Glasgow Sessions

In this powerful Glasgow Sessions conversation, Richard Lee is joined by three voices helping to shape a new chapter for Scottish music: G Spartan, The Real Genesis, and The Next Gimmick (TNG).Recorded at Glasgow University, this episode explores the ambition, creativity and community behind Rewired Culture and Urban Region - a growing artist-development platform built to give emerging musicians more than just a release. It is about building real opportunities: performance spaces, studio support, collaboration, media visibility, creative development and a genuine pathway for artists trying to turn their work into something sustainable.Spartan shares the story behind Urban Region’s beginnings, including its roots in recovery, transformation and the belief that music can help people find purpose, confidence and a voice. Genesis opens up about the connection between music, mental health and honest storytelling, while Gimmick brings his experience as an artist, mentor, promoter and champion of the wider Scottish hip-hop community.Together, they discuss why Scotland’s rap scene has its own identity - gritty, direct, poetic and unafraid to speak from lived experience. They explore the importance of rapping in your own accent, finding your own voice rather than copying someone else’s sound, and respecting the generations of Scottish artists who built the culture before them.This is also a conversation about practical action. The guests talk about the barriers facing independent artists, from studio costs and access to gigs to the challenge of being talented online but never being given a stage. They explain why open mics, small shows, networking and collaboration remain essential training grounds for any performer.We also speak about the first Rewired Culture Presents showcase on the 30th August 2026 at The Poetry Club: an ambitious live event designed not as a standard gig with support acts and a headline slot, but as a continuous, immersive show. With multiple artists, collaborations, blended transitions and no traditional headliner, the aim is to spotlight the depth of talent in the Scottish scene and make the audience experience the entire movement, not just one performer.Other topics include:The evolution of Rewired Culture from a recovery-focused music label into a wider creative platformWhy Scottish hip-hop, rap and grime deserve more consistent space in Glasgow’s music cultureThe value of mentorship, constructive criticism and being surrounded by artists who make you betterGimmick’s work with Tartan Lyrics and his forthcoming multi-genre project, SplitThe collaborative new track “Look at Me Now” from Spartan, Genesis and GimmickBuilding an in-house production and artist-development systemRewired Culture TV, music videos, livestreams, podcasts and affordable content creationCommunity performance spaces, open mics and the Clutha Bar sceneSobriety, recovery, mental health, abuse, resilience and turning life experience into artScottish storytelling, poetry, Gaelic culture and the idea of rappers as modern-day bardsRichard sharing some of his own writing and getting real-time encouragement from the guestsExpect stories, laughter, honest advice, plenty of Glasgow shout-outs, and a real sense of the energy building around independent music in Scotland.If you are an artist, writer, producer, performer, promoter or simply someone interested in the future of Scottish hip-hop, this episode is for you.Follow Glasgow Sessions for more conversations with the musicians, writers, cultural figures and creative voices making things happen across Glasgow and beyond.

Irish-born, Gibraltar-raised and Glasgow-based singer-songwriter Colm O’Sullivan joins Richard Lee for an open, heartfelt conversation recorded live at Blue Dog Glasgow.Colm reflects on finding his own voice, moving from piano bars and open mics into original songwriting, and the reality of building an independent music career one gig, one song and one opportunity at a time. He talks about his debut single Sunrise - later featured on BBC Radio Scotland - the stories behind upcoming tracks including Caroline and Little John, and why music can say what ordinary conversation cannot.The episode also explores the turning points that shaped his journey: the missed opportunity with Damien Rice that taught him not to hold back, being invited to sing with Tom Odell in front of thousands, and the extraordinary experience of busking outside Glen Hansard’s Barrowland show before being invited onstage. Colm shares what those moments taught him about courage, instinct, live performance and making your own luck.Recorded on 27 May 2026, this conversation also stands as a moving reflection on the positive influence the late Glen Hansard had on Colm’s life and artistic path.In this episode:Finding a true singing voice rather than copying influencesThe piano as a “therapist” and songwriting as painting picturesSunrise, hope, and writing a song on a train in 15 minutesGlasgow’s grassroots scene, piano bars and earning a room’s attentionThe creative and financial realities of independent musicianshipTom Odell, Damien Rice, Glen Hansard and learning to take chancesWhat success means beyond fame: making music that reaches and helps peopleFollow Colm on Instagram: @colmosullivanmusic Listen to Sunrise and visit his official merch store: colmosullivan.com/merchRecorded at Blue Dog Glasgow. With thanks to David Johnstone for making the venue available, Imposter Promotions for their continued support of grassroots music, and Robbie Tranter at Tranter Studios for editing the songs from the session.

