From Indie and Rock outfits to Folk songwriters and electronic experimenters... here's our rundown of some of our favourite new artists in the Manchester music scene. You can also keep up to date with the best North-West releases via our playlist below.
DR DR
Dr Dr’s latest release is one that we’ve had on repeat. ‘Gimme Love’ is a new Alt Rock track that is just bursting with energy in every way, from the guitar riff that will get stuck in your head to the vocal performance that oozes confidence, moxie and passion.
Everything about this tune just screams star power. Frontman and vocalist Fred Farrell’s delivery completely sells the obsession towards this girl; a highlight of the song is the way the track drops out when he sings "my addiction" just before that incredible chorus hits again, it’s just, well... addictive!
The composition of the track is also impressive, sounding dirty and distorted in the best way possible. It’s so dynamic and full of life- it’s the type of tune that would be absolutely killer live, one that would get the whole crowd on their feet. We really cannot rave enough about this one- go and give it a listen!
Words by Nia Bottom
Georgian
Some songs have a knack for wrapping themselves around their listeners’ brains and never letting go, and the hypnotic vocals and poetic lyrics such as “it’s been some time since you’ve been able to shine/ but through the dark winter nights, I still see your light” make singer-songwriter Georgian’s newest single 'Soleil' one that will stay with its listeners long after the song has finished.
With its gentle, dreamlike guitar rhythm as a guide, the song takes its listeners on a journey through the mind of a character waiting wistfully for the dreary days of winter to end and for something (or someone) better and brighter to shine through the seemingly endless darkness.
As autumn slowly gives way to winter, this will most definitely be a feeling that anyone who listens to the song can relate to and hearing it will make them feel as warm and cosy as the fluffiest blanket and the tastiest hot chocolate. Georgian has done an incredible job with this song, and we cannot wait to hear more!
Words by Sue-Joyce Headon
Hungry
Ahead of their largest headliner to date at Band on the Wall this November, Manchester’s Hungry release their first single of the year, 'Sick of It'.
Immediately as you press play on the new single you’re met with a fast-moving bassline and a frenzied drumbeat. Pulse-raising and rage-stricken, with hard, barked vocals that spiral in an intense concoction of equal parts hurt and rage, bitterly sparring with and interrogating the listener.
The single carries with it a burden of disillusionment, but rather than being overwhelmed by hopelessness the single’s overriding feel of demoralisation is incensed by an overtone of defiance, characterising it as a punchy musical manifestation of the kind of furious outburst that comes after being pushed over the edge. Clocking in at a blunt 2 minutes and 21 seconds, 'Sick of It' is a short but sweet dose of loud, righteous, urgent, bitter anger.
Words by Ava Williams
Maruja
After releasing their hauntingly brilliant EP ‘Connla’s Well’ earlier this year, Maruja recently returned with a compelling new single ‘Break The Tension’. The song opens with a powerful instrumental that immediately draws listeners into a world that balances infectious rhythms with a sense of emotional urgency.
The aggressive vocals then enter, complimenting the rapid instrumental and ultimately building the tension. This continues to build throughout the entire track all the way until the explosive end in which Maruja finally break the tension.
Lyrically, ‘Break The Tension’ discusses vengeance and how it may be tempting, but usually only results in a negative outcome. The repetition of phrases such as "can’t make a difference" and "can’t break the tension" emphasise a feeling of powerlessness over a situation.
Maruja seamlessly blend elements of Jazz and Punk to create a fascinating, yet emotive track that is extremely relatable and allows listeners to reflect on their own experiences.
Words by Emily Jade
Delights
Manchester Indie outfit Delights have always been one of our favourites in the city, however, they seem to have been sparked with a new vibrancy and swagger that has made their recent music even more exciting!
As they prepare for their new album which arrives early next year, they have released a trio of teaser singles. ‘Two Times Over’ is a funky Indie Rock bop, that has a wonderfully flavoursome instrumentation full of cowbells, whistles and sharp backing harmonies to make a super fun danceable groove. ‘I Think You Should Know’ is a little more smooth and tranquil but still with a rhythmic groove. The slick vocal melodies ring of Blossoms’ more chilled out tracks and the tight guitar line creates an earworming tune that becomes hypnotic in the final moments.
