UK’s most culturally vibrant and diverse cities.
Radio stations
Radio Buena Vida
Radio Buena Vida is a community radio station in the heart of Glasgow’s Southside that’s become a spiritual home for scores of artists and collectives.
This crew hosts regular fundraisers as well as DJ and production workshops, and their café and bar means it’s become a true community space. It’s a nourishing place to be, and an integral part of Glasgow’s diverse underground.
Subcity
Subcity Radio is situated in the historic University of Glasgow. It’s a non-profit, volunteer-run freeform radio station and arts collective that might be older than you. Founded in 1995, it’s one of the UK’s longest-running student radio projects with no genre restrictions. Instead, they give contributors total creative freedom while fostering a diverse mix of underground music, experimental shows, and community voices.
Clyde Built Radio
You’ll find Clyde Built Radio tucked away in a corner of Barras Market. They launched in 2020 with a mission to showcase the city’s underground and emerging music scenes, and make a space for artists, DJs, record shops, venues and other creatives to meet, build connections and reach local audiences and international listeners. This station embodies Glasgow’s DIY and grassroots energy, with a focus on inclusivity and experimentation.
Club nights
Fuse
Glasgow might be known for its house and techno scene, but Fuse aims to change all that. This crew invites bass music pioneers to play on an absolutely stacked soundsystem at Stereo, with recent guests including D&B heavyweights Mantra and MC Chickaboo, dubstep heroes Kahn & Neek and Kami-O, and tons more.
They’ve invited Goth-Trad, Commodo and Ila Brugal to celebrate Stereo’s 9th birthday on September 27th, and there’s no doubt it’s going to be a scorcher.
Shoot your Shot
Founded by Bonzai Bonner, Shoot Your Shot is a queer-night and party collective in Glasgow, known for their inclusive vibe and relentless energy. Shoot Your Shot residents include Bonzai Bonner, Mi$ Co$mix, Lezzer Quest and Anna Gram, a group of local DJs who embody the collective’s queer, inclusive ethos and shape its signature sound across house, disco, techno and left-field electronic music.
Spinnin’ on the Spectrum
This vibesy, warm and inclusive club night was launched in 2025 by Sandy Maclarty who DJs under the name The Sandman. He created it specifically for neuro-divergent folk who might not feel comfortable going out by themselves or in other club settings. Sandy’s club nights focus on a range of genres, but community is just as important as the music himself. Spinnin’ on the Spectrum’s next party is on 8th November at Stereo, and after the success of the last few events, you won’t want to miss it.
Collectives
Headset
Headset is a Scotland-based music crew and label run by DJ Skillis, known for throwing some of the best underground parties in the city. They blend heavy UK techno, bass, and experimental sounds, and have built a strong following thanks to their no-frills, high-energy nights and solid support for local talent.
And it’s not just about the parties – the label has put out some quality releases like their 10 Years compilation, proving they’re just as serious about championing 140 talent as they are throwing unforgettable raves. Make sure to check out their new residency at The Art School, launching from September 2025.
Pony Boy
Ponyboy is a Glasgow queer club night and beauty crew launched by Reece Marshall and Dill Dowdall back in 2022. Voted one of the best club nights in the UK by Time Out in 2025, Ponyboy has shaken up Scotland’s underground with it’s part rave, part fashion show, part art project concept.
This crew brings big energy, bold looks, and a beautiful focus on trans joy and queer expression. The nights feature wild makeup, dreamy outfits, powerful performances, and a vibe that’s equal parts chaotic and magical. But it’s more than just a party. Ponyboy has built a space where people can feel seen, celebrated, and totally free to be themselves, while documenting and uplifting queer beauty in all its forms.
FemmeDM
FemmeDM is a Glasgow-based DJ collective run by women and nonbinary folks who’ve been making serious waves since launching in 2023. They’re all about giving underrepresented DJs a platform, especially women, queer people, and anyone outside the usual scene. You’ll catch them throwing open deck nights and bringing a mad range of sounds from garage and jungle to amapiano, trance, and bass-heavy bangers. They’re not trying to fit into any one box, and that’s kind of the point. It’s inclusive, it’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s giving space to people who deserve more of it.
