Festivals aren’t the only place to catch new artists during the summer months; Manchester’s lively music scene is ever-bustling with emerging talent and this summer is no exception.
Here is a list of unmissable gigs from up-and-coming artists playing in Manchester over the next few months, all on your doorstep so you won’t have to don your wellies and traipse through a river of mud to get there.
Kidsmoke
This garage pop four-piece originally from Wrexham, now based in Manchester, are creating more than a few shockwaves on the underground scene. They count Manchester legends The Smiths and Joy Division as influences. With support from BBC Radio Wales and the recent release of an EP, they promise to put on quite a show at the intimate setting of The Castle.
Kidsmoke, Jun 19, The Castle Hotel
The Holydrug Couple/Horsebeach
A duo all the way from Chile (Holydrug Couple) and a band from down the road (Horsebeach) make up this tantalising double bill. The Chilean outfit are touring their new psychedelic, synth laden LP ‘Moonlust’ and new local DIY heroes Horsebeach, who made Piccadilly Records’ Albums of the Year list in 2014, return eager to please their home crowd.
The Holydrug Couple/Horsebeach, Jul 8, Soup Kitchen
Extra Love
This diverse and hard-working band is truly a sight to behold. They’ve grown from a two-piece to ten-piece group in a few years and it would be short-sighted to define them as purely a dub/reggae band as their influences range from soul, ska and funk to rhythm and blues. This night is a great opportunity to get your skank on and embrace the extra loving vibe that will be floating around the Ruby Lounge.
Extra Love, Jul 10, Ruby Lounge
Kawehi
This talented lady from Hawaii became an internet hit when she released a cover of Nirvana’s ‘Heart Shaped Box’ last year. She is the latest in a long line of single-person bands to emerge, and she'll be bringing her unique show, which includes some excellent beatboxing skills, to Manchester this summer.
Kawehi, Jul 28, Deaf Institute
From Carbon
Formed less than a year ago, this Manchester band has gained a lot of hype in a short space of time. Their new album 'Wealth' looks to push them to a wider audience and they play their biggest show to date at Gorilla. With fans like Mark Burgess from Manchester post-punks The Chameleons this could be the start of something big for the indie rockers.
From Carbon, Aug 22, Gorilla
FFS
FFS are made up of Scottish indie heroes Franz Ferdinand and LA’s glam art-rock duo Sparks. Both of these artists are veterans but have come together this year to form an exciting super-group. Both FF and S are famed for their exciting live shows so this promises to be a stomper of a night – expect mash-ups of rock and electro aplenty. They released their self-titled album this month and will come to Manchester’s newest and prettiest venue, the stunning Albert Hall.
FFS, Aug 25, Albert Hall
Brother and Bones
The Cornish five-piece have made the move from acoustic beginnings to a heavier rock sound in the past year. Their self-titled debut album is due out in August and they’ve already been playing arenas across the country, opening for the likes of Ben Howard and Bastille. They’ve been compared to Pearl Jam and their live show has been described as ‘devastatingly powerful’. The Ruby Lounge seems a modest setting to host such an explosive act – this will be a sell-out for sure.
Brother and Bones, Sep 13, Ruby Lounge
PINS
Manchester band of the moment and indie darlings PINS are definitely on a high; recently opening for Sleater Kinney and Drenge, currently touring the US and just releasing their second LP, 'Wild Nights', via Bella Union. With the all-female line-up citing Hole and The Jesus and Mary Chain as their influences, this promises to be a raw and energetic performance, all set in the wonderfully intimate Deaf Institute.
PINS, Sep 18, Deaf Institute
Shura
Aleksandra Denton, AKA Shura, was born in Manchester to a Russian actress and English documentary film maker. Her single 'Touch' received plenty of buzz from internet blogs in 2014 and has led her to signing to label giants Polydor and making the BBC Sound of 2015 list. A capable singer-songwriter, she is also a dab hand at remixes; in 2014 she remixed Jessie Ware's single 'Say You Love Me'. Bring your dancing shoes to this one and expect ’80s synths and funked-up bass lines.
Shura, Sep 25, Gorilla
Wolf Alice
Since releasing debut single 'Fluffy' in 2013, the London four-piece have been compared to the likes of Hole and Elastica, with frontwoman Ellie Rowsell becoming a female indie icon overnight. They’ve been commended by the likes of BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6music and also voted Best Breakthrough Artist at the UK Festival Awards. This month they release their debut album ‘My Love is Cool’ to eager anticipation and hype. They’ll bring their summery, grunge-laden tunes to the Albert Hall and wave farewell to what's sure to be the last of the warm weather of the season.
Wolf Alice, Sep 25, Albert Hall
Explore Manchester in seven music venues from Time Out.