However, their most recent release ‘And It Goes’ is our favourite of three. The three big cowbell hits kickstart the track before it barrels into an energetic Indie whirlwind. This is one of their most exhilarating songs to date, mixing their trademark finesse with a slightly grittier edge, as if they are baring their teeth and showing their darker side. The interplay between the vocal harmonies showcases their refined talents as always but the bubbling electronic tones that enter the fray and the fuzzy lead guitar make for a more raucous and expressive performance.
Perhaps their best song yet! We can’t wait for the album now.
Yasmin Coe
Packed with hooks, cathartic choruses and enchanting vocals, Yasmin Coe’s new latest single ‘Expected As Much’ strikes the perfect balance between her signature dreamy Alternative-Pop style and a new musical evolution. This is the second of two recent releases which form part of her upcoming EP ‘The Most I Could Do’ which is out on November 29th.
The bold, gritty energy of this opening may seem to indicate a move away from the airy, Shoegaze-inspired spirit of previous single ‘Linen’. However, the dark-sounding verses of ‘Expected As Much’ flawlessly balance and enhance the sudden and joyous burst into a bright, melodic chorus, with swirling layers of guitars and angelic floaty vocals which sing the realisation “I don’t know what I expected of you, but I know that you want it from me”.
As the song draws to an end, the vocals are accompanied by a cathartic guitar solo, releasing all of the pent up emotion from the verses with a sense of relief and freedom.
Words by Holly Bacon
South By Zero
South By Zero bring a polished pop finesse to their acoustic songwriting and pair it with a playful online presence. It could be easy to get lost in the fun of their social media antics but the band are always ready to remind us why they are such an important act to follow.
Photo Credit: @daycatt
We recently saw them performing live at The Bread Shed and they reached above and beyond their already high standards to give us all a night to remember.
Delivering a fun-filled performance the band took a tour through their best tracks, going from the intimate heartfelt songs of past loves to the dance infused new releases. Lead predominantly by the incredibly talented Matthew Bawtree, the band’s usual beautiful vocals were once again on show, with their angelic 3-piece harmonies acting as a testament to their musical skills.
Words by Ben Hacking
Emma Taylor and the Wallflowers
Emma Taylor and the Wallflowers present a gorgeous blend of Folk, Pop, and Indie in their new single ‘Forget Me’, its apt release on the cusp of autumn embodies the song’s wistful feelings and warm yet fresh aura.
Not a beat is wasted before the listener is immersed in Emma's gentle vocals accompanied by the equally soft strummed chords. Our captivation is held as the production gradually builds, peaking with the titular line “forget me”.
Nostalgia and longing punctuate the chorus and in its second iteration the song peaks, production decreasing slightly allowing the passionate pleads of Emma to take full focus before the returning instruments only increase the intensity of the emotions that bleed through the music and lyrics. Emma's claims of feeling “hopeless” are almost ironic as the song exudes possibility and a sweet nostalgia for lost or young love.
As only their third single, there is great anticipation for the future work of the group and an assured sense that Emma does not need to worry about being forgotten by us anytime soon.
Words by Maddie Forster
M60
Indie hit makers M60 are back once again with another anthem perfect for the summer festival season. The new track ‘Cards We Dealt’ is their first release of the year and has made a big impact on the band’s return.
It instantly grabs you with an infectious guitar line that is sharp, bright and undeniably catchy, snapping you out of whatever you were doing and demanding your attention. The rhythm is a bouncy one, built for dancing and it intertwines wonderfully with the aforementioned guitar line to produce a really full sound as the guitars fill any empty space left in the rhythmic percussion.
The vocals are powerful and sentimental, delivering heartfelt lyrics of past regrets but also of letting loose and embracing what life throws your way. This is a perfect summer Indie anthem that will make you want to dance around a festival field and sing your heart out.
Corella
Their debut album 'Once Upon A Weekend', released earlier this year, is full of hits like 'Drifting' and 'Don't Stop Me Now' that are perfectly suited to anthemic festival performances. Luckily enough, we had the pleasure of catching them at Tramlines 2024 where they packed out the Leadmill tent and delivered a high-energy, singalong set to remember.
Photo Credit: Jake Haseldine
There are some performances that just tell you that the band is destined to become a festival mainstay and Corella's super fun set full of bouncy Indie anthems that got people on shoulders and singing along within minutes did just that! Look out for these guys at Neighbourhood Festival this Autumn.
