Interesting Things

A Music Festival for the Curious.

Stirling’s award-winning music and arts venue the Tolbooth has announced Interesting Things – a new music festival showcasing some of the best Scottish and international indie, alternative, electronic, pop, jazz and experimental music.

Taking place on multiple curated stages throughout the historic and iconic Tolbooth building, Interesting Things promises to be an immersive showcase of the most exciting and ground-breaking live acts around. Unrestricted by genre, and championing artists who are pushing boundaries, the festival is a welcome addition to the Tolbooth’s already burgeoning contemporary music programme.

Headlining the live auditorium will be acclaimed Danish composer and producer ML Buch – fresh off a sold-out UK tour in support of her critically lauded 2023 double-album Suntub.

“A dazzling cross-stitch of chamber pop, shoegaze, avant-classical and downtempo ambient trips” — Clash

“Churning pulses, alternate tunings and dense harmonic worlds… all the strings being heard at once” — The New York Tim

Joining the live stage will be Liverpool ensemble Ex Easter Island Head – a hypnotic quartet using unconventional techniques to create and perform avant-garde minimalist works. Renowned for their unique energy and mesmeric live show, they promise to be a stand-out act on the day.

“Free flowing genius” — The Guardian

“Churning pulses, alternate tunings and dense harmonic worlds… all the strings being heard at once” — The New York Tim

Meanwhile, some of Scotland’s most compelling and acclaimed producers will take the stage in the Attic, a specifically curated audio-visual space, with the likes of Konx Om Pax of revered electronic label Planet Mu, and the solo soundscapes of The Ninth Wave’s k.yalo performing.

Elsewhere, some of the finest home-grown talent will be on show, including sets from ex-Phantom Band guitarist Duncan Marquiss, DIY legend Apostille, frequent Optimo collaborator Isa Gordon, Lost Map resident Susan Bear, local experimental troubadour Adam Stafford, fierce Glasgow two-piece Comfort, the new alt-pop group Goodbody, featuring Paul Thompson of Franz Ferdinand, and the dark-ambient stylings of Devotion.

The lineup has been further bolstered by the addition of Glasgow musician Gerard Black’s debut performance of his new solo work, Legendary multidisciplinary artist, performer and curator Russell Haswell, Edinburgh-based musician, composer and producer sevendeaths, and composer, improviser and cellist Semay Wu.

Food and drink will be available throughout the day, brought to you by Tolbooth Supper Club; Stirling’s in-demand casual dining experience, offering festival-goers a choice of locally sourced food and drinks.

Meanwhile, the Tolbooth’s gallery space will host a specially curated exhibition curated by Stirling Photography Festival and Street Level Photoworks.

Interesting Things – A Music Festival For The Curious

Saturday 31st August | Tolbooth, Stirling

LINEUP

ML Buch

Ex Easter Island Head

Konx Om Pax

Duncan Marquiss

Adam Stafford

Apostille

Isa Gordon

Susan Bear

Comfort