Since 2010, Wide Days has served as Scotland’s premier music convention, acting as a vital catalyst for the nation’s most innovative and diverse emerging artists. Through a comprehensive two-day programme of industry sessions, networking, and live showcases, the convention bridges the gap between local talent and the global music industry. Supported by the PRS Foundation and Creative Scotland, the programme selects four standout Scottish acts each year to receive a year-round support package, including artist grants, professional mentoring, and high-profile performance opportunities.
A Showcase of Scottish Innovation
On April 30, 2026, the four selected artists—Lacuna, San Jose, Lo Rays, and Roller Disco Death Party—took to the stage at La Belle Angele in Edinburgh. The showcase highlighted the breadth of Scotland’s current musical landscape, from the intricate, genre-defying soundscapes of Lacuna to the avant-garde, performance-art-driven intensity of San Jose. Each act demonstrated why they were chosen for this prestigious development programme, offering a glimpse into the future of the Scottish scene.
Roller Disco Death Party: Escapism and Energy
In the lead-up to the event, we spoke with the electronic duo Roller Disco Death Party—comprised of songwriter Neal McHarg and drummer Amelia Briggs Haldane—to discuss their rapid ascent and the impact of the Wide Days programme. Formed just two years ago, the duo has quickly made a name for themselves with their high-energy, synth-driven sound. Their debut single, ‘Day By Day,’ gained national attention as the theme for BBC’s Late Night at the Euros with Compston and Smart.
Reflecting on their creative process, McHarg notes the importance of spontaneity and the duo’s shared vision for escapism. “The world’s shit enough right now,” McHarg explains. “If we can make people forget that for 30 to 45 minutes and just dance away, then we’re doing something right.” This philosophy is central to their live performances, which blend electronic precision with the raw power of live drums, drawing inspiration from acts like The Chemical Brothers and Soulwax.
For the duo, the Wide Days Talent Development Programme has been transformative. “It’s been the actualization of being recognized as artists,” says McHarg. “We’ve been making connections, especially at the grassroots level, that we’d never have been able to meet otherwise.”
Looking Ahead
As they look toward the remainder of 2026, the duo is focused on building their media connections and preparing for a busy festival season, including a highly anticipated appearance at Deer Shed. With plans to return to the studio later this year, Roller Disco Death Party is poised to continue their momentum, bringing their unique brand of electronic escapism to audiences across the UK.