Scottish-born, Berlin-based artist James Michael Rodgers crafts alt-folk steeped in raw Scottish soul, folk revivalism, and blues. His Creative Scotland-funded album Dying in my best life, produced by psychedelic-rock chart-toppers Luigi Pasquini and Jason Shaw, balances cinematic ambition with intimacy. Drawing inspiration from George Harrison, Tim Bernardes, and Kevin Morby, the record features Mercury Prize-nominated collaborators and Berlin Philharmonic musicians, blending gritty folk with orchestral depth.

A seasoned performer, Rodgers has spent a decade touring Europe, supporting acts like Gerry Cinnamon and Nathaniel Rateliff, while selling out headline shows as an independent artist in major cities across Europe and Britain. Beyond the stage, he fosters grassroots music communities, curating events in Glasgow, Berlin, and Portugal which has provided him a strong and loyal fanbase for years.

Praised by peers as a “force of nature,” Rodgers delivers live shows brimming with urgency and authenticity—a testament to his lifelong dedication to music’s emotional core.

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Jack Borrill is a Glasgow-based alternative folk artist, combining rich instrumentation with confessional lyricism. His previous work as a member of The Joy Hotel was recently long-listed for a Scottish Album of the Year Award, cementing his place within Glasgow’s thriving alternative music scene. Raised in Milton of Campsie — a wee town north of Glasgow tucked beneath the Campsie Fells — Jack’s songwriting is rooted firmly from his own lived experiences. His self-produced debut EP Writing Songs Was Cheaper Than Therapy (At First) — set for release on 12 December 2025 — showcases both his stylistic range and emotional honesty as a songwriter.

As Stephanie Cheape of BBC Introducing Scotland described: “If you’re a fan of artists like Noah Kahan, Ben Howard & Ray LaMontagne then I feel like you’re going to love this artist so so much... the sound that he has has a huge connection with space — it’s just one of those sounds that connects to nature and the countryside and there’s just something oh-so wholesome about it. It’s the perfect mix of folk, country and indie. I think you’re going to hear great things from this artist.”

Access Guide and Tickets for Personal Assistants

You can view/download The Glad Cafe's Access Guide here. If you require a ticket for a Personal Assistant/Gig Buddy (at no extra cost), please contact kim@thegladcafe.co.uk.