During the first weekend of August the second edition of Glasgow’s Core. Festival takes place again, offering another eclectic mix of genres and artists, both internationally and from the UK, including another great selection of Glasgow and other Scottish talents. Last year’s first edition was a success as you can read here, and the festival runs in a similar capacity this year, namely a main stage in a bigger hall with smaller venues on the side, including the fantastically intimate The Hug & Pint on the Great Western Road. The main hall is at Woodside Halls this year, which makes the walk from and to The Hug & Pint a bit quicker.

This year’s bill includes well-established names such as Dvne, Employed To Serve, Show Me The Body, Empire State Bastard, Glitterer, Author & Punisher, McLusky and many more. 

Daniel Mutch is one of the brains behind Core. Festival and he was more than happy to talk to us about 3 releases that have influenced him greatly during his life. Daniel’s choices are listed below, and he further comments: “Honourable mentions: Basement – I Wish I Could Stay Here, Songs about the Weather, colourmeinkindness – I couldn’t choose.”

Tickets for Core. Festival are still available through here, including whole festival tickets and separate day tickets. 

Floral Green – Title Fight 

Back in my teenage years, I spent most of my time out skateboarding. Title Fight’s Floral Green was a turning point for me. It was one of my first experiences with hardcore music and felt like reaching the top of a hill and seeing a whole new landscape waiting to be explored. The raw energy and emotion in tracks like ‘Head in the Ceiling Fan’ and ‘Leaf’ became the soundtrack for countless skate sessions, perfectly capturing the highs and lows of youth and that angsty energy we all think is unique to us in those early teenage years. The album’s blend of melodic hardcore and emo resonated with the freedom and rebellious spirit of skating, providing a backdrop for memories of hanging out with friends and pushing boundaries, all while avoiding responsibilities. Floral Green wasn’t just music; it was a doorway into a new world I would find myself immersed in for years to come. I am incredibly excited about having Ned’s new project Glitterer as part of Core.! 

The World is A Beautiful Place & I am No Longer Afraid to Die – Harmlessness 

Harmlessness by The World is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die was a transformative album for me. I discovered it at a time when I was exploring the depths of emo and indie music. The band’s unique setup, including two drummers, created a rich, layered sound that added a distinct intensity to their music. The album’s euphoric energy, combined with introspective lyrics and expansive instrumentation, made every listen an immersive experience. The interplay between the dual drumming and lush melodies felt like a wave of sound washing over me, capturing the highs and lows of life in a way that was both cathartic and uplifting. Harmlessness became a soundtrack for moments of reflection and inspiration, solidifying my deep connection to the music scene and influencing my passion for exploring emotionally resonant and boundary-pushing music. Having them open the first ever Core. Festival was a dream come true.

Enter Shikari – Take to The Skies

Take to the Skies by Enter Shikari was an influential album for me, which I discovered at the age of 10 through my older brothers. Even though I didn’t fully grasp its depth at the time, it captivated me. The band’s unique blend of electronic and hardcore music was unlike anything I’d encountered, sparking my curiosity and excitement. In primary school, I would sneak in finger lights—early Enter Shikari merch I’d swiped from my older brother—which often ended up confiscated by teachers. Enter Shikari went on to be a major influence for me; their boundary-pushing music and energetic performances made me feel part of a vibrant and dynamic world, fuelling a passion for music and live performance that has stayed with me ever since. Seeing them at the Garage in Aberdeen as a fresh-faced (spotty) teenager, coincidentally crowd surfing alongside my two older brothers, was a pivotal moment that solidified my dream of working in live music and becoming a promoter.
 

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