Neurodivergent musicians aren’t waiting for space – they’re creating it

When Sandy Maclarty, also known as The Sandman, launched his first event, Spinnin’ on the Spectrum, in January 2025 – he was spotlighting a need in the underground music space.

The goal was simple: champion neurodivergent and disabled people through music. But what started as one inclusive night in Glasgow quickly revealed a much bigger gap in the underground music scene – and an even bigger opportunity.

Now, Spinnin’ on the Spectrum is growing into a full event series – shaped by lived experience, powered by community, and grounded in inclusion.

What Spinnin’ on the Spectrum stands for

Spinnin’ on the Spectrum is a night run by The Sandman, Sandy Maclarty, running regularly every few months at Stereo in Glasgow, in support of Attitude is Everything.

Sandy’s vision is clear, and the events aim to carry out three key purposes:

• Comfort and belonging: Creating a space where neurodivergent and disabled people can feel at ease – free from pressures to “perform” in neurotypical ways
• Confidence in creators: Giving independent artists a platform to share their work and grow in their practice
• Raising visibility: Bringing neurodivergent and disabled people to the forefront of the event, and starting dialogue around access at club events – while supporting charities like Attitude is Everything that works towards an accessible music industry.

Lived experience shapes every detail

Neurodivergent people are often expected to merge into spaces that are not accessible for them. Sandy knows this feeling all too well:

“I often get asked how much I’ve had to drink when entering a club—and I don’t drink. It’s just how I come off.”

From this experience – and others alike – Sandy expresses that this pushed him to rethink what an accessible club night could look like. He worked closely with the team at Stereo in Glasgow – including their welfare crew and their club programmer, Sof – who coordinated with Sandy on this night.

“While I have a disability, I want to feel like I belong. When I’m DJing, I don’t feel that. I feel myself in the music, and I get other people do too.”

Attitude is Everything’s DIY Access Guide was a key tool in helping make sure promotion materials and event planning were inclusive and accessible for a grassroots venue.

“As a person with epilepsy, I often feel like I’m slower than others,” Sandy adds. “And adjustments need to be made” – That’s why creating a space with meaningful adjustments was important. His experience reflects a wider issue in the industry: only 20% of artists and bands feel confident in sharing their access requirements, despite being legally protected by the Equality Act 2010. Through Spinnin’ on the Spectrum, Sandy hopes to shift this narrative by advocating for change and leading by example.

Turning connection into action

Sandy first connected with Attitude is Everything at the Brighton Music Conference in 2024. This sparked a deeper commitment in him to break down barriers that disabled people face in accessing music events – whilst supporting Attitude is Everything with Spinnin on the Spectrum.

“This was a charity that made me feel like I could be celebrated for being me.”

Sandy shared that he wanted to be able to support our charity to be able to ensure that access is prioritised in the live music industry and barriers are broken down for other music creators like him.

Advice for others starting inclusive events

Sandy knows he’s not the only one looking to make space for underrepresented communities through music. Here’s his advice for anyone considering starting a night of their own:

• Start with Demand: Make sure there’s a need and interest for your event in the area.
• Build Local Connections: Go to other small nights, meet independent artists and DJs, and connect to your local communities.
• Use What You’ve Got: Look at the skills within your close circle – it can be promo, design, tech – tap into that.
• Lead with Passion: Having the drive is important to carry through the challenges
• Stay Realistic: Growth takes time. Don’t expect huge results right away.

What’s next?

The Sandman returns to the decks for the next Spinnin’ on the Spectrum night this Friday 11th April 2025. You can also find him on his radio show on Data Transmission that airs bimonthly. If you can’t make it to this one, give them a follow to stay updated. You can also contact Sandy directly: [email protected]

If you’re interested in holding any fundraisers for us, please contact: [email protected]