🎸 Lily Rae Grant

Meet Lily Rae Grant a 18‑year‑old Manchester‑born singer-songwriter making waves across the Manchester and Calder Valley region

Blending shoegaze textures with country-tinged melodies, her powerful vocals and heartfelt songwriting have already earned attention at events like Electric Bloom and local festivals .

Concrete Club 

Concrete Club  are a 5 piece indie rock band from Manchester, formed at the end of 2022. Since this time the band have already completed a UK tour, headlined multiple raucous sold out shows, played at Manchester’s Albert Hall, and perfected their energetic, in-your-face live sound.

Concrete Club are hard to pigeonhole into a specific sound. Drawing on all walks of musical life, they like to experiment with the parameters of indie rock and pop. Moving away from the Manchester indie sound of previous years, while still tipping their cap to their influences, Concrete Club write songs that reimagine the mundanities of life, the pursuit of a better world and the joys of slumming it while chasing down a dream.

The Concrete Club hype is building quickly, with the band receiving plaudits from music giants, including Liam Gallagher, lan Brown, Mani and Andy Dunlop.

The band released four singles in 2024, to fantastic reception. All of their new tunes are accompanied by original and entertaining music videos. They already have an array of gigs lined up for the coming year with many more in the pipeline. Concrete Club in 2025 will be impossible to ignore, so let yourself get lost in the latest revelation in Indie Rock.

Note: they are musicians. Not builders

🎸 Oran Byrne

Meet Oran Byrn  a talented musician from Ireland who’s spent plenty of time soaking up the sounds of Manchester. Deeply influenced by the city’s iconic music scene, Oran brings that spirit into his own songwriting — blending heartfelt lyrics with melodic guitar and piano arrangements.

Whether he’s writing in Ireland or visiting Manchester, Oran’s music carries the emotional weight and storytelling found in the best of both places. His portrait will appear on the back of one of 40 guitars on King Street — a nod to musical connection across borders, and the deep roots that bind us.

🎸 Dr Shoko

Meet Dr Shoko s.h.o.k.o11 a Manchester-based artist who blends hip‑hop, R&B, rap, soul, world rhythms, and experimental musical textures. His latest project, “DR SHOKO 2 THE WORLD,” released in August 2024, traverses alt‑sounds across seven tracks that reflect the world’s complexities  .

A fixture in Manchester’s experimental music scene, Dr Shoko mixes hip-hop, Afrobeat, and soul with a unique visual identity. His music is shaped by the city’s underground culture, and he often performs at DIY events and community festivals.

An outspoken presence in Manchester, Dr Shoko produces, records, and releases independently trusting that “true music has always been built to last” 

🎸 Jack Doyle

Based in Tameside, Jack Doyle regularly plays local gigs and open mics across East Manchester. His love for Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin stems from his dad’s record collection, but he’s carving out his own path with a unique voice and broad taste.

At 13 years old he plays guitar, keyboard and sings.
Although he plays a wide range of music his biggest influences are from the world of rock; he plays numbers by The Doors, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin,UFO and the rest of the rock genre; he also enjoys playing from the main stream, anything from Coldplay through to Oasis.

🎸 Dr Hoppo’s Urban Rooftops

Dr Hoppo, aka Steve Hopkins, is based in Manchester and leads an ever-changing collective of jazz, funk, and soul musicians. Managers play a crucial role in coordinating the collective, helping to address the challenges faced in organizing performances with a rotating lineup, such as scheduling, communication, and ensuring smooth collaboration among artists. Inspired by icons like Herbie Hancock and Tito Puente, the band frequently performs at Manchester’s jazz clubs and rooftop venues, bringing sunshine and swing to the city.

🎸 Paul Wagstaff (Tribute)

The late Paul Wagstaff was a key figure in Manchester’s iconic Madchester scene. As a member of Black Grape and Happy Mondays, he helped shape the city’s musical identity. This tribute honours his legacy and influence on future generations.

Wags played guitar with funky Mancunian act Paris Angel and Shaun Ryder’s post-Happy Monday’s project, Black Grape, before joining up with Bez (another Black Grape member) to work on Domino Bones.
Passed away in March 2025

🎸 Beku

Beku infuses reggae, dub, and spoken word into his deeply personal music. He is part of a vibrant network of Manchester musicians and community organisers who use music as a form of healing and activism.

