Liverpool Music Scene

Find out about the musicians and bands shaping Liverpool’s music scene through features, interviews and reviews

  • Decks in the City - Empowering the Next Generation of DJs in Liverpool

    Decks in the City: Empowering the Next Generation of DJs in Liverpool

    Liverpool-based social enterprise Decks in the City is making waves in the city’s music scene by providing DJ education, events, and opportunities for emerging talent. Founded by Kerri Ankrah-Lucas, the enterprise has quickly built a vibrant community of DJs through a series of innovative events, collaborations, and accessible learning experiences. Since its launch, Decks in the City has been breaking down barriers to create an inclusive platform for aspiring DJs. By blending education with performance…

  • RATS Band

    RATS Gear Up For Debut Album With Addictive Single ‘Hard to Find’

    Liverpool’s rising indie-rock stars RATS have dropped their energetic new track Hard to Find today — just in time to build excitement for their upcoming tour next month. The band continues to carve their name into the music scene with their signature blend of gripping melodies and raw, heartfelt lyricism. In addition to releasing their highly anticipated new single, RATS have officially announced the nearing arrival of their debut album Rule The World which is…

  • Bunny Alex

    ‘Yes I’m Angry’ Is A Dark, Dreamy Anthem of Heartbreak By Bunny Alex

    Yes I’m Angry by Bunny Alex is an impressive track that beautifully captures the tumultuous emotions associated with heartbreak and frustration. The German Filipino pop singer songwriter, based in Liverpool has released her newest single today across all streaming platforms and I can ensure it is a standout track. The song’s dark and edgy vibe resonates deeply, allowing listeners to connect with the raw feelings that often accompany such experiences. Bunny’s ability to blend soft,…

  • Centerfold Band. Credit Dylan Cox

    Centerfold Amp Up The Energy With New Single ‘The Sting’

    Centerfold are an alternative-rock 4-piece based in Liverpool. They’ve been releasing music, according to Spotify, since 2023. They are back with a new single titled The Sting. If you want the Tldr version of this review: heavy, distorted guitar riffs, energetic drum grooves and fills, and a vocalist who can tune into both a soft, melodic register as well as a more aggressive Grohl-esque tone. If you want a bit more in-depth of an analysis,…

  • Paint Me In Colour Band

    Paint Me In Colour’s ‘Happy’ Delivers a Raw, Defiant Anthem

    Liverpool’s Paint Me In Colour return with Happy, a defiant alt-rock anthem that looks on the weight of self-expectation in a world that never stops demanding more. Known for their dynamic blend of alternative rock and personal storytelling, the four-piece outfit have once again delivered, bringing a track that is as thought-provoking as it is infectious.  From the opening lines, Happy wastes no time cutting straight to the core. The lyrics—”I want to be skinny; I want to be healthy;…

  • Permanent (Joy)

    Permanent (Joy) Arrive Fully Formed On Debut EP ‘Despair Will Make Me A Modern Man’ 

    Permanent (Joy) is the new project from former members of Liverpool-based indie band Blondes, songwriters Alex Davison and Dan Stroud. Joined by Dave Annis (formerly of Queen Zee and touring member of Blondes) as well as bassist Noah Roche, the new project sees the band exploring a surreal and moodier blend of indie rock.  Following their introduction this past September, the band have released a batch of singles – Josephine, Aeroplane and I Wanna Go…

  • Astles

    In Conversation – Astles

    Ahead of the release of Soundtrack For The 21 Bus Home, we spoke with Dan Astles – aka Astles – about the deeply personal themes woven throughout the album. From processing grief and nostalgia to crafting a hopeful, cinematic sound, the record reflects a journey of loss, growth, and self-discovery. In our conversation, they share insights into the songwriting process, working with Bill Ryder-Jones, and how Liverpool’s music scene has shaped their artistry. Liverpool Noise:…

  • Keyside Band - Credit - Lawrence Watson

    Keyside’s New EP, ‘Michael (What’s Your Call)’, Is Heartfelt & Hook-Driven

    The excellent EP Michael (What’s Your Call) by Liverpool’s four-piece Keyside, is out now! Alongside the EP release and unveiling the title track, they will be celebrating a string of recent successes, including three out of five sold out shows for their March tour. The outstanding track Runaway provides listeners with an energetic and upbeat tempo paired perfectly with a snappy chorus. The clever metaphors and similes that run throughout the song tell a captivating…

  • KEEF - You And Me Against The World

    KEEF Release Their Hypnotic New Single ‘You And Me Against The World’

    You And Me Against The World is the latest single from North West-based five-piece KEEF—a track that feels oddly fitting for the times we’re living in. Straight off the bat, it felt as if I was listening to the Echo and the Bunnymen of the 21st Century. The track itself has this brooding darkness that drips atmosphere. It seamlessly manages to be mysterious without compromising on what it’s trying to say—both lyrically and musically. In…

  • Sam Millne & The Virants - Photo by Dylan Cox

    Sam Millne & The Virants Deliver A Feel-Good Anthem With ‘Pocket Rocket’

    Pocket Rocket is an energetic and captivating track that showcases the unique sound of Sam Millne and the Virants. From the moment the song begins, listeners are drawn in by its catchy melody and vibrant instrumentation, creating an uplifting atmosphere that sets the tone for an exciting musical journey. The production is polished, with a blend of various musical elements that work together seamlessly to create a rich listening experience. Lyrically, Pocket Rocket explores themes…

