Sound City 2026 Lineup Puts Exciting Spotlight On Emerging Talent

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Sound City 2026 kicks off its talent discovery legacy with an electrifying first wave lineup featuring rising indie heroes Westside Cowboy and soul sensation Brooke Combe, promising unforgettable new music moments across Liverpool’s iconic venues from 1-3 May.

Sound City 2026

Sound City, the UK’s premier festival dedicated to discovering new music talent, has revealed its first wave of artists for the 2026 edition. This announcement highlights a diverse mix of rising stars across indie, soul, punk, and pop, set to take over Liverpool’s city centre venues.

The festival runs from Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 May 2026, with the Sound City+ Conference opening proceedings on Friday 1 May. Following a rapid sell-out of early bird tickets, weekend and day tickets remain available through the official website.

Headliners Return as Alumni Stars

The lineup features returning artists who previously performed on smaller stages at Sound City and are now stepping up to headline. Keo will close Saturday night, while Jalen Ngonda takes Sunday, both appearing at the historic 3,500-capacity St George’s Hall. This reflects the festival’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent from early beginnings to major platforms.

Hype Builds Around Westside Cowboy

Manchester four-piece Westside Cowboy has quickly risen from a casual hobby project to a prominent name in the indie scene. Their debut EP sparked widespread attention from radio and media, blending folkish elements with infectious energy. Described as embodying “Britainicana” with ramshackle Americana influences mixed with punky vigour, the band is poised for bigger stages in 2026.

Brooke Combe Brings Soul Sophistication

Scottish artist Brooke Combe returns to Sound City with her slick soul songwriting. Having first performed at the festival in 2022, she has since toured overlooked UK towns and cities. Her sophisticated nu-soul style draws from golden-era influences, and she joins fellow emotive solo performers like Liverpool’s MT Jones, inspired by classic soul.

Keyside Represents Local Pride

Liverpool’s own Keyside makes a welcome return. The band has built a strong following through repeated sell-out hometown shows and powerful releases. Their jangle-indie-pop fuses uplifting melodies with sharp, socially conscious lyrics, making them a staple of the Merseyside scene.

The Molotovs Fuel Rock ‘n’ Roll Energy

Sibling mod duo The Molotovs arrive with high-energy rock and roll. The teenage brother-sister pair recently released their debut album, bringing a fresh, youthful blast reminiscent of classic mod and punk attitudes. Their ferocious live reputation adds fuel to the festival’s rock-focused lineup.

Diverse Highlights from Across the Globe

The announcement includes a range of other exciting acts. Australian powerhouse duo Teenage Joans make a rare UK appearance during their debut tour, delivering highlights from their album and breakout singles. London-based Saint Clair and ashnymph bring cutting-edge guitar sounds, while Brighton’s SLAG offers complex math-rock. Blossom Caldarone joins with delicate, multi-instrumental songwriting, fresh from recent releases.

Further talents include Middlesbrough’s Finn Forster, Brighton-based Lynnie Snow, Northern Ireland’s Jack Devlin, Lincolnshire’s Cherryholt (known for social media-driven popularity), Wigan’s The Lilacs with sing-along anthems, social media sensation Will Parker, and underground prospects et al.

A Platform for Discovery

Sound City has long served as a launchpad for artists. Past successful applicants range from emerging names to superstars like Ed Sheeran, Grimes, and Christine and the Queens, who gained early recognition through the festival.

To continue this tradition, the Apply To Play portal for 2026 is now open, powered by TuneCore and Amplead. Emerging artists are encouraged to apply for a chance to join next year’s lineup.

Industry Conference and Broader Support

The Sound City+ Conference returns on 1 May, supported by partners including the British Phonographic Industry and others. It offers panels, networking, and accreditation details available on the festival website.

The event receives funding from Arts Council England via National Lottery players, alongside partners like SAE Institute, ICMP, Leeds Conservatoire, and others. Sound City maintains its commitment to Keychange for gender equality and diverse representation.

As the 19th edition approaches, this first wave sets the stage for more announcements, promising unforgettable experiences in Liverpool, Europe’s leading hub for new music discovery.

Find Sound City now:

www.soundcity.uk.com
www.instagram.com/liverpoolsoundcity
www.tiktok.com/@liverpoolsoundcity
www.facebook.com/liverpoolsoundcity
www.x.com/SoundCity

www.artscouncil.org.uk