THERE are, of course, a handful of West Lothian names often labelled the next big thing – and if anyone deserves to be in the conversation, it's Dylan Fraser.

The stage is effectively set for the Bathgate youngster – he has the tools, the following, the momentum and the scope to follow the likes of Capaldi to the top.

READ MORE: A handful of West Lothian songwriters to watch out for

Like others in West Lothian, he has his own unique take on songwriting. And like others in West Lothian, he started his career on his doorstep.

The 20-year-old tells The Weekender: "My first ever show was at The Purple Orange in Bathgate. It's owned by one of my dad's friends and they run showcases and open mic nights where anyone can go along and play. I played quite a few times there.

"Another notable place was The Midnight Breakfast Club, also owned by one of my dads friends.

"I was probably 13 or 14 when I first started playing shows; I remember being absolutely terrified every time I was about to step on stage my whole body would be shaking and I'd slowly walk on stage with my little guitar and play some covers and originals for people.

"West Lothian crowds were great because the people in the audience were always really nice and supportive."

Fraser took a huge step forward last tear with The Storm EP, and then again with the release of his follow-up EP The World Isn't Big When You Know How It Works this year.

Both have helped to cultivate a huge fan base around the UK – no easy feat for any artist, never mind one so young.

He also signed with Atlantic Records, becoming label-mates with the likes of Paolo Nutini.

Frasers' cultured blend of dark-industrial pop and, inspired by heavyweights such as Nine Inch Nails, has set him apart from his contemporaries.

He writes with a maturity beyond his years, tapping into his own personal experiences to craft introspective tales that complement the sharp tones of his music.

"I'd say it's a cohesive chaos," he reflects. "I find it hard to stick to one thing or one sound because I listen to so much music and love to see what ways I can combine genres.

"I don't like to sugar-coat things and I'm just writing about my life, growing up and trying to figure out the world because it's such a confusing and strange process.

"There's not rule book to life and one day you become an adult and are just expected to figure it all out – I guess my music is a way to help me figure it all out."

It's already been a long-time coming for Fraser who felt a pull towards music even before primary school.

And it was a pursuit that was always going to be nurture growing up in a place such as West Lothian, with a family that always had his back.

He says: "I always knew since I was super young – maybe three years old – that music is what I wanted to do with my life. I still can't to this day explain why I knew so young and stuck to it, but I did.

"My mum plays guitar and can sing and she played in bands with her friends in high school, so I'd definitely say I got the musical ambition from her.

"My family have always been so supportive with my music and always pushed me to keep going with it which has been such a huge part of why I stuck with it.

"I think my main goal is to connect with people and have interesting conversations through music."

When asked what 2022 will hold for him, Fraser adds: "Lots of new music. I've been in the studio for the last year working on new stuff so I can't wait to share that.

"I'm excited to create more visuals around the music and collaborate with some cool creatives and musicians. Lots more shows too so keep a look out."