Formed in 2023, Aoibhinn Sweeney and Anthony Madden craft emotionally raw indie-folk, inspired by John Martyn, The Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac. Their close harmonies and heartfelt live shows are already turning heads. They support Myshkin’s Ruby Warblers on Wednesday 22 April 2026 at Nice N Sleazy in Glasgow.
K-LYN creates modern country pop songs influenced by artists such as Kelsea Ballerini and Ashley Cooke. She has lit up iconic Scottish venues including Glasgow’s King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and Paisley’s The Bungalow performing at festivals like Butefest and Fresh Festival. With airplay on BBC Radio 1 Introducing, Amazing Radio (UK/USA), and Go Radio. She supports Myshkin’s Ruby Warblers on Wednesday 22 April 2026 at Nice N Sleazy in Glasgow.
Cathal Fitz emerged in 2025 with a voice that feels both timeless and unmistakably new, weaving Irish storytelling tradition with a modern, atmospheric edge. Influenced by artists like Damien Rice and Tom Waits, Fitz crafts songs that balance raw intimacy with sweeping universality; the kind that can hold a room in stillness before lifting it into a collective chorus. His performances have quickly earned a reputation for sincerity and emotional weight, leaving audiences with the sense that they’ve witnessed something personal yet widely relatable. He performs at Gullivers in MANCHESTER on Tuesday 15 September 2026
Tom Collins is an emerging singer-songwriter from North Wales known for honest, heartfelt songwriting influenced by artists such as Sam Fender. Airplay courtesy of BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Merseyside and toured the UK both solo acoustic and with his band. He showcases at FOCUS Wales on Friday 8 May 2026 at The Wynnstay Hotel, in WREXHAM
Homework are a four-piece rock band from Glasgow. Santiago, Michael, Lizzie, and Andrew make volatile, lo-fi informed loping fuzz pop informed by a lifelong devotion to indie heroes like Pavement, Teenage Fanclub and shaped by the shoddy acoustics of budget practice spaces and temperamental gear. Self-described slackers with full-time jobs, the band have built a reputation for chaotic, yet melodic live shows and earned international radio play from their two EPs. They support Lemon Drink at McChuills in GLASGOW on Friday 20 March 2026
Myshkin’s Ruby Warblers is the project of award-winning US songwriter and multimedia artist Myshkin, now based in the Scottish Highlands thanks to a prestigious UK Global Talent Visa. They kicked off 2026 as the Artist of the Week in The Scotsman and clocked-up airplay via Amazing Radio (in both the US and the UK). They’ve won the New Orleans Music Industry Award for Best Folk Album and performed at major festivals including Vancouver Folk Festival, Pickathon, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Brooklyn Americana Fest and Joshua Tree Music Festival. They perform at Nice N Sleazy in GLASGOW on Wednesday 22 April 2026 and support Mike West at The Castle Hotel in MANCHESTER on Thursday 23 April 2026
Mike West is the singer songwriter behind legendary Manchester band The Man From Delmonte, who performed a reunion show at The Ritz in December 2025. Support comes from award-winning US songwriter and multimedia artist Myshkin’s Ruby Warblers now based in the Scottish Highlands thanks to a prestigious UK Global Talent Visa. Join them at The Castle Hotel in MANCHESTER on Thursday 23 April 2026
Sean By Mercy is the music project of multi-award-winning poet, filmmaker and singer-songwriter Sean Lionadh, whose haunting, powerhouse vocal drives dramatic, emotionally charged dark pop-rock influenced by Patti Smith, Nick Cave and Florence and the Machine. They began 2026 as Artist of the Week in Scotland on Sunday, secured airplay via Amazing Radio, and they’ve previously enjoyed support across the BBC and featured in The Glasgow Guardian, with sold-out performances at LGBTQ+ night Queer Theory and Sofar Sounds. Live, they perform as a powerful six-piece band consisting of Kyle Stewart, Ewan Laing, Dorian Cloudsley, Rachel Wilson, Dylan Kilgour and Dean Cargill. Lionadh first rose to prominence with his viral short film / poem Time For Love, confronting homophobia in modern society. They launch their new EP at The Old Hairdressers, Glasgow, on Thursday 5 March 2026
For fans of artists like Billie Eilish and Wolf Alice > ivies are an indie folk trio based in the north east of England. Since their original releases as a 5 piece band, their music has similarly become more intimate – introspective lyrics supported by stripped back, haunting ambience. Early success with previous singles having airplay on BBC Radio 1, their new songs offer a matured sound, sure to resonate with existing and new listeners alike. They perform alongside The Painting at Little Buildings in NEWCASTLE on Saturday 7 February 2026