Alex Spencer
Alex Spencer has gone from turning heads while busking on the streets of Manchester to forging a career as one of the most exciting UK indie talents, despite being just seventeen years old. Tracks across his current discography have been met with widespread acclaim, earning plaudits from BBC 6 Music, XS Manchester and BBC Introducing, and is currently fresh off a live session with John Kennedy on Radio X. His releases have improved time on time, culminating in his best project yet, his new EP 'There's Gotta Be More'.
Opening track 'Love And Let Go' is possibly his catchiest song to date, luring you into a moody verse full of atmospheric texture and groovy Indie rhythms before elevating the spirits in the chorus which will get you singing along in seconds. The title track is a great showcase for how is skills of arrangement and composition have developed as the song is simple at its heart but it is brought alive into a really engaging listen thanks to the instrumental subtleties of bubbling guitar tones and interesting percussive sounds.
'Nightmares', which features a surprise verse in Spanish, has a really fun bouncy energy that brings together the swagger of The Kooks with the vibrant modern Indie swing of acts like Bad Sounds and Easy Life. Final track 'Fear Will Kill The Future' feels distinctively Alex Spencer, playing on a tension-building rhythm that hooks you in and delivering a powerful vocal chorus full of hope, joy and complexity. In this track, you can feel the authentic performance that first earned him attention while busking, but with a newfound production and refined quality to the songwriting that shows just why his career seems to be on the rise at such a rate!
Dirty Beau
The debut release, ‘Shady Deals’ by Dirty Beau is an enigmatic Indie track that captures a sense of suspicion and uncertainty. This new single, created by session musician Darragh Burke under the stage name Dirty Beau, delves into the limbo-like state of its protagonist.
Based in Manchester, Darragh Burke has previously toured with emerging Indie Rock bands such as The Mysterines and Glass Caves. However, with ‘Shady Deals’, he steps out on his own. The track features distorted guitar riffs that invite curiosity into the mix, underpinned by a steady bass line and light drumbeats. This blend rings of the sultry tones of The Last Shadow Puppets.
This places focus on the layered vocals that blend to create a smooth, yet slightly disorientating tone, which exquisitely matches lyrics that explore the contrast between ugliness and beauty.
Dirty Beau’s debut release is a powerful, well-crafted track that builds strong anticipation for what’s to come.
Words by Eve Waterhouse
MALCOLM are reigniting the dramatic Indie atmospheres of mid 00s acts like The Killers, blending a big energy with chorus’s that are wonderfully dense, absorbing you in a whirlwind of sound.
The vocals of frontman Caz Donaghy have a depth and resonance and the production almost makes it feel like the whole band is singing as one. This unity is infectious and makes you want to sing their songs back at the top of your lungs. Meanwhile, the instrumental intensity is all-encompassing, wrapping around you to make you feel like you’re in the middle of a simmering mosh pit.
Photo Credit: Holly Rebecca
Their previous single ‘C’est La Vie’ immediately caught our attention as it lures you in with a deep, rolling bass line that brings to mind Fontaines D.C before bursting open into a bouncy Indie anthem driven by a piercing lead guitar line that shines through the thick sound with a powerful melody.
Now, 'All The Time' has lived up to the billing once again, hooking you in with the infectious riff that is laced with gritty swagger before delivering an earworming chorus that will stick with you all day. Energy meets melody, intensity complexity...another winner from one of Manchester's best new bands.
Our favourite New Wave / Alt Rockers Sugarstone have recently returned with a string of singles. The supercharged ‘In Tatters’ perfectly captures both their high intensity, angst-driven energy and their more melodic vocal lines. Opening with a scatter of sinister synths, the track the opens up, led by a wonderfully ferocious riff that is equally as menacing as it is infectious.
The more stripped back sections highlight the slightly gothic-tinged melodies that hook you in a with a tempting allure while the dense, crunching sounds of the fuller sections showcase the audible strobe effect sound that completely absorbs you in a mosh worthy frenzy. The latter feeling is perfectly channelled through this song’s finale that traps you in a dark-tinted whirlwind of smashing drums, whirring synths and passionate vocal calls that echo in the distance.
Now, 'Body Pending' has leaned deeper into the retro synth textures, swarming the hypnotic vocals in a veneer of bubbling electronics before the Alt-Rock harshness bleeds through. This single is wonderful showcase for their instrumental intricacy and range of influences as well as offering perhaps their best chorus yet where shimmering synths clash with a stomping Rock rhythm and infectious vocal melody.
