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. søftbleach Reminiscent of early 2000s alt rock, ‘fight or flight’ holds a temper force

Discover some of the best new music from emerging artists in Liverpool, Manchester and all the beautiful places in between! Gen and the Degenerates Gen and the Degenerates take us for a cheeky spin in their new track ‘Favourite Jumper’, delving into the complexities of the modern, queer relationship scene. Immediately opening with the confessional lyrics, “Your favourite jumper is my ex-boyfriend's”, vocalist Genevieve Glynn-Reeves' lyricism remains playful, honest, and self-

Music serves many purposes: escapism, entertainment, relaxation, but relatability is arguably one of the most important usages. Through Larlin’s new track ‘Sondhiem’, they lyrically craft a beautiful and resonating tune that is direct and unafraid in confronting challenging emotions, which many listeners will align with. Fronted by Maryann Hoar, her dreamy vocals shine through the cozy chords that wrap you up in their indie softness, as the lyrics paint on a canvas of vulnera

Iona Luke’s poetic and honest lyricism takes the form of a comfort blanket of relatability through her latest single ‘Existential’. An authentic vulnerability shines through her angelic vocals as she illustrates the complexities of identity, and the entrapment that can accompany this. Photo Credit: Daisy Dickinson Throughout the track, the notion of being stuck in a cycle is prevalent both lyrically and instrumentally, as we are faced with purposeful bleak and repetitive guit

Fresh from signing with REX RECS, Isle of Wight's alternative trio UGLY OZO are gearing up for their sophomore EP (OUT MAY 1ST). Led by the creative vision of Jessica Baker, UGLY OZO deal with all the angst-ridden trials and tribulations of a young-adult life. There's tinges of American teen drama with a gritty Indie-Alt texture. They swith between introspective melancholia and punchy expressions laced with angst, chaos, love and longing. Their upcoming EP 'dive' confronts li

Scott Quinn’s latest single, ‘Overdrawn’, is vulnerable and quietly comforting, exploring the difficult truth that love alone isn’t always enough to sustain a relationship. As the third release from his upcoming debut album, the track places the singer-songwriter’s talent for lyricism and storytelling at the forefront, balancing empathy with poignant observation. Opening with a moving piano sequence, ‘Overdrawn’ initially feels hopeful, with Scott Quinn’s vocals taking centre

SALYA ’s voice becomes the comfort we didn’t know we needed in her latest single ‘TALK’ . Described by SALYA herself as ‘a love letter to introverts’, the up-and-coming Indie-Alternative Pop singer perfectly captures the introvert experience in a spotlight-driven world. SALYA makes it clear that she ‘doesn’t want to talk right now’, but she doesn’t have to, this single says everything we need to hear. Building up from subdued restraint, the track rises to a raw, emotional rel

Fiona-Lee is a pioneering force in the indie music scene at the moment, as she expertly translates her personal struggles into songs that evoke a strong emotional response from her fans. With reclaiming power and validating experiences at the forefront of her lyricism, her fiercely independent spirit is nothing short of inspirational. With her sophomore EP ‘Every Woman’ set for release on April 14th, we caught up with Fiona to chat about how her own experiences shaped the pr

‘Blah Blah Blah’ instantly hurls you into an anti-establishment state of mind as Arizona-born artist Caelen Perkins declares that “I don’t like your ideologies and I don’t like you”, to the establishment. This may be the black sheep of Perkins' newly released album ‘Rosemond’ , but it sure does deliver. Known previously for a blend of Low-fi, Acoustic and Country, he has now put his own twist on Punk, a suitable addition to his anti-ICE album. ‘Blah Blah Blah’ has the spiri

‘Magic’ immediately begins with a motif that Rachel Rimmer , the frontwoman behind Hot Springs , declares with a mysterious ambiance, “I’ve got magic in my pocket” . However, she does not wish to elaborate upon her sorcery, “ You can’t have it!” , perhaps preferring to show rather than to tell. ‘Magic’ quickly catapults itself into an infectious groove, The bass and drums become the driving force behind the song, providing a steady canvas onto which Rachel projects her d