In this episode of Glasgow Sessions, host Richard Lee sits down with Glasgow rapper, DJ, promoter and community builder Raj Mahal.Born in Rutherglen and raised in Giffnock, Raj discusses growing up with mixed Punjabi Sikh and Scottish heritage, navigating identity and belonging, and finding hip-hop as a vital source of expression. He reflects on family history, the challenges of building an independent career, and the role music has played in turning difficult experiences into connection.Raj also speaks about his work across the Glasgow music scene - from solo rap and DJ sets to Raj Against the Machine, his six-piece jazz-rap collective, and inclusive events including Drum and Bars and Steer Queer. Together, Richard and Raj explore grassroots venues, the importance of local community, creative collaboration, burnout, live performance, and why showing up consistently matters.Featuring four live performances recorded in the Glasgow Sessions Studio, this is an open, energetic and inspiring conversation with one of Glasgow’s most hardworking independent artists.Follow Raj Mahal on Instagram: @rajmahalmusicListen on Amazon Music, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.#GlasgowSessions #RajMahal #GlasgowMusic #ScottishHipHop #IndependentMusic #LiveMusic #Podcast

In this episode of Glasgow Sessions, host Richard Lee shines a light on some of the brilliant artists he has had the privilege of recording and sharing through the podcast.Featuring original music from AJ Davies, May Terra, Colm O’Sullivan, The Girl Upstairs, James Low, Archie Spencer, and Maddie Nisbet, this episode is a celebration of the talent, character and creativity coming out of the Glasgow music scene 🎶Each artist brings something unique - and it has been an absolute honour to record their work, help introduce their music to new listeners, and support the independent artists making things happen across the city.The aim of Glasgow Sessions is simple: to give great local artists another platform, help them reach wider audiences, and get more people listening to the music being made right here in Glasgow. These are artists who deserve recognition - and some of them have featured on BBC Introducing 📻✨Please support the artists featured: follow them, stream their music, catch them live, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear what Glasgow has to offer.

In this episode, Richard Lee is joined by the incredible Kaz Sharply - @wittyandsharp / @kazsharply - for a conversation that has been well worth the wait.Kaz brings warmth, quick wit and real honesty as we explore her history, the experiences that have shaped her, and the inspirations behind her creative voice. Along the way, we share plenty of funny stories, unexpected tangents and big laughs - but we also make space for a candid, heartfelt conversation about mental health and the importance of speaking openly.It’s a funny, fearless and deeply human episode, full of creativity, reflection and connection.You can listen to Glasgow Sessions on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Spotify. Follow @glasgowsessions for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments and more from Glasgow’s creative community.

Out at Mugdock Country Park for some quiet nature and ambiance recordings on a warm Sunday afternoon, host Richard Lee stumbled into something completely unexpected: the Dunbartonshire Wind Ensemble in full flow.What started as a field-recording trip turned into an impromptu live session with a multigenerational community band whose youngest member is 12 and whose oldest is in their 80s. After a chat, they kindly agreed to let him hit record – and this episode is the result.This is exactly what Richard loves about Glasgow and the surrounding areas: you go out for one thing and end up discovering something beautiful happening in a corner of a park.The next full Glasgow Sessions episode is with Kaz Sharply, but this little moment from today jumped the queue and he wanted to share it while it’s still fresh.Enjoy this spontaneous session with the Dunbartonshire Wind Ensemble. If you like what you hear, give them a follow, support your local music community, and look them up on Facebook to see what they’re up to next. You can also find out more on their website:https://dunbartonshirewindensemble.co.uk/And if you’d like to keep up with Glasgow Sessions, you can follow the show on Instagram at @glasgowsessions, and listen on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