Velma
High-octane duo Velma create blood-curdling Punk outbursts to inject you with an angst-fuelled spirit of rebellion. Their newest single 'Don't Wanna See You Again' wastes no time in getting started, bursting open with a pounding bass drum and menacing riff that is packed full of tension.
The chorus then opens up as the drums bring an intentionally scrappy, basement Punk energy and the vocals spit out lyrics with venom, almost making you feel as if they're aimed directly at you.
The rhythm of the riff constantly changes up quickly in the style of Bad Nerves while the overall tone remains raucous and intense throughout, never giving you a moment to breathe. A short and sharp introduction to an exciting Punk newcomers.
20-year-old Manchester rising Alternative star, Chloe Slater, has made her first huge statement on the North-West scene with the release of her debut EP ‘You Can’t Put A Price On Fun’.
The EP covers a range of lyrical sentiments both personal and political while perfectly capturing the aesthetic of Gen-Z living both in content and delivery.
Her music carries the sunken-eyed cool swagger of acts like Wet Leg and English Teacher with more pop-tinged chorus'.
She seamlessly combines angsty attacks, with inescapably catchy melodies and personal introspections with astute, damming reflections on society. Chloe is fast becoming the most exciting act in the North-West.
Already widely regarded as one of Manchester’s hottest new talents thanks to a string of notable live shows and support slots, Alternative songwriter TTSSFU, has now fully cemented her status with the release of her 7-track EP ‘Me, Jed and Andy’.
Photo Credit: Mat Coffey
Moody, frustrated and brooding with an eery gothic undertone. The vocals have a drifting, melancholic style that fits beautifully on top of the hypnotic Post-Punk grooves.
Many of the EP’s songs fit this theme, blending the slightly dreamy textures of Wolf Alice’s most ethereal tracks with a gloomy angst that bends and weaves its way between Alt Rock and Shoegaze in the fashion of fellow Mancunian newcomers Cruush.
Fan favourite ‘Studio 54’ breathes with a beautifully cinematic quality as the vocals deliver their dream-laced, bittersweet Melodie’s with soft caress while the hypnotising drum/bass grooves drive the track forward and atmospheric background textures swirl around, enthralling you into a sonic trance.
One of the best EP’s of the year and certainly one to watch.
'ATTENTION!' is the newest single from Manchester duo Vincent’s Last Summer ahead of their impending EP release. Fresh off the back of a headline show at Manchester’s Disorder, and ahead of a support slot in Sheffield, the band are making waves in the up and coming Post-Punk genre.
Reminiscent of IDLES and Courting, with a driving bass line and infectious lyrics, it’s one of those songs you can immediately imagine yourself shouting along to in a sweaty basement somewhere with all of your friends. Singer James’ ability to sound so desperate whilst also so teasing when crying out "Give Me Your Attention" is impressive, and you can’t help strutting when the song is playing in your headphones.
The single - like all their previous ones - is high energy and sets a good precedent for the upcoming EP release on June 7th.
Words by Ella Plaiter
Welsh-born, Manchester-based Indie songwriter Megan Wyn keeps on grabbing her attention with her rich, warm and beautifully layered singles. The first of which, ‘You Don’t Get It’ was an instantly captivating Indie-Folk earworm track that grows on you every time you listen. The cosy, guitar tones immediately radiate a soothing, meaningful feel to the song while Megan’s vocals carry a warming quality that perfectly suits the lament of the lyrics.
'Familiar Faces' followed up with a sound that was equally hypnotic with an insanely catchy chorus that will stick with you and 'Are You Bored Yet?' completed her trio of new releases with a slightly brighter and jaunty sound.
Now, she is back once again with her fourth release ‘Waiting For A Reason’, a moody Indie them that showcases the power and depth of Megan’s vocals. It is her most expressive track yet, using big riffs and a lamenting instrumental melody that weaves through the punchy cacophony of the chorus.
A fantastically resonant track that is perhaps her boldest yet...and you can see it live this September as Megan heads out on tour. Grab your tickets here.
If you’re not sure if you’ve seen SLAP RASH live on your local circuit yet then you definitely haven’t because theirs is a performance that you don’t forget.
The brother-sister duo are one of the most visceral live acts across the North-West right now and their music aims to capture all the thrashing energy and harsh, Punk intensity of their live shows in recorded form.
