Countdown to Belladrum: Ten emerging acts to check out

In every single line-up, all across the country, there is a new discovery just lying in wait.

Headline acts will, naturally, provide lasting memories to be cherished, but they are not the only things to see.

Taking a few minutes to visit the other stages is vital – not only is it a valuable way to support emerging acts and the scene in general, but you never know what you might find.

This year's Belladrum, which takes place from Thursday, July 27 until Saturday, July 29, is packed with hidden gems, some of which are already on the road to becoming household names.

Seeing them before they make it is a rare and special gift and those heading to the Highlands next week have a strong chance of doing just that.

The last remaining tickets for the three-day event are available at tartanheartfestival.co.uk
 

Joe Goodall and the Radicals
Thursday, 3.40pm, Off Axis Seedlings

Joe Goodall opens up the Seedlings stage on the Thursday

One for the early birds, the Stirling man is carving a name for himself in the central belt and has a show at King Tut's in early August as well.

There is a lot of potential in the youngster, as typified by his latest releases.

Get yourself in the mood with Rampant and his latest single Coffee Shop Dates.
 

Dead Pony
Thursday, 5.35pm, Garden Stage

Dead Pony take to the Garden Stage at 5.35pm on the Thursday

In some respects, Dead Pony are not emerging – they are here.

The hard-hitting Glasgow act have been on the rise in the past year, and recently played the main stage at TRNSMT.

Last year's release, War Boys, certainly turned some heads and earned the title of The Weekender's EP of the Year.

Top tracks so far include Bullet Farm and Zero.
 

October Drift
Thursday, 11pm, Off Axis Seedlings

October Drift bring the curtain down on the Seedlings stage on the Friday

Grunge is not dead. Anyone saying otherwise...

Anyone looking for a gut-punch to end the night on Thursday should take a wander over to the Seedlings stage and catch October Drift.

Make sure to wire into Airborne Panic Attack or Oh the Silence beforehand.

Spyres
Friday, 1.25pm, Hot House Arena

Spyres play the main stage at 1.25pm on the Saturday

Another band that is rapidly outgrowing the 'emerging' or 'hidden gem' tag – Spyres are certainly well on their way.

They have shone on stages across the country and will light up the main stage early on the Friday.

Give the likes of I Don't Care or Honestly (another award-winner) in advance.

Broken Records
Friday, 2.30pm, Garden Stage

Broken Records perform on the Garden Stage on the Friday at 2.30pm

There is something quite intoxicating about Broken Records.

No doubt they will surprise a few and capture a fair few new fans next week.

And with a deep back catalogue and bags of experience to lean on, they are sure to offer a polished performance on Friday afternoon.

Tunes to check out before then should include Night Time and A Darkness Rises Up.
 

Punk Rock Factory
Friday, 5.20pm, Hot House Arena

Punk Rock Factory play the main stage on Friday at 5.20pm

Stop what you are doing and look these guys up – Crazy. Awesome. Wholesome. Chaos.

An outfit that takes Disney songs and gives them the punk rock treatment is always worth a nosy at a festival.

Take your pick at what to listen to first, but you'll know most of them already.

Fatherson
Friday, 8.45pm, Garden Stage

Fatherson take to the Garden Stage on the Friday at 8.45pm

Just in case there are still people out there who are well-acquainted with Fatherson, Belladrum is the time to right that wrong.

Ayrshire's own have four albums to their name already and have performed on some of the biggest stages across the country.

Their set in the Highlands next week should be a highlight of the festival.

Check out Better Friend and old favourite Charm School to get in the mood.
 

Calum Jones
Saturday, 12.10pm, Hot House Arena

Calum Jones will open the main stage on the Saturday

The Buckie man returns to Bella, this time taking up a slot on the main stage.

Expect equal measures of rock, folk and pop from the upstart, with the future looking increasingly bright for the singer.

Check out Brothers in Arms and new track Truth Hurts.

Bemz
Saturday, 6pm, Seedlings

Bemz plays the Seedlings on the Saturday at 6pm

Having caught the eye (..ear?) with the release of Saint of Lost Causes in 2020, Bemz has been on the up.

A proud winner of the BBC Introducing... Scottish Act of the Year, he is no stranger to the festival scene.

His set on the Saturday at Belladrum has all the ingredients to be special.

For those heading along, Flex and Zidane are required listening.
 

Forgetting the Future
Saturday, 7.30pm, Seedlings

Forgetting the Future will perform on the Seedlings stage at 7.30pm on the Saturday

They are not the only Highland heroes on the bill, not by a long shot, but one that definitely deserves attention.

With energy in abundance and infectious hooks by the barrel load, there should be no one standing still as they storm through their Saturday set.

Cherry and Lepricon will provide the perfect preview.