WHO SHOULD YOU SEE AT SOUND CITY THIS YEAR? |

SOUND CITY LINEUP | OUR TOP PICKS by Morgan Hermiston

There’s just over a week to go until one of the biggest weekends of musical discovery in the UK takes place in Liverpool. We took a look at the stage splits and have picked twelve talents that we recommend trying to catch this year at Sound City, with a couple of honourable mentions too. Merging more established acts with up-and-comers is a great way to pull fans in, introducing them to new names too.

With everything from gospel to garage, there’s acts included for every taste and preference. Events like Sound City are designed for discovery, so this is the perfect opportunity to branch out and find someone new to listen to. With so many different venues to split your time between, you’re bound to stumble across something or someone with a lasting impact.

Who should you catch on Saturday (2nd May)?

Bristol’s alt-indie group Adult Leisure will be taking on The Shipping Forecast. With their debut record only released towards the end of last year, they’re a band who you definitely want to catch before they make it big. Also playing at this venue is Grace Price, an artist with vibrant vocals accompanying catchy melodies and indie-folk influences.

If you’re a fan of lo-fi, psychedelic songs, then Michael Robert Murphy is someone who you should catch. He takes on the Kazimier Stockroom, which is just along from The Jacaranda, where Belfast singer-songwriter Jack Devlin will be playing. Devlin is an artist who intertwines thought-provoking lyricism with intriguing melodies, making him one to watch.

Apply To Play winners This or Suburbia will be performing at the Spanish Caravan. With no songs currently released, the Wrexham/Liverpool lot will be showing you what’s yet to be heard from their up-and-coming career. Nearby venue Arts Club Theatre will host The Molotovs whose ever-growing popularity will elevate them from their “upcoming” label very soon. Rolling Stone described their material as “britpop-meets-punk” so if that’s something you’re into then definitely catch them.

The Molotovs (Northern Exposure/@baabybelles)

Who should you see on Sunday (3rd May)?

Indie-rock is appearing to be one of the most popular genres right now, so if you want to stick with what you know, then acts like Cherryholt and The Rossettis are two groups for you. Tunnel will be hosting an intimate set from Cherryholt, who you want to be able to say you saw before they’re bigger than they are. Nottingham band The Rossettis will perform at The Shipping Forecast, and with their ‘Age of Innocence‘ EP released in 2025, this is the perfect chance to see what they’re all about.

Moving to Scottish talents, James Emmanuel and Cowboy Hunters will be intercepting an English-heavy lineup. James Emmanuel is Edinburgh based, with Cowboy Hunters based in Glasgow, but their musical styles could not be any further apart. Tunnel will play host to James Emmanuel’s soulful vocals and gospel catalogue. Arts Club Loft will see Cowboy Hunters’ big riffs, lively lyricism and raw punk energy come to life.

Brighton based, Portsmouth raised, Lynnie Snow is someone to see at The Jacaranda. Her six-minute debut track sets her apart, and her instantly identifiable vocals will make for intriguing listening live. Around the corner at the Spanish Caravan, The Liquorice Experiment are set to play. With a new album set for release on 22nd May, this is your chance to hear this new material first.

Honourable mentions

With headliners Keo, Gurriers, Jalen Ngonda and Kate Nash playing later in the afternoon and evening, you’ve got more than enough time to find brand new people to listen to before seeing your favourites. On Friday 1st May, the conference also will see several acts perform too later on. Referring back to the Scots for a moment, Mercy Girl are our honourable mentions alongside Martha May and The Mondays. Both playing at The Jacaranda, these are performances you do not want to miss.

Below is a map of all the mentioned venues, and more. Check out the link here for remaining tickets too.