The stage is set for Steph

Rising star is excited to share new Queen Tut’s platform with many amazing female artists

IT’S the third year of TRNSMT but the first year of the Queen Tut’s Stage.

While Stormzy will headline the Glasgow Green festival tonight, Catfish and the Bottlemen tomorrow and George Ezra on Sunday, much of the interest will be in the new stage.

In March, legendary venue King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut was renamed Queen Tut’s in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The stage has been launched to provide a platform for new female acts to become bill toppers of the future.

Stephanie Cheape, the current holder of the Capital FM Best Unsigned Act, will feature on Sunday.

How does it feel to play Queen Tut’s?

I feel over the last year there has been so much positive movement surrounding supporting women in the music industry. It’s something I’ve focused on in my writing, so it feels like fate to play this year, given that TRNSMT have used their voice to strengthen the voice of female artists like me in the industry. I’m excited to bring my A game.

Do you expect there to be a powerful vibe on the stage?

I can’t speak for others but I have worked with countless men in the industry this last year, all of whom have done nothing but empower me. Some of the songs in my set were co-writes with Sam McTrusty and Ross McNae of Twin Atlantic and my full band is all-male. Women aren’t the only ones seeing the gender gap and to have been so supported by these men in the music industry has allowed me to completely believe in myself. That’s the real power women need. My songs will bring that vibe entirely.

Who has been a role model for you, as a female artist?

Late last year, I met Lulu, who gave me the most incredible advice. It was more or less along the lines of, “Don’t let anyone hold you back.” For her to still pass on these words of strength after being in the industry at its most difficult time, it’s encouraging that the gender gap will soon be an issue of the past.

How do you hope to inspire young females?

Confidence is everything. Both society and social media are designed to make that mentality difficult. I want to show young girls in the industry to believe in themselves, and I can only do that if I lead by example. So I’ll do that by bringing my big girl balls to every show.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in the music industry?

Make them uncomfortable. Then they can’t take their eyes off you.

Who on the TRNSMT bill would you love to collaborate with?

I’m obsessed with Sam Fender’s writing. When I first heard it, it reminded me of Billy Bragg’s political writing and I was so excited that a young guy was saying exactly what he wanted. His songs blow my mind. Any opportunity to work with someone who pushes boundaries is a dream.

Are there any acts you’re excited to be playing alongside on the Queen Tut’s stage?

Tamzene’s the one I’m excited to catch live. There are so many amazing women I’m sharing a stage with, I can’t wait to catch a chat with them backstage.

Any acts you’d love to join on stage for a duet?

I’ve followed Sam Fender’s career from very early on, so naturally I know every song. I’d be up for a duet.

Are you a fan of festivals? Any stand-out memories from going as a fan?

I love festivals. I don’t always get to experience them as I’d like to, but I always catch my favourite acts. Sigrid was an