2025 didn't just bring us some incredible albums and some defining releases from the biggest voices in the Indie world, it also uncovered a slew of exciting new voices who we believe are in for a huge 2026. From scrappy Indie Rock youngsters to bands who are on the crest of a wave ready to plunge into their debut albums, here's an unordered list of acts you need to watch out for this year. Florence Road Wicklow four-piece Florence Road have made waves on the Indie Pop scene w

Since 2021, No Play have provided grassroots music for the scene, by the scene, and this year's festival is no different. 35 Bands across 5 stages provided the perfect day out for any Alternative or Hardcore Fans, with a strong sense of community throughout every aspect of the festival. No Play Festival encapsulates everything incredible about the Hardcore and Alternative fellowship, especially within the North West. Photo Credit: @eyes_widephotography Based in the heart of L

The three year album interlude from the compelling, Bristol-based Getdown Services that began with the mordant, energetic 2023 debut album ‘Crisps’ has finally ended with their sophomore album ‘Massive Champion’. An album title fitting for the self-proclaimed “Britain’s best band”. Photo Credit: Sion Marshall Waters The interlude, however, has been a busy one though with a copious amount of sweat-induced, unhinged and infectious performances from the often topless Josh Law a

There is something peculiarly surreal about hearing the unmistakable tones of Joe Newman outside the milieu and alt-pop, art-rock hums of Mercury Prize winning band alt-J. On the heels of almost two decades as the voice and frontman of one of British indie’s most distinctive bands, Newman has stepped out alone, trading alt-J for the rather more cryptic moniker of JJerome87. Photo Credit: Zachary Gray Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Carlos De La Garza, ‘The Canyon’ feel

From new Indie gems and explosive Rock acts to intimate Folk songwriters and singer songwriters, we'll be showcasing our favourite Aussie acts and their new releases... ALEIA Perth artist ALEIA has unveiled her enchanting Indie-Rock poetry via her latest track ‘Willpower’. Taking listeners into her climate of a smoky grey cloud haze, the track encapsulates romantic betrayal through poetically crafted lyricism, amongst the slow burning instrumental blaze. ‘Willpower’ opens wit

Twenty years since it first landed in Daresbury, Creamfields has cemented itself as one of the UK’s biggest dance music festivals, and this was my first time making the trip. Located just outside Warrington, the site pulls crowds from Liverpool and Manchester in their thousands, alongside ravers from every corner of the country. Several transport options run into the site, with signposts and security stationed throughout to keep the flow of thousands moving in the right dire

Keyside didn’t ease their way into their debut album ‘Keyside’ , they kicked the door wide open. With driving guitars and soaring choruses, Keyside makes an immediate statement of intent. But beneath the bright and infectious surface of the album, lies something darker. With songs tackling addiction and emotional struggle yet never losing their irresistible sense of melody. ‘Runaway’ establishes the balance of the album immediately. With the upbeat guitar line and expansive c

This weekend saw around 90,000 festival goers descend on the iconic Bramham Park site for a weekend of unforgettable music. Across the site, established headliners shared the bill with a wealth of emerging talent, resulting in a host of triumphant performances. Overall, Leeds once again proved why it remains one of the UK’s favourite festivals. Since its inception back in 1999, Leeds Festival has firmly established itself as a mainstay in the festival calendar. Whilst its roo

One of Sunderland’s most exciting stars Tom A. Smith is back with an outstanding EP ‘Put On A Record Tommy’. This unique dance driven record highlights the parallels of both confidence and insecurity, expressing the difficult changes of becoming a young adult. Smith’s honest lyricism on this record emphasises the vulnerability of establishing an identity and the challenges of embodying new perspectives. The overall sonics of the EP moves contrary to this theme, proving to the