All this writing about ‘90s nostalgia, TikTok gravitating towards the tail end of the decade, and, well, just generally having my formative years spent glued to a radio during that time has me all misty-eyed about those acts that influenced mine, and many more, listening tastes as we grew older.
Living in New Zealand, right at the bottom of the world, didn’t mean, however, that some of the finest Scottish exports at the time weren’t being played on music television and radio; far from it. I recall first discovering Teenage Fanclub by virtue of their presence on the stunning Judgement Night soundtrack (along with De La Soul), while Nirvana referencing them and The Vaselines led to that exciting moment we all have, or had, when it comes to music discovery.
So, with Gen Z becoming pop culture anthropologists more and more, won’t you join me in popping on those old rose-tinted glasses, hop back into the (metaphorical) time machine and look back at some of those acts that we grew up on from Scotland?
Here are 15 acts that many of us still bang on our turntables or CD players in 2025, from caffeine-fuelled power pop to the more experimental side of the music scene - and check our our playlist on Deezer featuring those acts.
9. Aereogramme (Glasgow)
Aereogramme, a Glasgow band formed in 1998, offered a heavier, more melancholic sound at the end of the decade. They blended the intricate textures of post-rock with the intensity of alternative metal, creating a style that was both emotionally devastating and sonically powerful. They showed the darker, more experimental side of the Scottish music scene as the 90s drew to a close before breaking up in 2007. | Matador Records
10. Camera Obscura (Glasgow)
A vital part of the Glasgow scene, Camera Obscura formed in 1996. Their classic indie pop sound, featuring Tracyanne Campbell's sweet, melancholic vocals and a warm, retro feel, made them a favourite among fans of Belle and Sebastian. Although they found greater fame later on, they were a formative band in the thriving mid-90s indie scene, proving that there was always a demand for well-crafted, heartfelt pop songs. | Noel Vasquez/Getty Images
11. Travis (Glasgow)
Formed in Glasgow in 1990, Travis emerged in the mid-90s with their brand of gentle, melodic Britpop. Their breakthrough album, The Man Who (1999), catapulted them to global stardom with hit singles like 'Why Does It Always Rain on Me?' They were a pivotal band in the transition from Britpop to a more reflective, acoustic-led style of rock, paving the way for many of the bands that would dominate the 2000s. | Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images
12. The Supernaturals (Glasgow)
Hailing from Glasgow and formed in 1991, The Supernaturals were a classic indie-pop band known for their witty lyrics and infectious hooks. They were a consistent presence in the UK indie scene throughout the decade, with their playful and catchy singles earning them a reputation as one of Glasgow's most fun and accessible bands. | Brian Rasic/Getty Images