Sound City has revealed a major new wave of emerging talent for its 2026 edition, cementing its reputation as the UK’s leading inner-city new music discovery festival.
Joining previously announced headliners Jalen Ngonda, Keo, Westside Cowboy and Brooke Combe, the latest announcement adds 21 rising artists to the bill, spotlighting the next generation of artists tipped for breakthrough success. Among the newly confirmed names are Arctic Monkeys collaborator Tom Rowley, Bristol’s upbeat pop outfit Adult Leisure, gritty Dublin quartet Brooki, and fast-rising guitar act The Rolling People.
The full newly announced line-up includes:
The Rolling People, TIDETIED, PISS, Brooki, Tom Rowley, Adult Leisure, AKA, Zander, Jamie McIntyre, Ben Ellis, Tough Cookie, Little Grandad, Bleech 9:3, Basht, The North, Dolder, Talia Rae, Dirty Circus, Girl In The Year Above, Palembu, Remee.
Set to take place across Liverpool city centre from Saturday 2 – Sunday 3 May 2026, with the Sound City+ Conference on Friday 1 May 2026, the festival continues its mission of championing artists at the exact moment before they break into the mainstream.
Stockport’s The Rolling People arrive with huge momentum following the success of their track Disguise, while Dublin’s Basht bring their sharp-edged alt-rock energy to the city’s underground venues. Dirty Circus add kaleidoscopic post-baggy beats to the line-up, and London’s Tough Cookie bring emotionally charged, bass-heavy rock, fuelled by tracks like Sandcastles 2008.
International energy comes via Vancouver punks PISS, whose confrontational live shows promise to leave a lasting impression, while hyped newcomers Girl In The Year Above arrive with bittersweet melodies and an air of mystery ahead of their first official release. Rising R&B artist Talia Rae also joins the bill, following standout collaborations including her work with David Gray.
Sound City Managing Director Becky Ayres said: “Sound City has always been about spotting talent at the moment it’s about to break, and this latest wave of artists perfectly captures that spirit. From acts already making serious noise to those right on the cusp of something special, this line-up underlines why Sound City remains the place where future headliners are discovered first.”
She added: “Alongside welcoming back major names like Jalen Ngonda and Keo, we’re proud to be creating space across Liverpool city centre for the next generation of artists to connect with audiences, industry, and each other – while continuing to push forward meaningful conversations through Sound City+ about where music is heading next.”
With early bird tickets already sold out a year in advance, remaining weekend and day tickets are on sale now.
Sound City 2026 continues to be supported by Arts Council England, the BPI, PRS, PPL, PRSF, AIM, UK Music and a wide network of industry partners, while maintaining its leadership role in Keychange, promoting gender equality across the music industry.
For tickets and full festival details, visit: soundcity.uk.com
