Discover the pulsating creativity of new and rising artists, alongside the intimate allure of independent venues across the UK. From London's dynamic streets to the charming cities of Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol and beyond, we embark on an exhilarating journey through the heart of the UK's thriving music and arts scene. Unearthing hidden gems, exploring diverse genres, and shedding light on the unyielding spirit of independent venues, in this blog we are here to spotlight some elements that make the UK's cultural landscape so enchanting.
Join us as we share our A-Z lists of some amazing new artists and exciting independent venues that help make up the beating soul of this nation's captivating music scene.
Artists
49th & Main
When? 16 September - 21 October 2023
Where? Various UK Venues
Consisting of producer Ben O' Sullivan and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Paddy King is Irish indie-pop duo 49th & Main. Working with the likes of Thundercat, Bicep, Bonobo and more, the pair have been steadily attracting attention across the industry. They have announced an exciting UK tour for September - October 2023! Don't miss out.
Alice Auer
When? 21 October 2023
Where? Omeara, London
It’s pronounced ‘hour’ – With a voice to thaw the most glacial of hearts, Alice Auer first came to prominence collaborating with Conor Albert on 2021’s 'Smile' EP. 10 million streams later, and having established herself as the heart and soul of a burgeoning London scene that includes contemporaries James Smith, Mathilda Mann and Maya Delilah, Alice’s sophomore EP 'Baby, Cry' sees her move beyond her jazz roots embracing a broader range of influences including soul, folk, pop and R&B.
Bakar
When? 28 - 29 November 2023
Where? London & Manchester
Known for his experimental indie-rock style, rising Camden-born artist Bakar is set to perform at the Eventim Apollo, London and Albert Hall, Manchester this November. He recently released his new single 'Alive!' this June. Grab your tickets and don't miss out.
BLÜ EYES
When? 27 September - 3 October 2023
Where? Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester
Katie Stump, better known as BLÜ EYES, has announced a string of shows across the UK for this autumn. Throughout her music, Stump encapsulates the tenderness of the human experience. On her new EP, 'The Last Songs I’ll Write About You', she blends her signature bedroom pop production with issues of loss, identity and abandonment.
Christian Lee Hutson
When? 20 - 26 August 2023
Where? Various UK Venues
Christian Lee Hutson starts his new album 'Quitters' with a laugh. In this follow up to his ANTI records debut, Beginners, Hutson moves away from the focus on growing up to the dread and complications of growing older. Across Quitters' 13 tracks, Hutson crafts this portrait of the place he's from. In these short story-like songs, Hutson presents characters who carry this golden light and sinister geography inside them.
CMAT
When? 15 - 25 November 2023
Where? Various UK Venues
Everyone's favourite global pop star CMAT has announced a headline UK tour kicking off this November, to celebrate her upcoming second album 'Crazymad, For Me' due for release in October. Alongside the news of her upcoming album, CMAT released her catchy, carefree single 'Have Fun' back in May. Known for putting on quite the live show, you won't want to miss it.
Dylan John Thomas
When? 03 - 16 November 2023
Where? Various UK Venues
Dylan John Thomas is one of Scotland's latest alt-indie breakout stars. Coming all the way from Glasgow, he is set to embark on tour across the UK this November. Listen to his new single, released this month, 'Yesterday Is Gone', and grab tickets to his upcoming shows. You won't want to miss out.
Elina
When? 27 October 2023
Where? Omeara, London
Elina is a Swedish singer-songwriter who has gained huge support for her immaculately crafted pop and folk intertwined with explorations of the human condition, of loves lost and gained. You can see her perform at London's Omeara this October!
Freya Ridings
When? 01 - 13 October 2023
Where? Various UK Venues
29 year-old Freya Ridings is a London-born singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Emerging as the surprise success story of 2018 with her breakthrough platinum-selling hit ‘Lost Without You’, the song immediately put her on the map, and has now cemented herself as a phenomenal star. She will be touring around many incredible venues this autumn. Don't miss out!
Gaidaa
When? 06 - 08 November 2023
Where? Bristol, London, Manchester
British R&B/soul artist Gaidaa first came on the scene in 2018 featuring on Full Crate's 'A Storm On A Summer's Day.' She recently released her new single 'Figures' in anticipation of her upcoming follow-up EP, said to be released later this year, set to precede some exciting shows in Bristol, Manchester and London. Grab your tickets now.