In this episode of Glasgow Sessions, Richard sits down with actor, writer, director, voice‑over artist and acting coach Kat Harrison – the working‑class creative force behind Chaos Collective and Break A Leg Academy (BALA).They talk about Kat’s journey from youth theatre in Cumbernauld to founding her own theatre company and launching a pay‑what‑you‑can acting school in Glasgow, built to open doors that were almost closed to her. Kat shares what it really looks like to balance single parenthood, neurodivergence, creative work and community building in a sector that isn’t always kind to working‑class artists.The conversation dives into BALA’s new production of John Lyly’s 16th‑century play Gallathea – a queer Elizabethan “romp” about love, disguise and identity – and what it means to stage that story in 2026 at The Ferry on the Broomielaw. Kat also reflects on the time she met and worked with @hitrecordjoe, and the vital work he’s doing to champion artists in a fast‑changing era of AI.Along the way, there’s honest chat about access, confidence, class, and the power of small acts of kindness to change the whole direction of a life.🎟 Gallathea – Show InfoBreak A Leg Academy (BALA) presents Gallathea at The Ferry, 25 Anderston Quay, Glasgow G3 8BX, on June 15, 16 & 17.Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 7:30 PMMore info: breakalegacademy.com🔗 FollowKat on Instagram: @kat_harrison_creativeBreak A Leg Academy: @breakalegacademy_bala🎧 Listen & SubscribeYou can find Glasgow Sessions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music – follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.

In this episode of Glasgow Sessions, host Richard Lee sits down with returning guests Keeks Mc and Cat Cochrane, and welcomes debut guest Kaz Sharply, for an hour of poetry and chat in modern Scots. Together they explore how the language is being spoken and written right now – in families, schools and streets – and what happens when that collides with TikTok slang and global internet English.Across the session you’ll hear poems about family and home, school days and unforgettable classmates, PTSD and the way places hold memory, alongside the daft, funny moments that keep us going. The guests talk about code‑switching, emerging dialects, and why it’s vital that young people see their own language on the page, not just hear it in the playground.The episode also touches on the growing support for Scots in competitions and funding, the pressure to “translate” into English, and the importance of staying authentic to your own voice. As Glasgow Sessions continues to evolve into a cultural archive, this instalment captures a living snapshot of how Scots carries who we are – right now – in this city.Guests:Keeks Mc – Instagram: @keeksmcpoetryCat Cochrane – Instagram: @catchochrane_writerKaz Sharply – Instagram: @kazsharply and @wittyandsharp

In this episode, Richard Lee is joined by three phenomenal poets and dear pals of the show: Keeks Mc (@keeks_mc), Stephen Watt (@stephenwattpoet), and making his debut as a fellow co-host of Glasgow Sessions, Dev McMath (@devmcmath_poet). Across the episode, we move from belly laughs to gut punches, talking Scots language and identity, Glasgow’s buzzing spoken-word scene, and the strange comfort of 90s nostalgia, VHS tapes, and Super 8 reels.Keeks brings fiercely heartfelt Scots work about voice, class, and the “kinch wi death”; Stephen mixes whisky timelines, bats, and family home movies into that singular blend of humour and tenderness he’s known for; and Dev charts finding home in Scotland and trying to make sense of the chaos of the new twenties.There are plenty of daft stories - from Irn-Bru sacrilege to teenage Disaronno schemes - alongside conversations about grief, dementia, aging, and why this city’s poetry community means so much to us. It’s a warm, raucous, deeply human episode, and we're delighted to share it with you.Follow the poets:Keeks Mc - @keeks_mcStephen Watt - @stephenwattpoetDev McMath - @devmcmath_poetAnd keep up with the show at @glasgowsessions.

In this special announcement episode of Glasgow Sessions, host Richard Lee is joined by Dev McMath to reflect on how the project has grown over the past few months - and where it’s heading next.What started as a grassroots platform for live music and spoken word has quickly evolved into something bigger: a growing cultural archive of voices, scenes, and stories from across Glasgow. With more artists reaching out and more listeners tuning in, the conversation turns to what that growth means, and how Glasgow Sessions can continue to develop.Together, Richard and Dev discuss the vision behind the project, the idea of documenting the city in a meaningful way, and why now feels like the right time to expand.This episode also marks a call-out to creatives across Glasgow - especially editors, videographers, and collaborators - who want to be part of building something that represents the city on a wider, international stage.Follow Dev McMath: @devmcmathFollow Glasgow Sessions: @glasgowsessions