Their debut EP ‘Catherine Special’ is an in-your-face, grimey expression of social unrest and self-analytical outbursts. Everything about their music is full-on, making a gigantic noise between just two people as they combine their dark, gravely bass lines and smashing drum sounds to create a cacophony of noise.
The vocals too are harsh and in-your-face on every track as Amelia spits out her discontent, demanding you take notice. A furious sonic sandstorm that is not for the faint-hearted!
Singer-songwriter Stan Buckroyd has caught the attention of the North-West scene with is vibrant Indie Pop style that is brimming with energy and personality.
There's exuberant guitar solos, energy-packed grooves and slick, slightly Disco-infused rhythms that rings of Two Door Cinema Club.
Yet these flourishing instrumentals are married with verses that carry more thoughtful sentiments, particularly ‘PLASTIC HAPPY’ that borrows Springsteen-esque saxophone in the second half of the track.
His latest release 'KNOW ME' has a feel-good energy, leading with a bouncy, summer-festival Indie swing. The jaunty instrumentals leave room for his vocals to shine, beautifully navigating that balance between melodic finesse and raspy passion. Earworming chorus' brimming with rapid-fire lyrics and summery tones, Stan has created a truly modern sound that is undeniably loveable.
Cruush also have the ability to offer the engulfing cacophonous sounds of SLAP RASH, yet, for the majority, they venture into a more dreamy Shoegaze sound.
Photo Credit: Loélia Duboc / @aileol.photography
They prefer to layer their guitars with plenty of distortion and echo so that every note they play leaves an audible trail lingering in the background of the songs. The vocals swim through this dense instrumental soundscape with a contrastingly soft and ethereal tone, ringing of Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell in places.
Their music is mellow and introspective at times, angsty and expansive in moments and gloomy and insular in others yet it always draws emotions from the dark depths of contemplative thinking. Their latest EP 'Nice Things Now, All The Time' is a beautifully lucid experience that swims through a wide range of emotive soundscapes and haunting textures with ease!
Revived, reborn and rejuvenated, Tesni, formerly known as Evie Eve, has returned under this new moniker with a inescapably poignant single 'Savoury'. Whether its songwriting ability, vocal prowess, stirring instrumental arrangements or lyrical depth that you're seeking, this track showcases it all.
Credit: Georgia Zimmerman / @georgiazimm
The weaving bed of strings that interlace at the start of the song breathe an immediate cinematic and poignant atmosphere. The rounded, refined style of Evie's vocals match this classical tone perfectly, drawing your attention into each and every word of her troubled love story. These well-formed vocal deliveries have a beautiful depth that emphasises the richness of the subtle piano and brass sections, however, she also has the ability to offer more breathy, vulnerable lines that carry that emotive rawness of Billie Eilish.
The loose acoustics, soft Indie Folk drums and angelic backing vocals add that final touch of velvety sonic texture to the track, making it a superbly crafted highlight of Evie's talents and a wonderful return under the new name as she builds up to her debut EP.
BÖHMEN are a captivating Alt / Rock quartet who delve into the their deepest inspirations through powerful vocals, hard-hitting guitar riffs and a raw emotional energy.
They have used innovative and hypnotising words & melodies to grasp the essence of human connection with lyrics such as: “You can always count on me, to come and fall at your knees” & “All those feelings that I had I never figured out”.
The band chose their name, BÖHMEN, from a translation of the word 'Bohemia', which is a place where people with similar interests come together. The band strongly believe that the audience and the artist are one, where "like-minded people come together for the pure love of music".
With every release they seem to grow in confidence and we can't wait to see what comes next.
Words by Kayleigh Cantrell
The Post-Punk Salfordians display remnants of the founders of the genre with XTC sounding guitar parts and a more modern approach with a rather Sports Team style intro on their recent track 'W.I.C' which features on their new EP 'Graphic Silence'.
Continuous staccato guitar parts punctuate the song with the two lead axes adding more to an already interesting vocal line, which doesn’t disappoint either. Lyrics such as "Am I a real man or just a plastic model?" gives off a scent of David Byrne style existentialism with some irony in there too.
The loud choruses are met with sharp adjustments from outbursts of guitar strumming patterns in unison then reverting back to the staccato style plucking heard in the verses. The necessary guitar solo comes in after the first chorus too, containing clashing guitar parts eventually leading to a call and response section which echoes a Bloc Party style riff.
Words by Ben Taylor
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