Lemon Drink are a five-piece from Glasgow, blending infectious hooks, killer choruses and bold, sassy energy. Their sound is an intoxicating blend of gritty indie rock and alt-pop charm; modern yet nostalgic, with echoes of ‘90s and early 2000s indie reimagined through a fresh and rebellious lens. They’ve supported acts including Carla J. Easton, Cloth, Lazy Day, Our Girl and Poster Paints, and headlined Glasgow’s iconic King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. Their debut EP Better Run earned spins on BBC Radio Scotland, Amazing Radio and Track of the Week on RAPAL, in addition to Spotify playlist support. The group perform at Liverpool Sound City at The Jacaranda on Sunday 3 May 2026 and headline Nice N Sleazy in GLASGOW on Saturday 17 October 2026
Glasgow-based The Painting boasts members from Oban, Clydebank and Glasgow. For fans of The 1975, Sam Fender, Fleetwood Mac they secured Artist of the Week in Scotland on Sunday, airplay via BBC Introducing on BBC Radio Scotland and thanks to John Kennedy on his X-Posure show on Radio X. They launch the deluxe edition of Before The Rain a deeper, expanded look into the world they introduced on the original record. To celebrate, they’ll showcase the release at an intimate Glasgow gig (secret venue) on Thursday 16 July 2026 and perform at Gullivers in MANCHESTER on Saturday 12 September 2026
Manchester band The Falls have risen quickly, building a reputation for sharp songwriting and high-energy guitar pop inspired by The Courteeners, The Kooks and Jake Bugg. After selling out their hometown headline show at The Deaf Institute, the band took their sound on the road, playing key venues across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Sheffield and London. National radio support followed on John Kennedy’s show on Radio X, helping propel their debut EP Viva La Falls past 100,000 streams in under six months. That momentum continues into 2026, when The Falls return home to headline Manchester’s iconic O2 Academy for another sold-out show, alongside the release of their second EP in partnership with development label Revo Pro. They headline Gullivers in MANCHESTER on Saturday 7 November 2026
Lewis Wilson is a singer-songwriter from West Lothian. He’s been championed by BBC Introducing and performed at Glasgow’s King Tut’s as well as EH6 festival alongside Jamie Webster. He supports The Marches at Nice N Sleazy in GLASGOW on 6 December 2025.
Hailing from Fife, Scotland, Arienas are an Indie- Rock band oozing energy and passion. From their live shows to their releases, they have shown nothing but swagger and pure rock n roll adrenaline. With songs carried by powerful guitar riffs and catchy hooks. They support The Shambles at MacArts in GALASHIELS on 28 March 2026
For fans of New Order, St Vincent and Japanese Breakfast, Beauty Sleep consists of producer / songwriters Cheylene Murphy and Ryan McGroarty. The Derry duo’s debut album Be Kind was shortlisted for Best Album at the Northern Ireland Music Prize earning the pair support via BBC Radio Ulster, Radio One, 6Music, RTE2fm, Amazing Radio, Hot Press, Get In Her Ears, Nialler9 and The Belfast Telegraph. They’ve also clocked-up over one million streams and performed at festivals including SXSW and The Great Escape. They headline The Union Bar at Queens University Student Union in BELFAST on Thursday 12 February 2026
The Suite are an exciting new young band from Derry bringing an energetic and youthful rock sound. Channeling an alternative rock sound in their first year of releasing music they accumulated over 39,000 streams on Spotify. Influenced by the likes of Inhaler, Oasis, The Strokes, and the Arctic Monkeys, The Suite blends nostalgic melodies with modern flair. They headline The Union Bar at Queens University Student Union in BELFAST on Friday 28 November 2025
Fern Strachan is a dynamic young Caithness musician with a distinct voice and an eclectic range of musical influences. Fern has been honing her craft and building a local following in the north of Scotland in and around Caithness and has now recruited four talented musicians to craft a fresh, compelling sound. Combining original works with a selection of established songs. They support Socialites at Harpers Bar & Function Suite in WICK on Saturday 8 November 2025 alongside KATANES
With members hailing from Scotland, England, Spain and Italy, Clay Rings bring a pop of colour to the Glasgow scene. They’ve gained support from The Scotsman, SNACK Magazine, Sunny G Radio, and performed at King Tuts and at festivals including Stag and Dagger and Eden Festival. See the band live in April 2026 as they tour across Europe and the UK, followed by a slot at Liverpool Sound City on the Off Axis stage on Sunday 3 May 2026 and a headline gig at McChuills in GLASGOW on Friday 20 November 2026
Alice Sloan is an 18 year old singer-songwriter from Bangor in Northern Ireland, influenced by artists such as Fiona Apple, Jeff Buckley, Adrianne Lenker and Haley Heynderickx. Her debut EP Borrowed Not Bought is raw and personal, with uncompromising lyrics touching on themes of self-discovery and paving your own path. She supports Foreign Mornings at The Belfast Barge in Belfast on Saturday 18 April 2025.
