Billy Reekie on playing his biggest stage yet, utter chaos and why he's just grateful to be here
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Written by Lauren Page | @LiveWithLP
One thing about my interviews, they're never planned. When I got to TRNSMT Festival to interview Billy Reekie, it reminded me exactly why I love that chaotic natural interview approach. as we descend into conversations about sunglasses, accidental festival sponsorships and trying not to laugh every 30 seconds.
Catching up with Billy Reekie backstage at TRNSMT Festival fresh from stepping off the King Tut's Stage, Billy was buzzing with energy, cracking jokes before we'd even started rolling.
Billy's stage presence is just as infectious as his personality.
Having just played the biggest show of his career so far, the Scottish singer-songwriter admitted he was still taking it all in.
"I loved it," he smiled. "Feeling very, very grateful. I've actually never been to TRNSMT in my life."
Surprisingly, despite growing up in Scotland, Billy confessed he'd always avoided the festival.
"I'm quite anxious with crowds and stuff, so I'd never actually come along before. I wish I'd come sooner."
Judging by the packed barrier for his set, plenty of people were glad he finally made it.
When I mentioned how many fans had been singing every word back to him, Billy was quick with the joke.
"It's all my cousins," he laughed. "I've got about a hundred cousins that come and make it look busy."
Then, in true Billy fashion, the humour gave way to a genuinely heartfelt moment.
"I used to be a roofer," he said. "I never actually thought I'd be up on a stage like that. So honestly, I'm just super grateful."
It's that balance that makes Billy so likeable. One minute he's making everyone laugh, the next he's reminding you just how much this opportunity means to him.
TRNSMT marks another huge milestone in what's been a whirlwind journey. From busking and intimate venues to festival stages packed with thousands of people, his rise has been well deserved.
While he'd previously played festivals, Billy admitted the King Tut's Stage at TRNSMT was comfortably the biggest audience he'd performed for.
"I'd say that's the biggest one so far. We did a few festivals last year, which were amazing, but this one definitely tops it."
Of course, no festival interview would be complete without asking what's next, although Billy might have got a little ahead of himself.
"We're playing Heartland next year..." he paused before laughing. "Next year? Next week! I'm a year ahead already!"
Once he'd recovered, he accidentally dropped a little exclusive.
"We've got new songs coming out and, actually, this is the first time I'm saying this, but I'm going to be announcing more tour dates very shortly. Keep an eye on my socials."
So if you've been hoping to catch Billy live, it sounds like you'll have plenty more opportunities before long.
His debut album has already connected with fans thanks to its honest songwriting, and while choosing a favourite track isn't easy, Billy couldn't resist another joke first.
"I hate them all," he laughed. "Don't buy it, it's terrible."
After joking that Lewis Capaldi had already perfected that bit of stage banter, Billy became a little more reflective.
"All the songs are personal because they're talking about different points in my life."
The one that means the most live?
"Song That I Sing. That's probably my favourite to perform because people tend to sing it back the most."
It's easy to see why. There's something incredibly special about watching an artist perform the song that first connected them with their audience, especially when that audience is growing as quickly as Billy's.
Before wrapping up, I asked Billy one of my favourite questions: which artist deserves a bigger spotlight right now?
Without hesitation, he recommended fellow Scottish musician DOVV.
"His music is unbelievable," Billy said. "It's hard to compare him to anyone. He's got a bit of Roy Orbison in his voice, but the songs are a bit more rock. I'd definitely encourage people to go and listen."
Needless to say, DOVV immediately earned himself a spot on my playlist.
As for Billy, if TRNSMT proved anything, it's that his career is only heading one way. The music speaks for itself, the live show keeps getting bigger, and his personality is every bit as entertaining off stage as it is on it.
One thing's for sure: if this was Billy Reekie's biggest stage so far, it definitely won't be for long.
Billy Reekie's debut album Strange Times is out now