Why Nostalgia Is Scotland's Favourite Genre

From throwback club nights to band reunions and retro-styled releases, it’s clear: Scotland is in the grip of a full-blown nostalgia boom. Whether it's the electric fuzz of an 80s synth-pop banger shaking the dancefloor or the buzz of bagging tickets to a boyband comeback you thought was lost to time – nostalgia’s not just back, it’s stealing the spotlight. But this isn’t just about reliving your mum’s mixtapes, it’s a full-on cultural moment. And Scotland, a country already well-versed in communal singalongs and sentimental ballads, has taken it fully to heart. But what is it about the past that’s got such a hold on our present?

Head to any busy club in Glasgow or Edinburgh and you’re likely to stumble into a 90s or 00s night packed with punters shouting lyrics over each other to everything from Britney to Busted. Edinburgh’s Club Tropicana is a total blast from the past, and the ultimate 80s party palace, blasting nonstop classic hits under vibrant neon lights that electrify the dancefloor. Every weekend, the place is packed with people throwing down moves like it’s 1985 all over again, fully living the retro dream.

Mark Martin, presenter on Edge 2 – Edinburgh’s Classic Tracks Station, explains why these throwback nights are such a hit: “It takes you back to a time special to you. Whether it’s the place you went with your best friends or that song you kissed to, throwing it back is about remembering it happened and it feels special.”

Sure, there’s comfort in familiarity, but it goes deeper. These events often sell out fast, with crowds spanning generations. It’s less ironic and more emotional. These aren’t just fun songs; they’re memory triggers, portals to simpler times, before cost-of-living crises and algorithm-driven everything.

And it’s not just happening in the big cities. Retro-themed nights are popping up everywhere, from Inverness to Dumfries, proving the pull of nostalgic tunes is truly national. Everyone’s chasing that euphoric rush that only a beloved throwback can deliver. It’s also not just the club scene, Scottish artists are embracing nostalgia in their own releases too. Acts like Joesef, Cloth, and swim school are blending hazy 90s guitar textures and early-00s aesthetics with modern production, creating a sound that feels both fresh and familiar.

Many of today’s rising producers credit their love for bands like The Cure, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and early Bloc Party as major influences. That era feels emotionally raw, lo-fi, and honest – a far cry from the hyper-polished, algorithm-chasing tracks of today. 

And it’s not just about the sound. Visual throwbacks are everywhere: grainy VHS-style videos, vintage band merch aesthetics, and lo-fi cover art. Artists are picking up where their childhood soundtracks left off and using nostalgia as a lens to explore the now, reshaping old influences rather than simply recycling them.

Joesef on stage at La Belle Angele, Edinburgh. Image: Roosa Paivansalo

Reunions are absolutely blowing up right now, and honestly, it’s the ultimate throwback party we didn’t know we desperately needed. Big names like Five, Pulp, Sugababes, Black Sabbath, and Oasis are all gearing up to hit the road, reminding us why their tunes ruled our lives. Five’s cheeky pop bangers have us dancing like it’s the late 90s again. Pulp’s storytelling is still razor-sharp and iconic. Sugababes are bringing back their fierce girl power energy. Black Sabbath are reuniting the heavy metal faithful. And Oasis? We’ve waited 16 years for this – and now they’re finally ready to unleash their Britpop bangers all over again.

Whether it’s massive headline festival sets or smaller comeback gigs, these reunions feel like catching up with your lifelong best mates – the ones who know every lyric, every riff, every moment. Fans are screaming, jumping, crying, and loving every minute. It’s nostalgia turned up to 11, and we’re here for every glorious second.

There’s a theory that nostalgia peaks during times of uncertainty, and let’s be honest, we’ve had more than our fair share. With political chaos, digital burnout, and rising everything, retreating into the comfort of familiar music makes perfect sense. It offers joy, connection, and a much-needed break from the pressure to keep up.

It’s also a generational thing. Millennials and older Gen Zs – now a dominant force in nightlife and music consumption – are hitting the age where looking back becomes part of how we move forward. We’re curating our memories as much as our playlists. The songs we once screamed at school discos or burned onto mix CDs now offer emotional grounding – a reminder of who we were, and who we still are.

Plus, let’s face it: the past just slaps. Bangers were bangers, no algorithm required. And now, with streaming putting every era at our fingertips, it’s never been easier to dive back in.

So, whether you’re throwing shapes at a 00s club night, screaming every word at a reunion show, or falling for fresh faces with retro flair, nostalgia is the soundtrack of the moment, and we’re all dancing to it.