The new single from Buxton singer-songwriter Isaac Neilson sets him in good stead to begin working on his debut album. With an already loyal following, 2026 is undoubtedly a year of success and growth for the indie artist. Photo Credit: Kevin Donnelly Packed with energy and attitude, ‘No Affection’ is bound to be a crowd pleaser. The raw lyricism is charged with passion and authenticity. The electric guitar heats the song up perfectly whilst the drums build intensity and rh

Defying genres with her Rock -edged, Indie Pop sound, Switzerland- based artist Mary Middlefield loudly and unapologetically conveys spiralling inner-monologues and hard truths. Her latest EP ‘Wake Up!’ lives up to its title. Five artful and unpredictable tracks shake the listener from their reverie with slicing instrumentals and candid, witty lyrics. Title track ‘Wake Up!’ is a conversation with the internal monologue that feeds on insecurity. Intense Rock instrumental

‘ Alessa Moore ’ is the latest single from London five piece, MAYA . A band with a real DIY ethos, drawing immediate comparisons to the Garage Punk of Viagra Boys and The Hives , ‘Alessa Moore' is an eruption of raucous, mosh ready energy. Full of energy and attitude, the song draws the listeners attention immediately with an angular, crunchily distorted guitar riff, perfectly setting the stage for the rest of the song’s relentlessly energetic duration. Meanwhile, frontman

Bristol’s own Indie Rock sensations, Langkamer have proven with new singles ‘Deansgate’ and ‘Easterly’ that they have truly mastered a classic retro guitar sound that thrives in tandem with expressive lyrics and vocal harmony. We are lulled into a false sense of security by ‘Deansgate’ , the gentle thrumming begins carrying its beloved indie retro charm. This illusion is broken as the lyrics evoke something dark beneath their surface and guitar instrumentals strike down.

As they anticipate the release of their debut album, ‘Masquerade’ , on the 13th of February 2026, we spoke with Irish up-and-comers Cardinals . The Cork-based outfit masterfully entangle gritty traditional Rock music with complex stories that stick true to the band’s Irish roots. With four fantastic singles from the album already released via So Young Records, ‘Masquerade ’ promises melodic Folk and traditional Rock that has an unforgettably modern shine. Themes of identit

London’s rebellious trio, Dream Nails , have been at the forefront of feminist and queer punk, igniting a new wave of music and storming over those who doubt them. Having shifted their sound into a slightly more considered and nuanced direction for their upcoming debut record ( OUT ON MARSHALL RECORDS 6 FEB 2026), we can't wait to see what it has in store. This new album, ‘You Wish’ is an exploration of an undiscovered dark cave, full of insight and emotion and like always,

You can’t help but be lured in by the melodic, haunting pull of soft siren ’s new single, ‘California Heatwave’ . The side project, formed by members of Sidewalks and Skeletons and CASHFORGOLD , they join forces to produce a dark spectral fusion of gothic sound. The layered guitars shimmer and wash over you, while a familiar bass line drifts beneath, creating a Shoegazey haze that feels both nostalgic and otherworldly. Photo Credit: soft siren 2025 The vocals rise into the

Even before the release of their first EP, Søftbleach are making waves that transcend the boundaries of Pop and their single ‘ Ego Boost ’ has our hearts pounding. Boundless vocals from Darla Jade illuminate the intimacy of longing with the trepidation of self-discovery and self-confidence. In the aftermath, our egos are rightly bolstered and our minds struck with this captivating melody. Multi-instrumentalist Dustin Dooley unleashes ethereal distorted guitars which pulse

CARNE ’s new single ‘Lurk’ hits like a creeping shadow. Shoegaze meets Grunge on a Metal backdrop, the track swells with thick, distorted guitars and sudden, powerful breakdowns that punch straight through the mix. Vocally, it leans into that raw, 90s edge — Courtney Love grit with a modern bite — backed by wrenching screams that lift the intensity even further. Lyrically, ‘ Lurk ’ sits in a world of paranoia and obsession: “something is awry,” “fire lingers,” desire simme

Temeraire - an ensemble born from Liverpool’s music course - unveiled their first acoustic set within the warm, rustic embrace of Artefact , a venue that seemed to inhale and exhale with the band’s every note. The evening unfolded like a tapestry of brassy hues, yearning vocals, and a distinctly bohemian aura that lingered in the audience. The night had a gentle, handmade sound, each charming song being another step into their budding music career. Photo Credit: Will Litton