JOYFUL is a singer-songwriter hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland. His music packs a punch with his unique voice and guitar playing. Alongside this, his bald head and big beard make him hard to forget! His songs are always lyrically raw and touch on his on-going war with mental health problems, especially depression. Through his pain and struggle, he really hopes that he can give others a sense of JOY and HOPE in the midst of their struggles. He supports Florence Jack at Cafe Drummonds in ABERDEEN on 25 September 2025
FAEDA is a four-piece indie rock band hailing from Thurso (Scottish Highlands), consisting of Robbie McNicol, Sam Cowan, Cole Cummings and Jamie Mackay. Known for their relentlessly energetic stage presence, they have shared a stage with notable acts such as Sam Fender, The View, The Lottery Winners, THE HARA, The Luka State, King Charles, Peat and Diesel, and many more. The band have also Sold Out back-to-back headline tours across Scotland and have made waves at major festivals, including the Isle of Wight Festival, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Liverpool Sound City and many others. Support from NME, Clash and The Scotsman. They headline Cafe Drummonds in ABERDEEN on Friday 9 October 2026
Florence Jack is an electro-pop artist from Aberdeenshire. She’s been championed by BBC Introducing, BBC in the Afternoons, BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, The Skinny, Scotland on Sunday Ireland’s national TV and Radio broadcaster RTÉ and scores of regional stations like CamGlen. She performed at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival on the Off Axis stage. She supports Niamh Maclennan upstairs at Nice N Sleazy in GLASGOW on Friday 29 May 2026
The Nohans are an indie quartet hailing from Glasgow, featuring Ewan McKenna, Callum Edwards, Tom Haley and Darren Green. They’ve performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and they’ve been championed by Lomond Radio and the Strathclyde Telegraph. They headline The Poetry Club at SWG3 in GLASGOW on Thursday 31 July 2025
Hailing from the Scottish Borders, Girl Upstairs is a singer-songwriter currently based in Glasgow. Taking inspiration from artists such as Phoebe Bridgers, Joni Mitchell and Karine Polwart. She has been featured on BBC Introducing Scotland, Radio nan Gaidheal, TD4 Radio, Amazing Radio and played King Tut’s as part of their Summer Nights sessions. She supports Niamh Maclennan at Nice N Sleazy in GLASGOW on Friday 29 May 2026
Sophia Grover is a 20-year-old alternative pop artist based in Edinburgh, originally from London. A multi-instrumentalist, she was originally classically trained in saxophone, now blending piano, guitar, and vocals. Inspired by a variety of genres, expect to hear some Indian electronics (a testament to her heritage), orchestral soundscapes and heavy rock n roll. She headlines The Mash House (middle room) in EDINBURGH on Friday 9 November 2025
The Girlfriend Complex (formerly Ultraviolet) are an energetic indie rock quintet hailing from Bangor, Northern Ireland. Relative newcomers to the live scene, they released their debut single Think last year, watch this space.
Lewis Wiles is a singer-songwriter hailing from the picturesque Speyside town of Elgin in Moray. He’s toured extensively throughout Europe and presented his own music show on local radio. A founding member of Scottish folk/ceilidh outfit Footerin’ Aboot and the band Kilderkin he’s been championed by Scotland On Sunday, Roddy Hart on BBC Radio Scotland, Jim Gellaty on Amazing Radio, and played festivals such as Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Celtic Connections and the Eden Festival
Blending elements of folk, jazz, blues, pop, and gospel, Ellyn Oliver is Artist of the Week in The Scotsman secured airplay via BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, Christian station UCB and Radio Wigwam. She has performed at festivals like Celtic Connections, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, Orkney Jazz and Blues Festival, and Limivady Jazz and Blues Festival in Northern Ireland. Watch out for several launch parties to coincide with singles released from her Seaglass EP.
RIA TIMKIN is a cinematic alt-pop artist known for her unique fusion of lush harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and catchy beats. Her latest single, The Difference, co-produced with Tom Wilding (Melanie C, Gabrielle Aplin), explores the power of taking that first step toward your dreams, even when the full path is still unclear. Having performed at festivals like Glastonbury, Bristol Harbour Festival, and Redfest, with airplay courtesy of BBC Introducing and several local radio stations across the UK, Ria Timkin is definitely an artist to watch.
