Beyond The Music conference and live music festival is just around the corner, bringing three days of unmissable panels and performances from inspiring artists and industry professionals. Performers from across the world will descend on Manchester’s iconic venues, but a number of home-grown talent are bringing their talents too. Here are just a handful of some of the Greater Manchester artists not to miss at this year’s Beyond The Music:
1. Yaang
On Thursday at 9pm at Peer Hat, catch Yaang, the noise-punk trio making waves throughout the city and beyond. Steadily building their reputation for furious, high-energy live shows, powered by the combo of pulsating drum loops, spikey guitars and a wicked sense of humour. The band have already gained backing from The Rodeo Magazine, BBC 6Music, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing.
2. West Side Cowboyy
Having just announced a support slot for Mercury Prize winner English Teacher, West Side Cowboyy are on an upward trajectory, all without even releasing a single song. Regularly gigging around the city, their uplifting yet heartfelt tracks are finding more and more fans itching for a release. If you’re looking for a new favourite band, you might want to go see them at Band on the Wall on Thursday at 10pm.
3. Lili Holland-Fricke
Lili Holland-Fricke is a British-German experimental cellist, music-writer, and improviser based in Manchester. Her music combines the many sounds of the cello with electronics and voice to create intricate songs, instrumentals, and improvisations. Bringing her intricacies to Beyond The Music this year, catch her at Aatma at 8pm on Thursday.
4. Martial Arts
If you’re a fan of raw, energetic, and precise sound, with a mysterious edge that ranges from suspense to punk, Martial Arts should be top of you list to see this year. Their live performances are known for being intense, noisy, and unpredictable. Playing at 33 Oldham Street at 7pm on Friday 11 October.
5. Pippa Crossland
Named in Visit Manchester’s Rising Stars list published earlier this year, Pippa Crossland has been announced to play Band on the Wall on Friday at 9pm. Delivering a fresh era of alt-pop, Pippa has proven she’s one to watch. With relatable, intimate lyrics carried by beautifully crafted melodies, Pippa captivates her listeners from the offset.
6. Katie & The Bad Sign
A voice that pours with emotion and fills a venue, Katie and the Bad Sign have played across the UK. Hailing from Manchester they describe their sound as a mix of Americana, Blues & good ole Rock n' Roll. Bringing big energy to 33 Oldham Street on Friday, catch them at 10pm.
7. Prido
Manchester singer-songwriter and rapper PRIDO blends storytelling afro anthems with hip-hop, grime, soul, and afrobeat. Bringing good vibes to Night and Day at 4pm on Saturday, PRIDO is a great way to start your final day of Beyond the Music performances.
8. Nyah Grace
Inspired by artists as diverse as Billie Holiday and D'Angelo, American-born Nyah Grace is delivering her mesmerising performance to Stage and Radio on Saturday, on stage for 8pm. Studying at Manchester’s prestigious RNCM, Nyah and her band will be bringing R&B and soul sound to the city once again, including her newest single More.
9. Metrodome
Having recently released their 4-track EP, Metrodome celebrates the best of the UK rave sound and choppy beats. For fans of Aphex Twin, Orbital or anything old school rave. Suppling Aatma with a big burst of adrenaline on Saturday night, head there for their set at 10pm.
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