There is nothing quite like the feeling of discovering your new favourite band, telling everyone you know why they are the next best thing to sliced bread and getting the tracks thumping through their ears too.
With the wonders of social media, it's now easier than ever to discover new and upcoming artists, but it’s all too often that sometimes the best ones slip through the cracks and don’t quite make it onto your Instagram algorithm, but we’re here to change that.
If you want your 2021 shaken up (in the best way possible), take a listen to our upcoming artists for this year…
For fans of: Slaves, Viagra Boys, Shame
Listen to: Danny Nedelko
Having just released their third studio album, the pummelling Ultra Mono, Idles have more than cemented themselves as one of the UK’s best up and coming rock bands. The boys annihilate fictional fascism and social constructs through brutally honest lyrics and punk-heavy guitar lines. If you’re after tongue in cheek humour and defiant lyricism, look no further.
For fans of: Speech Patterns
Listen to: Glass Heart
Previously known as Captives before a forced name change, Leeds hailing hard-core band are stomping to their own tune and waving a flag in the name of metal. Their unique sound allows them to stand out against other up and coming metal bands of their ilk with their distinctive lead vocals and intriguing sonic compositions.
For fans of: Tom Houston, Ten Tonnes, Peace
Listen to: Alfred Benson
Delivering a delicious offering of upbeat indie-rock, Elijah Miller is perfect for a sun-soaked afternoon of introspective daydreaming and cloud watching. Dulcet tones and infectious lyrics come aplenty, awash and a-daze with optimism and confidence, Elijah Miller is a firm contender on our list for ones to watch for 2021.
For fans of: To The Grave, Carcosa
Listen to: Pale Tongue
This deathcore duo acts as a side project for members Tom Barber and Josh Miller. Their debut EP Dethmask (released late last year) features hit track ‘Pale Tongue’ that was received with great acclaim by fans and newbies alike. Slowly creeping their way onto many-a-radar, its no doubt that we’ll see their name popping up more and more over the coming years.
For fans of: Badflower, Airways, Goodbye June
Listen to: American Blood
No doubt plucking their name from the Nancy Kleinbaum novel, Dead Poet Society released their debut full-length EP just last month. Following on from their moniker, the band tackle non-conformity through self-confessed bravado which has attracted them a highly dedicated following. Initially set to play Download Fest, I’m sure we’ll see their name pop up on more and more festival line-ups.
For fans of: The Black Keys, Foo Fighters, Idles
Listen to: Trouble’s Coming
Fans of Royal Blood will be all too familiar with their signature fuzzed-up guitar. The tumultuous rock duo have toured their way around the arenas of the UK and picked up an impressive following through their use of hip-hop influences to create a unique rock style. Keep an eye out for their upcoming album ‘Typhoons’ on the 30th April.
For fans of: Lande Hekt, Katy Kirby, Black Foxxes
Listen to: quitter
Her infectious grunge hooks and outspoken outlook ring reminiscent of ‘Let Go’-era Avril Lavigne, in the most fantastic way. Self-described as ‘like Avril Lavigne but sadder’, the Phoenix hailing indie rocker is making waves way across the sea and into the UK. Guitar in tow, this female powerhouse is cementing herself into the up-and-coming indie community with her outpour of emotions and inner struggles.
For fans of: Loyle Carner, Kendrick Lamar, DAVE
Listen to: CANCELLED
Known by his moniker Slowthai, Tyron Frampton is known for his gritty vocals and politically infused lyrics. The Northampton rapper wrote his latest album largely in lockdown, with controversial views on the royal family and boastful lyricism, Slowthai is a rising star and sees himself on the line-up on numerous festivals over the coming Summer.
For fans of: Lower Than Atlantis, Creeper, Don Broco
Listen to: Crowbar
If you’re a fan of rollicking rock and raucous live-shows, FCatR are for you! Rising to fame after the release of their debut album ‘Blossom’ in 2015, the band have gone from strength to strength from the use of their brutal lyrics and no-holding-back attitude.
For fans of: Doll Skins, City of the Weak
Listen to: Tears
With their latest single ‘Tears’ released just over a week ago, the female fronted Nottingham contagious rock quartet will drop their sophomore album later this year – set for self-release. Their pop-punk attitude is second to none, extraordinarily independent and singing about internal struggles, their tracks offer a stunning introspection into human consciousness.
For fans of: Squid, Goat Girl, Working Men’s Club
Listen to: Sunglasses
Rarely seen, this indie-rock outfit is an eight-piece extraordinaire, declared ‘the best band in the world’ by Quietus having only released two singles, they have received a non-stop stream of praise since their inception in 2018. Their emergence has offered plentiful hope for the future of indie rock and what the next generation of bands has to offer.
For fans of: Bang Bang Romeo, Strange Bones
Listen to: Cocaine
Just under a year old, these indie rockers are a female-fronted coming-of-age outfit that is known for being ‘playfully aggressive’. Redefining the meaning of ‘female-fronted’, their self-confessional tracks offer a gleeful insight into lead ‘Gen’, firming themselves as a formidable force to be reckoned with.
Crashface
For fans of: Snake Eyes, James and the Cold Gun
Listen to: Molotov Smile
And last, but by no means least, Crashface. The London duo with a penchant for infectious punk rock, the boys are spearheading a noisy, energy filled revolution. Their latest release ‘Molotov Smile’ saw frontman Charlie Hinton turned camera-man in a self-directed punk rock frenzy. Keep your eyes peeled.