La Di Da are a band from Dublin, Ireland consisting of Niamh O’Raw, Sean Lay, D. Cullen and Leon McGrane. They headline Fibber Magees, DUBLIN on Sunday 23 February 2025
Hailing from the north west, Muddy Elephant are gaining a lot of momentum thanks to a loyal fanbase. They’ve sold out shows and supported artists such as The Darkness, Scouting For Girls, Busted, The Hunna, Reverend and the Makers and Jason Allan. They’ve also been championed by BBC Introducing, XS Manchester, ITV’s This Morning, Capital Radio and Radio X.
Lydia Haile is an Ethiopian-American singer-songwriter from Las Vegas. She writes alternative R&B songs about identity and community and is currently based in London. She supports Ned Ashcroft at North Nineteen (N19) on 30 November 2024 alongside Irish artist Mark Hegan
Off Axis x Un-Convention showcase at Output as part of Sound of Belfast festival features Mark Hegan, Baroda, Monday’s Child and Mima Merrow on Tuesday 12 November 2024 at The Dirty Onion and Yardbird it’s FREE
20:00 – 20:30 – MIMA MERROW | 21:00 – 21:30 – MONDAY’S CHILD | 22:00 – 22:30 – BARODA | 23:00 – 23:30 – MARK HEGAN
Bangor-based Mark Hegan has crafted a songbook which has helped secure nominations for the Northern Ireland Music Prize, airplay courtesy of BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Ulster/Introducing and praise from the likes of Hot Press and Chordblossom. Belfast natives Baroda aka lifelong friends Neil Goss, Michael Klontzakis and Christopher Parker have been championed by BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and New Found Sound. Monday’s Child consists of McKay sisters Jen, Lauren and Clara alongside their friend Caitlin Lenfestey. They secured airplay courtesy of BBC Radio Ulster and RTE 2FM. Mima Merrow is a talented singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist championed by Scotland on Sunday, Amazing Radio, BBC Radio Foyle for her fantastic debut album Almost Home.
Matilda Rowe is a singer songwriter born and raised in London. She learnt to sing and performing and touring in a Camden-based session band taking influence from and imitating the styles of her idols Amy Whinehouse, Nina Simone and Jill Scott. She joins the line up supporting Ned Ashcroft and Irish act Foreign Mornings at The Waiting Room in LONDON on Saturday 26 October 2024
Little Acres consists of singers Emilie Boyd, Cariss Crosbie and Rachel Lightbody who combine alt-pop, indie, neo-folk, contemporary jazz, neo-soul and influences. They’ve performed and collaborated with an impressive roster of artists including; Corinne Bailey Rae, Natasha Bedingfield, Rachel Sermanni, Siobhan Miller, Admiral Fallow, Kathryn Joseph, Rebecca Vasmant, Tom McGuire and the Brassholes, Adam Holmes, Fat-Suit, Kris Drever and Lewis Capaldi. They’ve been championed across BBC Radio Scotland including on The Afternoon Show, The Quay Sessions with Roddy Hart, the Iain Anderson Show and The Jazz Show with Seonaid Aitken
CAITYY is a pop artist from Northern Ireland. Her debut single Bad Company is out now. See her live supporting Mark Hegan and Mima Merrow at Oh Yeah Music Centre in BELFAST on Thursday 12 September 2024
The Marches are a fearless all female four-piece rock band, hailing from the West of Scotland. Despite being relative newcomers, forming in 2024, they’ve already hit some significant milestones. The group headlined King Tuts Wah Wah Hut for their debut gig, returning to the iconic venue earlier this year for the New Year’s Revolution Festival. They’ve been Artist of the Week in Scotland On Sunday, secured airplay via BBC Introducing, Radio Wigwam, Amazing Radio, Lomond Radio plus some international attention. They’ve also performed at Pavilion Festival, Prestfest, and Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival, where they played both the Seedlings stage and the intimate Tomatin Bothy Sessions with Netsounds. They headline Nice N Sleazy in GLASGOW on Saturday 6 December 2025.
Manchester act Oscar Bryant and The Bluebirds take inspiration from the likes of Kings of Leon, U2 and Blossoms and to date have headlined Manchester Club Academy, Night & Day Cafe and support 80s Manchester band The Chameleons. They headline The Castle Hotel, MANCHESTER on 12 September 2024.
