Liverpool Sound City returns to set the tone for a summer of unforgettable live music — and 2025 is shaping up to be one of its most exciting editions yet. Known for spotlighting the next wave of game-changers, Sound City brings together rising stars, hometown heroes, and boundary-pushing talent from across the UK and beyond.
This year’s lineup is bursting with acts ready to make their mark — and Saturday alone is stacked with artists you won’t want to miss. From indie anthems and punk-fuelled chaos to soulful vocals and homegrown brilliance, these are the names that’ll have everyone talking. Whether you’re heading down to discover your next favourite band or already have your weekend playlist on repeat, here’s your essential guide to our must-see acts at Sound City 2025.
Sound City 2025: Saturday’s Must-See Acts
The Royston Club
The Royston Club are a band whose meteoric rise has been fuelled by razor-sharp anthems and relentless touring. With tracks like I’m A Liar, Mrs Narcissistic and The Patch Where Nothing Grows lighting up playlists and live stages alike, they’ve become one of the defining voices of a new indie generation. Their Sound City headline show promises to be a landmark moment, with the band calling it their “biggest show to date” and teasing something truly special for springtime.
Panic Shack
Another unmissable act lighting up Sound City 2025 is Panic Shack — a band who couldn’t care less about fitting in, and are all the more thrilling for it. Armed with collar-grabbing punk bangers and a DIY spirit, they’ve built a fierce reputation on raw energy, wit, and blistering live shows. Born out of a desire to crash the boys’ club of indie music, the Cardiff five-piece are now a vital voice in UK punk – fun, fearless and entirely on their own terms.
Their breakthrough EP Baby Shack was a fast and furious riot, earning praise from BBC 6Music, NME, DIY and more, and they’ve since torn up stages at Glastonbury, Reading & Leeds and beyond. Whether you’re front-row or at the back of the room, Panic Shack’s Sound City set is bound to be an electrifying highlight.
Nieve Ella
Bringing heart, honesty and sky-reaching hooks to Sound City 2025 is Nieve Ella, one of the UK’s brightest emerging singer-songwriters. In just two years, the West Midlands artist has built a devoted following through her emotionally-charged lyricism and magnetic live presence.
Blending ’90s alt-rock influences like Liz Phair with sharp pop sensibilities, her debut EP Watch It Ache and Bleed captures the messy beauty of early adulthood — from heartbreak to self-discovery — with raw, relatable charm. Fans of Sam Fender’s unflinching storytelling will find a kindred spirit in Nieve Ella, who turns life’s growing pains into defiant, euphoric anthems. Expect a powerful, cathartic moment when she takes the stage this May.
Keyside
One of the acts flying the flag for Liverpool at Sound City 2025, Keyside are fast becoming one of the city’s most exciting new bands. The four-piece specialise in shimmering jangle-pop with a sharp social conscience, pairing frontman Dan Parker’s heartfelt lyricism with melodies that feel tailor-made for festival singalongs. Signed to Modern Sky UK (home to Jamie Webster and Miles Kane) and backed by BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music, Keyside are not just ones to watch – they’re already stepping up as your next favourite band. Expect a hometown set packed with charm, substance and serious breakout energy.
Koj Presents Tribe
Koj brings Tribe to Sound City 2025! Join Tribe for an unforgettable time with DJ Amber Rose, a set from the one and only Dayzy, and the powerhouse Immi Dash bringing the heat. Plus, the legendary L100 cypher hosted by DJ 2 Kind is going to tear the roof down!
Sound City 2025: Sunday’s Must-See Acts
Dylan John Thomas
With a growing cult following and one of the most powerful debut albums in recent memory, Dylan John Thomas brings raw storytelling and infectious melodies to the Sound City 2025 stage. Raised in care in Glasgow, music became Dylan’s lifeline — and that emotional depth pulses through every track he writes. Blending the lyrical soul of Leonard Cohen with the grit of Glasgow’s streets, his songs are as likely to get you dancing as they are to break your heart.
Mentored by Gerry Cinnamon and championed by fans from busking spots to Barrowland, Dylan’s journey is one of grit, graft and unfiltered passion. With standout sets at TRNSMT, Glastonbury, and Reading & Leeds already under his belt, this is an artist whose live show is nothing short of life-affirming.
STONE
Led by fiery frontman Fin Power, Liverpool’s STONE blend punk energy, ferocious riffs, and raw lyrics drawn from their real lives. With spoken word roots, observations on masculinity, and the chaos of modern life, their music hits hard and sticks.
The Cheap Thrills
From basement beginnings to headlining Liverpool’s Olympia Theatre, The Cheap Thrills have gone from local buzz to full-blown chaos-makers – with secret hotel gigs and wild pub shows to prove it. Their sound? Think Sea Girls meets The Pigeon Detectives – hooky, high-energy indie that’s hit both BBC 6Music & Radio X, with U.S. spins on Sirius XM too. They’ve supported Jamie Webster, DMA’s, and Deacon Blue – and they’re just getting started.
Maya Delilah
North London’s genre-blending guitar queen Maya Delilah is part of a new wave of artists rewriting the rulebook. A BRIT School grad (same school as Adele & Amy 👀), Maya’s buttery-smooth blend of soul-pop, jazz, R&B and dreamy guitar runs has made her a fave on TikTok & Insta, where she’s built a loyal global fanbase.
With over 40 million streams, tracks like Breakup Season, Tangerine Dream, and Moonflower show off her unique sound – think John Mayer meets Daniel Caesar with a sprinkle of Tyler the Creator creativity.
Self-made and self-releasing since 2020, Maya’s not just playing guitar – she’s changing what it means to be a guitarist, inspiring young women to pick up the instrument and own their sound.
Mandrake Handshake
Since 2018 Oxford/London collective, Mandrake Handshake have been delivering wild, brain-melting performances with anywhere from 7 to 10 band members, including their flamboyant tambourine shaker (aka the band’s very own “Bez”). Whether headlining 100 Club or rocking Green Man, Manchester Psych Fest, and Wilderness, their live shows are a multi-sensory spectacle.
With two critically acclaimed EPs under their belt – Shake The Hand That Feeds You (2021) and The Triple Point of Water (2022) – and rave reviews from the likes of NME, DIY, and Clash, Mandrake Handshake are set to keep psychedelic rock on its toes. Expect bold grooves, fierce improvisation, and an experience that’s as unpredictable as it is electrifying.
With over 100 acts playing at Sound City 2025, we’re sure you’re going to find some incredible acts, aside from our must-see top 10. Like it has done for us so many times before, it’s almost time for you to discover your new favourite artists at one of the UK’s best grassroots festivals.
There’s also the Sound City+ Conference which returns on Friday 2 May, 2025. With a packed schedule of discussions, workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities
Sound City 2025
3-4 May
Tickets