Beku — a proud Yorkshireman from Halifax, now based in Manchester. A musician shaped by his Grenadian heritage, a deep love of rhythm, and personal experience with a rare form of cancer, Beku’s sound is raw, honest, and full of soul.

From reggae and dub to indie and MPC beats, his work reflects a life lived fully, with influences ranging from The Streets and Bloc Party to Roots Manuva and Kojey Radical.

🎸 Tommy Ball

Meet Tommy Ball a rising voice in Manchester’s music scene. With his distinctive songwriting and raw performances, Tommy crafts songs that feel both intimate and urgent—drawing listeners into stories that are heartfelt, honest, and unfiltered.

Originally from Blackburn but now based in Manchester, Tommy Ball fuses blues, jazz, and rock in heartfelt acoustic performances. A regular at open mics and indie nights, his sound captures the emotional side of Northern songwriting.

🎸 Rumbi Tauro

Zimbabwean-born Rumbi Tauro is based in Manchester and brings soulful vocals to venues like Band on the Wall. Inspired by Lauryn Hill and Sade, she is quickly becoming a leading voice in the local neo-soul scene.

The singer-songwriter is an R&B/Soul artist, classically trained in piano and violin at the age of five. The Process EP is her first body of work. The tracks outline her personal journey of self-belief, finding herself and growing up. Each track is laced with gorgeously emotive lyrics. Find out what she’s currently up to here

🎸 Cobain Jones

Next up is Cobain Jones a singer-songwriter from Stalybridge whose music blends jangling indie guitars, sharp lyrics, and unmistakable Northern character. Influenced by the sounds of Britpop and beyond, Cobain’s songs speak to real life, rooted in place and purpose.

Cobain Jones writes Britpop-infused anthems inspired by The La’s and Paul Weller. Diagnosed with Asperger’s, his music brings honest reflections of everyday Northern life to audiences across Greater Manchester and beyond.

🎸 Drew Cyprus

Meet Drew Grooves aka Drew Cyprus a multi-instrumentalist from Mossley who plays both drums and guitar. Known for blending rhythm and melody with ease, Drew brings a raw, intuitive energy to his music — whether behind the kit or leading the melody. His style reflects the landscape he’s grown up in: grounded, expressive, and full of heart.

🎸 Alex Spencer

Introducing Alex Spencer an 18‑year‑old indie singer‑songwriter hailing from Manchester. He first turned heads busking on the streets, and now his sharp songwriting and magnetic stage presence have earned him acclaim from BBC Radio 1 & 6 Music, BBC Breakfast, Radio X, and CLASH Magazine  . His single “Nightmares” even featured on the EA SPORTS FC 25 soundtrack .

His latest EP, Where Do We Go From Here?, dropped in June 2025 and has sparked buzz with standout tracks like “Wake Me Up” and “Pessimistic Nobody” . Alex famously sold out a UK headline tour this year, including a 600-capacity show at Manchester’s Gorilla, and has shared stages with big names like Miles Kane, The Lathums, Sound City, TRNSMT, and more

🎸 Zeny Bux

Zeny Bux is a Manchester-based artist whose Britpop influences—from Oasis to The La’s—shine through in his melodic rock anthems. His EP “In My Vision” was produced locally and reflects his deep ties to the city’s music culture.

🎸 Naomi Kalu

Introducing @thanksalotnaomi a Manchester-based artist whose emotive voice and thoughtful songwriting have turned heads in the local scene. With a style that bridges soul, folk, and alternative pop, Naomi’s music explores personal stories and universal connections in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.

🎸 Michael Gallagher

Meet @mickyygall originally from Hartlepool in the North East and now based in Manchester. With his anthemic indie-rock sound and sharp, observation-driven lyrics, Michael captures stories of love, loss, and belonging rooted in his hometown. His music channels big guitar-pop vibes reminiscent of The Strokes, The Vaccines, and Bob Dylan, earning support from Radio X, BBC Introducing, and CLASH  .