  • Astles

    Astles Releases Beautifully Poignant New Single ‘We Could’ve Been Anything’

    Astles’ new single, We Could’ve Been Anything, emerges as a deeply personal and poignant piece, carrying the weight of profound themes such as loss, mental health struggles, and the fleeting nature of life itself. Liverpool’s beloved singer-songwriter channels his emotions into a tender song born from an unlikely source: the discovery of his late uncle’s mixtape, found years after his passing. This mixtape, alongside remnants of his uncle’s life – tickets, posters, and records –…

  • Bette Schindler - Signed To New Retro Records

    Bette Schindler Premiers Music Video for ‘I Love You’

    Born and raised on a barge in Amsterdam to a bohemian family of jazz musicians, Bette Schindler is a true tour de force – songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, performer, producer, and young mother. Her music weaves effortlessly between the timeless elegance of classic jazz and the fresh, contemporary sounds of modern soul. With songs that radiate optimism, positivity, and love, she channels echoes of modern jazz greats while crafting a sound that is unmistakably her own. Following the release…

  • Luce Mawdsley - Credit - Rosie Terry Toogood

    In Conversation – Luce Mawdsley

    Liverpool-based composer and guitarist Luce Mawdsley (they/them) crafts sonic tapestries woven from progressive experimentation and poetic inspiration. An autistic, nonbinary artist, Mawdsley’s work fearlessly explores the intersections of neurodivergence, mental health, and queerness, transmuting personal experience into subversive narratives of gender, sexuality, place, and identity. Their creative process is a journey of discovery, allowing the music to organically emerge as a landscape shaped by curiosity and intuitive intention. Mawdsley’s latest offering, Northwest & Nebulous, released…

  • Michael Aldag - Fantasia

    Michael Aldag’s ‘Fantasia’: A Synth-Pop Dreamscape For A New Era

    Michael Aldag effortlessly spearheaded his way to top of the sonic circuit with his breezy, synth pop since launching his solo career in 2021.  With a rising social media presence and fan base, Aldag utilises his platform with innovative charisma, a position most upcoming artists begrudgingly wince at. But where his online presence is thriving, the Merseyside born artist’s music is equally as burgeoning, gaining millions of streams on Spotify.  Described as the “beginning of…

  • Laura & The Ark

    ‘Changing of Skies’ EP is Laura & The Ark’s Journey Through Growth and Healing

    With Changing of Skies, Laura Bentley turns her attention to personal growth, pain and hard-won wisdom. Recording under the name Laura & The Ark, the Frodsham-based musician brings together this collection of five songs as a statement of intent, entrusting listeners with her deepest vulnerabilities and asking them to share in the healing process.  The EP opens on a quietly optimistic note with Significant Ramblings, a song about trying to untangle reason out of chaos.…

  • Helen Maw - The Moment

    Helen Maw’s ‘The Moment’ Is An Anthem of Heartache and Hope

    Get ready, Liverpool! Today is launch day as Helen Maw is about to hopefully send her latest single The Moment into orbit. With the space metaphors behind us, it’s time to get serious and tell you that it’s going to be the song that feels like the silver lining in this never-ending January. This new country pop track taps into that bittersweet struggle of letting go, something we can all relate to at some point.…

  • Mike Ryan

    Mike Ryan Releases Brilliant New Single ‘Breathe Again’

    Mike Ryan’s latest single, Breathe Again, is an emotive gem that showcases his signature blend of indie-pop sensibilities and introspective lyricism. Following the momentum of his burgeoning career, which has seen him garner critical praise and multiple accolades, Ryan once again delivers a track that resonates on both a personal and universal level. The song’s sound is anchored by the delicate interplay of Ryan’s voice and the warm opening piano and acoustic guitar, crafting an…

  • U.Dot Quitters Never Win Artwork

    Who Are U.Dot? Inside The Enigmatic Duo Redefining Retro Sound

    When a band emerges cloaked in mystery, it’s natural to lean in closer, curious to decode the riddles they leave behind. Enter U.Dot, New Retro Records’ latest and most intriguing signing who seem to thrive in the shadows of obscurity while shining a light on some of music’s hidden gems. With their debut releases, Quitters Never Win and Stall Out, this enigmatic duo are rapidly reshaping how we think about reinterpretations, with their seamless blending of nostalgia and bold…

  • Fiona Lennon

    Country with Conviction: ‘The Final Part’ is Fiona Lennon’s Fearless New Single

    The Final Part is the latest release by Liverpool-based singer-songwriter Fiona Lennon. Going from strength-to-strength in the post-Covid music scene, this is her first foray into the world of Country. You would be forgiven, dear reader, for thinking otherwise as The Final Part hits that Country sweet spot where melody and music combine to tell a story we can all relate to.  The rich tapestry of Country music has seen contributions from artists of all…

  • Blood of Achilles

    Blood of Achilles Release Sensational Debut Album ‘Only Will Be Black Mountains’

    Blood of Achilles’ debut album, Only Will Be Black Mountains, offers a sprawling, genre-defying journey. Formed from the ashes of their previous project, the band has crafted something uniquely their own, blending chaotic energy with meticulously constructed musicality. With the combined forces of Ryan Mallows (drums), Phil Collier (vocals, guitar), Jon Lawton (lead guitar), and Jon Couch (bass), the album emerges as an ambitious and complex statement.  The album has been a true labour of…