If you haven’t heard of this lot already, where have you been? Look no further than these rising stars turning up this year at the likes of Sound City, Bearded Theory and Truck Festival. Festivals give emerging artists the chance to build a reputation in one summer and turn passing crowds into long-term fans, so make sure you catch the early acts and check out the smaller stages - you don’t want to miss out.
Westside Cowboys are taking their music international this summer, providing tunes for a good old boogie in the fields with their self-proclaimed ‘Britainicana’ anthems. Get your fix of mosh-pit action with goth-punk band Bloodworm - expect high-energy shows with proper bangers being played. Then there’s Basht., the Dublin band doing high-key support slots with the likes of Wunderhorse and The Goo Goo Dolls - with no two songs sounding the same, these are definitely worth watching.
Looking for your indie fix? Saint Clair is the way to go. Despite only having a few demos out, they’ve already built a solid 4.6k following on Instagram and landed a spot as one of NME’s 100 Artists for 2026. Proving their talent in just a few songs is a feat not many artists can accomplish. Keep an eye on them – they’re going to be big.
Irish-Cornish group Girl in the Year Above is a band you have to tell your friends about before it’s too late. They give a soul-baring performance, one that will force you to be fully present. Their infectious live shows have garnered over 70k Instagram followers, and with no songs yet on any streaming platforms, you can find their music on YouTube. This summer, they’re heading out on tour, playing five festivals and joining Courteeners for their Wythenshawe Park show. Slag are also a strong contender to be your new favourite band. Their eclectic music invites listeners to be themselves, and you can’t help but keep listening. You’ll be instantly hooked.
With line-ups once again being so male-heavy, make sure to set some time aside for these female-led acts, Florence Road, the band where whimsy meets edgy, having landed some impressive support slots with Olivia Rodrigo and Sombr, whether you need something to dance to or cry to (or both), they’ve got your back this summer. Etta Marcus’ insanely gorgeous vocals and emotionally raw lyrics will linger with you way past summer. Comforting yet gritty, once you’re a fan, you will always be a fan.
If you’re a fan of the likes of Kingfisher or Amble, with only one song released, and an insane 13k monthly listeners on Spotify, Dermot Henry is here to cover your folk needs this summer. Recording his songs in his bedroom, he will bring a sense of intimacy to The Great Escape and Boardmasters with his poetic lyricism. Looking for something heavier? Hailing from Dublin, Madra Salach are adding their own edge to Irish folk music. The pure depth and high emotionality of their music make them so unique. Seriously, do not miss seeing them as soon as you can.
As more acts are released in the run-up to the season, make sure to keep your eye on the names in smaller font; they may just be the headliners in a couple of years.
Francesca Wood
Image: Girl In The Year Above - Tramlines Press
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