Review by Chloe Morris.

Full of laughter and light, Scottish singer-songwriter, Calum Bowie, blew away his Bristol crowd at a sold-out show ahead of his debut EP release.

At just 24, Bowie first gained a following on TikTok by posting videos of himself singing with his guitar to the passing public below his flat window. This unique approach has seamlessly translated into his music, making his sound a breath of fresh air in today’s pop scene.

When I arrived at the venue, the atmosphere was already electric, with the eager crowd hooked on the voice of Áine Deane. Her musical style set the perfect tone for the evening—her impressive vocal range and dreamy sound made for an enchanting opening set. Beyond her talent, Deane’s Gen Z charisma and energetic interactions with the audience made her instantly relatable, drawing laughter and engagement from the crowd.

Then, it was time for Calum to take the stage, and his set was bursting with energy from the very start. Opening with We Are The River, it was clear why this extraordinary young artist deserved the spotlight. 

Calum Bowie performing at the Bristol Exchange, Bristol [Photo Credit: Chloe Morris/ADRENALINE Magazine]

His raspy, yet charming, vocals, paired with upbeat, catchy melodies, created the perfect blend. His sound echoes influences of Sam Fender and Noah Kahan, while his storytelling lyrics bring his songs to life. Bowie’s stage presence was another highlight of the night.

Calum Bowie performing at the Bristol Exchange, Bristol [Photo Credit: Chloe Morris/ADRENALINE Magazine]

With a minimalist stage setup, he kept the focus on his music and connection with the crowd. One particularly breathtaking moment came when he stepped into the centre of the room to perform Dream Of My Own without a microphone—just him, his guitar, and the crowd.

Calum Bowie performing at the Bristol Exchange, Bristol [Photo Credit: Chloe Morris/ADRENALINE Magazine]

Slowly spinning as he sang, he locked eyes with fans who echoed his lyrics back to him, creating a truly intimate and magical experience. Reflecting on the night, the entire show was flawlessly crafted—from the incredible setlist to Bowie’s authentic stage presence. 

He masterfully captured relatable emotions through his refreshing, earthy sound. With his newly released debut EP, Through The Window—a fitting title given his rise on social media—it’s easy to see this charming small-town star soaring to new heights this year.

If you haven’t already, give the EP a listen. You’ll want to learn the lyrics in time for his next tour stop in your city! Listen here.

Calum Bowie performing at the Bristol Exchange, Bristol [Photo Credit: Chloe Morris/ADRENALINE Magazine]

Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Chloe Morris/ADRENALINE Magazine.

Author

  • I’m Chloe (She/Her) an events and portrait photographer based in Bristol. I’ve always had a strong interest in photography much before choosing to study it at Falmouth University. I have vivid memories of setting up a makeshift studio in my garage, using bedsheets and rope with LED lights purchased off Amazon, getting my sister and friends to model for me. This sparked my creative flare and made me want to learn how to turn my passion into a full-time job. Looking forward, I have high aspirations for my work, I’m currently working towards becoming a full-time freelance photographer, shooting events and portraits, and showcasing to other female photographers, it’s possible to make it in this heavily male dominated industry, inspiring young women who are currently building their make shift studios with their bedsheets and rope.

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