STRICTLY 18+ - BYO
Lewis McLaughlin began writing songs in secret at the age of 14, honing his craft through intimate pub gigs and local performances in Edinburgh before making the leap to Glasgow. There, he collaborated with Andy Monaghan of Frightened Rabbit fame on his debut album,Feel the Ground You Walk Upon, released in 2022 to widespread acclaim. The album marked McLaughlin's emergence as a significant voice in the indie music scene, with his introspective, narrative-driven songwriting resonating with audiences and earning praise from artists like Chris Martin and George Ezra. Winning the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition that same year with his song "Summer" solidified his rising status, and the track connected with listeners across the UK and beyond.
Since his debut, McLaughlin has toured extensively throughout the UK, gracing the stages of festivals such as Glastonbury, Latitude, Belladrum, and Moseley Folk Festival, while also supporting acts like Rachel Sermanni and Flyte. His work has been championed by BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, and BBC Radio Scotland, with appearances on BBC 2’s Glastonbury coverage and BBC Scotland’sThe Quay Sessions. Now based in Glasgow and working again with long-term collaborator Monaghan, McLaughlin continues to push creative boundaries with his latest album,A Hope In Fear. The record captures a raw, live energy and explores themes of self-discovery and resilience through tracks like the anthemic "Pressure" and the romantic "Autumn," all brought to life by a stellar lineup of musicians. As the BBC’s Phoebe IH raves, McLaughlin’s masterful songwriting and daring sound cement his place as a defining voice of his generation.