Why I love Glasgow’s music scene: LF System

Large outdoor crowd at the TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow at dusk, with a brightly lit main stage and large video screens showing performers. — TRNSMT main stage

LF System exploded onto the scene in 2022 with their track Afraid to Feel. Here, the duo answer questions on why Glasgow is a top city for music lovers.

1. What makes going to a gig in Glasgow so special?

For us, it's got to be playing in front of your home crowd. The parties are always mental and it has a really special atmosphere. Everyone wants to have a good time, people are always right up for it and that suits us perfectly. Plus all your friends and family come along. The guestlist requests aren't so fun though haha!

Concert crowd with people raising their arms and phones toward the stage, viewed from behind two women sitting on shoulders. — TRNSMT Credit: VisitScotland/Luigi Di Pasquale

2. Tell us about a music moment that sums up your experience of the city?

At one of our SWG3 shows, my wee mother (Conor) was supposedly going home about 11.30pm/midnight after a “few songs because she’s old”. We’re playing our last song which was Live Forever by Oasis and it’s 3am. Turn around and she’s hanging on my pals shoulders singing at the top of her lungs just like everyone else.

Two men posing against a blue and yellow background, leaning slightly forward toward the camera under studio lighting. — Sean Finnigan and Conor Larkman Credit: Studio Alex Plex

3. Why do so many talented musicians come out of Glasgow?

As well as having a really diverse music scene, folk give it an all or nothing attitude without caring what anyone thinks. In Scotland people like to see people doing well for themselves so they support you as much as they can and hope you go out and achieve it. We like to think anyway.

George Square in Glasgow at sunset, with a crowd of people gathered in the foreground and the illuminated City Chambers building and statues in the background. — George Square with the City Chambers in the background

4. What's your favourite Glasgow venue?

To go as a punter it’s got to be the Sub Club. The club and artists who have played there inspired a lot of our musical tastes - hopefully one day we will play there too! Our favourite venue we’ve ever played has to be SWG3, where we’ve had some of our best nights and we can't wait to go back.

Crowd dancing in a large, dark warehouse venue with a mirror ball reflecting blue light beams across the room, creating a vibrant nightlife atmosphere. — The TV Studio at SWG3

5. When travelling the world, how do you describe Glasgow and the city's music scene?

Everybody likes to have a crack at it themselves to be honest. After you’ve explained you’re not Irish that's when they click on. We’re mostly met with people telling us about mad people who like to drink and have a lot of cold rainy weather. That’s as creative as they usually get, which in fairness, is not a million miles away.