Yesterday (January 20) the Glasgow-based singer-songwriter, Lewis McLaughlin, announced new concert dates ahead of his May 2025 tour. Known for his innovation and boundary-pushing creativity, McLaughlin reflects the evolving landscape of the indie music scene.
The multi-instrumentalist whose music blends indie, folk, pop, and rock influences released his debut album, ‘Feel the Ground You Walk Upon’, in March 2022. Exploring relatable themes of first love, leaving home, and mental health struggle, McLaughlin’s heartfelt narratives and authentic delivery resonated deeply with listeners, sparking the growth of a devoted fan base.
The standout track from the album, ‘Summer’, became a fan favourite and defining release for McLaughlin. Capturing a sense of nostalgia and connection, the poignant indie-folk track won him the prestigious Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition in 2022.
The song’s gradual build – from its reverb-heavy, hard-panned vocals to a lush blend of acoustic guitar, piano, strings, and percussion – strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and emotional depth.This combination cemented ‘Summer’ as one of McLaughlin’s signature pieces and launched him onto stages at renowned festivals like Glastonbury, Latitude, and Belladrum.
Drawing inspiration from artists like Bon Iver and Villagers, McLaughlin’s artistry is both introspective and innovative. His work has been featured on platforms including BBC Radio Scotland and the Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, further broadening his reach.
August 2024 saw the release of his second album, ‘A Hope In Fear’, which delves deeper into themes of self-discovery and resilience. While staying true to his narrative-driven songwriting style, the album showcases McLaughlin’s evolving sound and his continued resonance with audiences, solidifying his place in the contemporary indie music scene.
His upcoming Ireland tour in May, will be preceded by three concert dates in Scotland, as announced on his Instagram following a series of successful live shows.
McLaughlin’s rise, along with other notable, emerging indie musicians like Good Neighbours and Jacob Alon, parallels a larger shift within the music industry.
Indie music, which refers to independent, experimental, and boundary-pushing music, isn’t defined by a specific sound or style. Over the past two decades, it has undergone a dramatic transformation, fuelled by the rise of streaming services, social media, and the resurgence of vinyl. Independent artists like RAYE and Central Cee have achieved global stardom without relying on traditional record labels, demonstrating the growing popularity of independent music.
SIX @BRITs & ALBUM OF THE YEAR please just thank you https://t.co/c23XcFUtUl pic.twitter.com/4MAYkWiFgj
— RAYE (@raye) March 3, 2024
Over the course of 2025, indie music is predicted to dominate the mainstream. The demand for authenticity and raw storytelling is stronger than ever, and independent artists are redefining the industry on their own terms.
Although signed to a record label, Lewis McLaughlin embodies the spirit of this new era, demonstrating that with talent, authenticity, and ingenuity, artists can thrive beyond the traditional barriers of the music industry. As an emerging artist, he exemplifies how the transformation of the industry – driven by the rise of direct-to-fan engagement with streaming platforms and social media – has created unparalleled opportunities for artists to connect with audiences, build loyal fanbases, and chart their own path to success.
