Opinion
Our music writers share opinion pieces on everything from the state of our music venues to who should have won various musical awards. Discover new music and get the latest insight on all things music savvy.
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OpinionThe Skinny Mixtape: 20 Years of Scottish Music
Celebrate 20 years of The Skinny with a journey through the artists, albums and moments that have shaped Scotland’s last two decades Read more »| 09 Oct 2025 -
MusicMore than music: the activism and generosity of Keith McIvor
Following the untimely passing of Optimo's JD Twitch, aka Keith McIvor, we celebrate his unwavering devotion to activism and supporting his local community Read more »| 08 Oct 2025 -
OpinionSlime City's Michael M on doing it wrong in We Are The Physics
Following the release of his book You're Doing It Wrong, Slime City's Michael M helps us celebrate our 20th anniversary with a stumble down memory lane, recalling his time in 'the best band you've never heard of', We Are The Physics Read more »| 08 Oct 2025 -
OpinionSHEARS: Under the Influence
This month sees Edinburgh producer and pop artist SHEARS release her debut album, WE ARE BUT CHEMICALS – she talks us through some of the albums that have influenced her sound over the years Read more »| 07 Oct 2025 -
MusicDirty Dozen: Idlewild review Sleaford Mods, Brogéal & more
Ahead of Idlewild's tenth album, we stick Roddy Woomble and Rod Jones in the hot seat to review new music from Sparks, Upchuck, Brogéal, Hen Hoose, Sigrid and more Read more »| 03 Oct 2025 -
IntersectionsMan Down, Level Up: Sex, socialising, and the male gaze
It’s all too easy to get stuck in the male gaze and let it drive your nights out: one writer tells how their uni experiences – and some Wet Leg lyrics – helped them change perspective Read more »| 16 Sep 2025
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OpinionEasy Listening: Streaming, AI and our changing relationship with music
Individual music taste has become a path of least resistance, rather than an act of creative discovery – one writer explores how streaming and AI has altered our relationship with music Read more »| 12 Sep 2025 -
OpinionFringe by the Sea: A Love Letter to Scotland’s Freshest Festival
Ahead of this year's Fringe by the Sea, one East Lothian local invites you to ditch the cobbles, skip the crowds, and get yourself to the coast this August Read more »| 25 Jul 2025 -
OpinionWhy Nostalgia Is Scotland's Favourite Genre
From club floors to comeback tours, retro is ruling Scotland’s music scene. But why? Read more »| 16 Jul 2025 -
OpinionThe Skinny's guide to Edinburgh's music scene
From its grassroots scene and music history walking tours to world class showcases and huge outdoor concerts, we celebrate Edinburgh's music scene in all its glory Read more »| 10 Jul 2025 -
OpinionOld Friends: the effects of music on dementia patients
With a day job in dementia care and education, Noah Barker shares the life-altering effects of music on dementia patients Read more »| 10 Jul 2025 -
OpinionOn Lorde, Virgin and running away
In celebration of new album Virgin, Anahit Behrooz takes a deep dive into Lorde's back catalogue exploring its relatability through a constant negotiation of pleasure and limitation, freedom and responsibility Read more »| 27 Jun 2025 -
OpinionKneecap: Why the backlash?
Following Kneecap's Mo Chara being charged with a terror offence, we take a closer look at the Northern Irish band's fervent support of Palestine Read more »| 30 May 2025 -
OpinionWU LYF 4EVA: The cult of WU LYF
After the surprise return of Manchester outfit WU LYF, we explore their cult-like status with hope for the future Read more »| 25 Apr 2025 -
OpinionDua Lipa’s domination: understanding a specious superstar
We hold a magnifying glass up to parenthetical pop star Dua Lip and ask, is her heart even in it? Read more »| 10 Apr 2025