Jack Botts
When? 27 - 30 July 2023
Where? Various UK Venues
Jack Botts has quickly made the transition from busking the streets to a full-time touring musician. His easy-listening style is a breath of fresh air and has won over audiences as a support act for the likes of Vance Joy and Ocean Alley, also while gracing festival stages such as Boardmasters. Jack's fervent following has exploded over the past five years, his chilled catalogue of surf-folk connecting with fans in over 150 countries.
LANKS
When? 17 August 2023
Where? The Social, London
LANKS, an Australian artist, started his musical journey by studying jazz at the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts. He has since become a prolific songwriter, producer, and artist in the Australian music scene.
You can catch him live this August at The Social in London!
Last Dinosaurs
When? 27 September 2023
Where? Lafayette, London
Mae Muller
When? 20 - 25 November 2023
Where? Various UK Venues
Following her amazing performance representing the United Kingdom at the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, alongside numerous upcoming festival appearances including Truck Festival, Tramlines, Sundown and more, Mae Muller will be going on tour across various UK Venues this November! This is one not to miss.
MEGA
When? 09 - 15 October 2023
Where? Various UK Venues
Rising star MEGA has announced details of a string of UK tour dates for October 2023. With her dazzling voice and stirring emotions, MEGA takes UK soul into a new era with her powerful lyrics and contemporary production, providing a new twist, yet still influenced by its roots of the genre. You won't want to miss these shows.
Moncrieff
When? 08 - 10 December 2023
Where? London & Manchester
Chris Breheny, better known as Moncrieff, grew up loving soul and blues, which went on to influencing his own modern spin of the genres through this music today by combining gritty blues with urban pop influences coining the genre term "Neo-noir-soul". He will be performing two exciting headline shows this December in London and Manchester. Grab your tickets now.
Nell Mescal
When? 15 - 26 October 2023
Where? Various UK Venues
29 year-old Nell Mescal is an Irish indie-pop singer songwriter now based in London. Her first official release, ‘Graduating’ effortlessly blends the intimate with the epic, with Nell’s spine-tingling vocal at the forefront. She recently released, this month, her new single 'Punchline' and is set to perform a string of headline shows across five UK cities this October! Don't miss out.
Olivia Dean
When? 26 - 19 April 2024
Where? Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester
Alongside the recent release of her debut album 'MESSY', Olivia Dean announced a string of headline tour dates for April 2024! Her career got its start when she collaborated with UK producer electronic-pop group Rudimental as a supporting vocalist at just 17 years old. You won't want to miss out on these shows.
Reneé Rapp
When? 23 February - 01 March 2024
Where? Glasgow, London, Manchester
Born to perform ever since she was a child, Reneé Rapp began harnessing her natural creativity by writing and recording songs when she was just a teenager. Now, Rapp will be embarking on her second UK tour in February 2024 to support of her upcoming debut album 'Snow Angel'! Get your tickets now.
Scarlet Pleasure
When? 22 September 2023
Where? Lafayette, London
Scarlet Pleasure's strong sense of fashion and unique visual profile combined with their ability to constantly invent and predict new tendencies has made them the undisputed trendsetters of the Scandinavian music scene, which in recent years has been one of the most hyped and copied worldwide.
The Last Dinner Party
When? 20 July - 22 October 2023
Where? Various UK Venues
From serenading dimly lit corners of East London Pubs, The Last Dinner Party have burst forth gloriously into the guitar music renaissance. You can catch them live on tour this October across multiple cities in the UK!
Venues
Brudenell Social Club
Where? Queen's Road, Leeds
Upcoming Shows? Wishbone Ash, Tom McGuire & The Brassholes, Philip Sayce & More
The Brudenell Social Club, Leeds is a lively and diverse venue celebrating music and art with no boundaries. With an open music policy, it fosters freedom, creation, and valuable social interaction through expression. Renowned for hosting secret gigs for bands like Franz Ferdinand and the Kaiser Chiefs, it has been a central figure in the Leeds music scene for years. The club's history dates back to 1913, named after James Thomas Brudenell, the Earl of Cardigan. Beyond music, it offers a range of facilities, including lounge, games room, and craft ales.
Concorde 2
Where? Marine Parade, Kemptown, Brighton
Upcoming Shows? Be Your Own Pet, Nation of Language, The Bug Club & More
Situated along the city's bustling coastline is one of Brighton's best live music venues and nightclubs, Concorde 2. Recognised as one of the UK's most forward-thinking venues (including winner of Live UK 2010 and Music Week 2011 for UK's Best Venue), Concorde2 takes pride in being an independent, family-run establishment, where they have programmed over 3 rooms with a comfortable capacity of 600.