He’s performed at festivals like Isle of Wight, Truck, and YNot?, and sold out shows across Newcastle, Manchester, Sunderland, and Hartlepool Town Hall . Now based in Manchester and recording new music at Kempston Street Studios, 2025 feels like a breakthrough year for him

🎸 YAANG

Formed at the University of Salford, YAANG is a trio that has built its reputation in Manchester’s underground gig circuit. Known for energetic live shows, they’re influenced by Joy Division and Talking Heads, and are proudly DIY.

YAANG have released their debut EP No in March 2025, and singles like “’Til Morning Light” and “Airport Barfight” showcase their intense, genre-blending sound—pulsing drum-loops, synths, fuzzed guitars, and Ben’s hypnotic basslines 

🎸 Rolla

Rolla is a Manchester-based indie rock band steeped in the city’s musical DNA. Drawing from the swagger of Oasis, the groove of Kasabian, and the psychedelic layering of The Verve, they embody the essence of Northern rock and roll. Rolla works closely with booking agents to secure live performances and manage the day to day logistics of their career. They regularly perform in venues across the city and are becoming fixtures on the local festival circuit. They play at Grassroots music venues as well as major cities, highlighting the importance of building relationships in the local music industry.

🎸 Cutscene

Cutscene,  is based in Manchester and has gained a cult following at Band on the Wall and YES. Their poetic lyrics and angular post-punk guitar work reflect the literary influences they weave into the city’s vibrant music fabric.

Introducing Seb Mason, frontman and creative force behind Manchester-based band @cutsceneband Seb’s vocals and songwriting carry sharp storytelling and heartfelt emotion, driving the band’s signature indie-rock sound that connects deeply with its audiences.

Cutscene’s music is known for its honest lyrics, melodic depth, and intimate performances—drawing listeners into a world that feels both personal and communal. Seb’s portrait will appear on the back of one of 40 guitars lining King Street, amplifying the voices of those shaping our vibrant grassroots scene.

🎸 Ambrin Howell

Meet @ambrinartist a multidisciplinary artist based in Manchester. Not just a musician—Ambrin creates across sculpture, jewellery, and song. Their work explores themes of heritage and migration, reflecting a deep curiosity about identity and place  .

Ambrin brings a unique fusion of artistic expression, blending visual and musical storytelling.

🎸 Cameron Luke Saripalli

Meet Cameron Luke Saripalli — a 31-year-old mixed-race (Indian/British) musician and actor based in Manchester. @camsthewayuhhuh_uhhuhilikeit is a dedicated multi-instrumentalist: primarily a drummer, but also skilled on bass, vocals, and more. His sound spans rock ’n’ roll, RnB, metal, Indian fusion, funk, blues, and even touches of jazz, reflecting a vibrant mix of influences and cultural identity.

🎸 Dirty Blonde

The duo behind Dirty Blonde, Ailis and Hayley, are Manchester-based and part of the city’s thriving female rock movement. Their grunge-pop sound echoes through Northern Quarter venues and beyond, drawing crowds with their energy and defiance.

Known for their high-energy sound, raw edge, and fearless stage presence, Dirty Blonde have been making serious noise earning airtime on BBC Radio 1’s Future Alternative and playing major festivals including Isle of Wight.

🎸 Macharia

Introducing @music.macharia Macharia a soulful singer/songwriter made in Kenya and now based in Manchester. Inspired by artists like Alessia Cara, Serro, and Liboi, her music is rooted in rhythmic storytelling and delivered through immersive live performances that leave audiences feeling truly seen and appreciated.

Her sound draws from her African heritage while weaving in threads of contemporary pop, creating a style that’s rich, honest, and emotionally resonant.

🎸 Ewan Sim

🎸 Mothman 

Mothman is a songwriter and guitarist with over 100 performances across the Northwest, and in the past two years, he has also become an accomplished pianist. Over this time, he has created more than 12 improvised piano albums, six of which are available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon.

With over a decade of experience playing guitar, Mothman has recently expanded his artistry to include piano improvisation. For him, music is not just a profession—it’s an essential part of his identity. He has poured his heart into both his own work and in helping others grow within the music community.

For more than ten years, Mothman has been a behind-the-scenes force supporting musicians in Manchester. He runs the city’s most comprehensive open mic stage-finding resource, helping thousands of artists discover places to perform. His focus has always been on lifting others up, often prioritizing their success over his own career.