Outspoken indie icon Kate Nash has been confirmed for Sound City 2026, leading a huge new wave of over 30 artists announced for the city’s flagship new music festival this May.
The singer-songwriter, actor and activist will perform a full live set across the festival weekend, as well as appear in a special in-person Q&A at the Sound City+ Conference—just weeks after making headlines by telling British MPs: “I sell pictures of my bum on the internet” to fund touring.
Taking place across Liverpool city centre from Saturday 2 to Sunday 3 May, with the conference kicking off on Friday 1 May, Sound City once again positions itself at the forefront of emerging talent and industry conversation.
Massive line-up drop
Nash headlines a newly revealed list of 30+ acts spanning rising stars, international names and local favourites. New additions include:
Charlie Noordeweir, Dovegate, The Lags, The Way Off, The Kasms, The Days, Korova, Michael Aldag, Marina Josephina, SSJ, Wrkhouse, Mercy Girl, Martha May & The Mondays, Acolyte, CUSP, Cowboy Hunters, James Emmanuel, The New Cut, Courting, Permanent (Joy), The Rosettis, Bones, Green’s Dining Room, The Catalogue, Danny Griffiths, Jasper Hodges, Loose Content, East Exchange, The Solaas, Fool Nelson, The Sick Fix, Garage Flower and Michael Robert Murphy.
Among the standouts, neo-soul artist Marina Josephina arrives as a BBC Introducing “Ones to Watch”, while Chicago indie outfit CUSP bring transatlantic buzz. Glasgow’s Mercy Girl also land fresh from winning Best Newcomer at the Scottish Alternative Music Awards.
Liverpool favourites Courting return home following a major touring run and the release of their third album in 2025, while Michael Aldag continues his rapid rise from viral success to established pop voice.
Nash to speak and perform
Nash’s appearance is set to be one of the most talked-about moments of the weekend. Known for early hit Foundations and her fearless stance on artist rights, she will also take part in a candid discussion at the Sound City+ Conference.
Her recent activism—including her “Butts For Tour Buses” campaign and 2025 release GERM—has cemented her as a leading voice pushing for fairer conditions in the music industry.
The festival is also part of the global Keychange initiative, aiming to drive gender equality across the industry—making Nash’s inclusion especially fitting.
Conference and industry focus
The Sound City+ Conference continues to grow as a major industry event, with sessions beginning Thursday 30 April. Highlights include the BPI x Bowers & Wilkins Insight Sessions, featuring Jamie Boyle of The K’s, alongside leading figures from across the music business.
This year’s programme will explore everything from artist development to the future of fandom in the streaming age, with organisations like British Phonographic Industry, PRS for Music and PPL involved.
Liverpool’s music moment
Sound City also marks the launch of Liverpool Music Month, with celebrations across the city—including the 20th anniversary of Sentric Music.
Festival organisers say Nash’s booking reflects both her musical legacy and her role as a modern industry disruptor.
Managing Director Becky Ayres said her set will be “unmissable”, adding that Nash remains “an inspiration” for artists navigating today’s music landscape.
Tickets and info
Sound City 2026 runs Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 May, with Sound City+ Conference events from Thursday 30 April to Friday 1 May. Limited tickets remain following early sell-outs.
For full line-up and tickets, visit soundcity.uk.com.