KOKO
Where? Camden Town, London
Upcoming Shows? Nafe Smallz, Hak Baker, The Hoosiers & More
Located in the bustling area of Camden Town, London is the iconic live music and club night venue KOKO. Since opening in 1990, the venue has had several names and incarnations including the Camden Hippodrome, The Music Machine, Camden Palace, and since 2004, KOKO. This venue has hosted anything you can think of, from small intimate comedy to international awards; from small gigs to 1,500 capacity headline rock concerts, as well as classy cabaret evenings to exciting club nights.
Lafayette
Where? Pancras Square, London
Upcoming Shows? Sarah Jarosz, BEKA, Somebody's Child & More
Lafayette, sister venue to Omeara, stands out as a superior space. With a capacity of over 600, it resembles a smaller version of Shepherd's Bush Empire, equipped with an impressive sound system akin to the renowned West London venue. Lafayette prioritizes musicians, offering a dedicated backstage bar (Nola's), an excellent sound system, and a technical specification comparable to larger venues. Its exceptional sightlines, multi-tiered standing balcony, and expansive stage ensure optimal viewing from any position in the room.
OMEARA
Where? Low Line Area, Bankside, London
Upcoming Shows? Alfie Templeman, Oscar Lang, Alice Auer & More
Omeara is an inclusive venue that provides a platform for emerging talent and challenges established norms. With a capacity of 320, it defies the trend of venue closures by hosting record label showcases, underplays by renowned artists, and headline shows. Over the past six years, Omeara has welcomed notable acts such as Jorja Smith, Mumford & Sons, Skepta, Beck, and many more. It remains a vibrant hub for live music, cultural events, and club nights throughout the year.
The Deaf Institute
Where? Grosvenor Street, Manchester
Upcoming Shows? The Real People, TOVA, edbl & More
Located just off the busy Oxford Road, at the heart of Manchester Metropolitan University Campus, is The Deaf Institute. This independent, fun-loving bar and venue stretches across three floors, including three bars, a kitchen and a roof terrace. At the main bar, you can order sit at big sharing tables and booths and enjoy fresh and tasty food and cocktails. The music hall hosts live gigs, comedy and club nights - they have hosted some incredible artists like James Holt, Florence + The Machine and more.
The Louisiana
Where? Bathurst Terrace, Bristol
Upcoming Shows? Dead Pony, Saint Joshua, Make Friends & More
Located in the vibrant city of Bristol, England, is The Louisiana. Known for its intimate setting and electric atmosphere, Louisiana has hosted an impressive array of emerging and legendary artists. From indie-rock to folk, punk to electronica, its eclectic programming has attracted acclaimed performers like Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, and PJ Harvey. With a rich history and a commitment to nurturing the local music scene, Louisiana Bristol remains a cherished institution, providing unforgettable experiences and unforgettable performances for music lovers.
The Lower Third - Outernet
Where? Soho, London
Upcoming Shows? Lily Moore, MEGA, Moncrieff & More
Located in central London, The Lower Third Outernet is an innovative music venue that embodies the city's vibrant cultural scene. With cutting-edge facilities and a captivating design, it provides a unique experience for artists and audiences alike. Hosting acclaimed acts like Florence + the Machine and The xx, the venue celebrates diverse talent and pushes creative boundaries. As a thriving hub for music enthusiasts, The Lower Third Outernet has firmly established itself as an essential destination within the capital.
The Social 
Where? Marylebone, London
Upcoming Shows? Hobo Johnson, L E M F R E C K, FLAT PARTY & More
The Social is a popular two-floor bar in central London. Upstairs, there's an intimate, music-led wooden room, while downstairs is a newly redesigned event space that hosts events, from live shows to literary events and DJ gigs. It has gained a reputation as a boundary-pushing destination for open-minded individuals. Located near Oxford Circus, it has been a beloved getaway for the past two decades. As one of the last remaining venues in the West End, The Social is considered one of the best places for a memorable night out in the UK.
Thekla
Where? The Grove, East Mud Dock, Bristol
Upcoming Shows? Be Your Own Pet, Breland, Wheatus & More
Thekla Bristol, an iconic music venue floating on Bristol's Floating Harbour, has been a beloved destination for music lovers for decades. The showboat concept features a theatre on a seafaring vessel, showcasing diverse genres from cabaret to comedy, plays, musicals, and poetry. With its distinctive maritime setting, Thekla has welcomed renowned artists (and continues to do so), providing unforgettable live performances in an intimate atmosphere, making it a treasured institution in Bristol's vibrant music scene.
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