Liverpool’s Sound City has further solidified its reputation as the UK’s premier launchpad for emerging talent, adding 21 new names to its May 2026 lineup. Headlining the latest wave is Arctic Monkeys collaborator Tom Rowley, joined by the upbeat pop of Bristol’s Adult Leisure and the gritty, emotive Dublin quartet Brooki. These rising stars join previously announced heavyweights like Jalen Ngonda, Keo, and Westside Cowboy for the city-centre festival, which takes place across various underground venues on May 2–3. Managing Director Becky Ayres noted that the selection perfectly captures the festival’s spirit of discovering “future headliners” before they hit the mainstream.
The announcement also highlights a surge of high-intensity guitar acts and experimental newcomers. Stockport’s The Rolling People and Dublin’s Basht lead the charge for anthemic alt-rock, while the intensity dial is turned up by Bleech 9.3, who have emerged with brooding, squally singles like “Cannonball.” The lineup expands even further with the confrontational punk of Vancouver’s PISS and the soulful R&B of Talia Rae. Beyond the music, the festival remains a vital industry hub through its Sound City+ Conference. For those looking to join the bill, the “Apply to Play” scheme, which has previously hosted the likes of Stormzy and Ed Sheeran, remains open until tomorrow, January 30, offering grassroots artists a final chance to perform alongside the industry’s next big things.
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