With influences ranging from LCD Soundsystem to The National, Glasgow sextet Diving Horse are an exciting proposition, with artful indie rock combining poetic lyrics with masterful pop hooks. They’ve been championed by Scotland On Sunday, Jim Gellatly, via Amazing Radio (with spins both in the UK and the US), as well as support from Sunny Govan, scores of community radio stations and online blogs such as Scots Whay Hae!
With members from Donegal and Derry, Tomcat are creating their own brand of sour-pop-punk. Niamh O’Raw, Emer McLaughlin Jason Feenan and Liam Bradley pen songs with catchy riffs and sardonic lyrics. The quartet have performed at festivals such as Stendhal and released their debut single It’s Not Always Gonna Be Like This. They headline Bennigans Bar in DERRY on Friday 8 November 2024 followed by a slot at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in BELFAST as part of Sound of Belfast festival on Friday 15 November 2024 supporting Foreign Mornings
Founded in 2008, Un-Convention is a series of music conferences, showcases and events that have brought together thousands of artists and music professionals, both nationally and internationally. Grassroots events and conferences have taken place on 5 continents with organisations and partners from 25 countries including England, Africa, India, Ireland, Brazil, Spain and more. UnConvention Manchester 2024 takes place 21–22 November 2024 at Band on the Wall, and across the city, bringing the independent music sector together to share ideas, collaborate and discuss the future of music https://www.unconventionhub.org
Bad Saint. Promotions are a Manchester based promoter helping artists cut their teeth without the pain
Sound Of Belfast 2024 x Off Axis the festival takes place throughout the city in November full details coming soon see https://soundofbelfast.com
Bexhill-on-Sea startup, Office for Personal Development have hosted headline seminars including at The Heavenly Social, secured prestigious slots at Truck, Tramlines and YNOT festivals, in addition to being live session guests for John Kennedy on Radio X, Additional radio support from Riley and Coe, Craig Charles and Chris Hawkins on BBC Radio 6 Music. Join the company and Off Axis at The Castle Hotel, MANCHESTER on 31 October 2024 in association with Bad Saint
Hailing from Nottingham but studying in Newcastle, Keane Baldwin is a self-taught pianist, heavily inspired by the legend Elton John. His debut EP, In Spite of Everything tells an autobiographical story of loss and grief, but with a twist of positivity, optimism and most importantly love.
Bangor-based Mark Hegan has crafted a songbook which has helped secure nominations for the Northern Ireland Music Prize, airplay courtesy of BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio Ulster/Introducing and praise from the likes of Hot Press and Chordblossom. His songs have also inspired comparisons to artists such as U2, Simon and Garfunkel and Bruce Springsteen. He headlines Ulster Sports Club in BELFAST on 27 February 2026
Harry Miles-Watson is refreshingly different, incorporating a varied melting pot of genres and styles, with aspects of post-punk, folk, country, rock, pop and even jazz. The Edinburgh-based artist has already sold out several shows in Scotland’s capital city, headlined Glasgow’s King Tuts and played gigs in Manchester, Leeds, and London. They’ve also secured the Artist of the Week spot in Scotland On Sunday
ODDO’s GAZE are an alternative pop/rock quartet from Newcastle upon Tyne. They’ve sold out hometown shows and played festivals across the UK. They headline Little Buildings in Newcastle on Wednesday 23 October 2024 plus support from Belfast trio Foreign Mornings, London troubadour Ned Ashcroft and Nottingham native Keane Baldwin
Belfast natives Baroda consists lifelong friends Neil Goss, Michael Klontzakis and Christopher Parker. The trio have been championed by BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio and New Found Sound. The band headline The Union Bar at Queens University Student Union on Thursday 14 November 2024 and support Tomcat alongside Foreign Mornings on 8 November 2024 at Bennigan’s Bar in Derry.
Foreign Mornings are a fast-paced alt. rock band from Belfast and Bangor. They’ve been championed by Radio 1, RTE2XM, BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, Hot Press and The Scotsman. Taking inspiration from artists such as Nirvana and Foo Fighters. They’ve toured the UK and Ireland several times and performed at festivals such as; Stendhal, Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival and Sound of Belfast. They headline The Belfast Barge in BELFAST on Saturday 18 April 2025 followed by a performance at Liverpool Sound City at The Jacaranda on Sunday 3 May 2026
Originally from Ireland, but currently based in Glasgow, Mima Merrow is a talented singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. After releasing her excellent debut album Almost Home in 2023. She secured airplay via BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle, BBC Radio Scotland, Amazing Radio and was featured in Scotland on Sunday. Catch Mima Merrow perform on Tuesday 12 November 2024 at The Dirty Onion and Yardbird in BELFAST for the Off Axis / Un-Convention showcase at Output as part of Sound of Belfast festival