6 min readManchester’s musical talent reaches far and wide, covering a multitude of genres and styles. From pop and R&B, to hip-hop and drill. With some inspiring talent making a name for themselves, we’ve found just a few rising stars you should know about before they become household names.
Listen to their top tracks on our Spotify playlist Greater Manchester’s Rising Stars.
Kyd Blu
Back to Top of ListManchester born and raised Kyd Blu has been making waves for quite some time. If you ever find yourself out in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, there’s a good chance you’ve seen him perform already as he’s a regular performer at Affleck and Brown, Wayfarer and Freemount. His solo project is a heavenly mixture of RnB and alt-pop and continues to grow from strength to strength, having sold out Deaf Institute at his EP Launch in 2023.
He’s also the owner of Feel Weird Studios in Stretford, a creative hub providing music recording studio services, photography suite facilities and rehearsal/live room and podcast spaces for hire.
Top Songs:
we’ve changed
addiction
I’m hurt but I don’t want to hurt you too
Socials:
Vacant Weekend
Back to Top of ListVacant Weekend are an alt-pop trio from Cumbria, currently based in Manchester. The three friends met in school and were bound together immediately, finding comfort in jamming and performing music together. The band in its current iteration was formed in 2018 and took inspiration from disco, Motown, and noughties indie-rock bands like Two Door Cinema Club and The Wombats.
Top Songs:
Marlboro Reds
Manchester
My Addictions
Socials:
Sparkz
Back to Top of ListThriving in the Manchester music scene from an early age, Sparkz has gone from strength to strength since starting out in super groups Levelz, Voodoo Black and formally The Mouse Outfit. Now as a solo artist, Sparkz is releasing on High Focus Records and has taken his solo act to shows and festivals such as Boomtown, Nozstock , Jazz Cafe Ldn and more. Known for his skill and versatility on the mic, his live show is packed full of top tier lyricism, monster flows and big Manchester energy. Now accompanied by a dope 5-piece band consisting of Drums, Keys, Bass, Guitar and DJ. You can expect a bag of his biggest tracks along with well-known features, collaborations and new releases.
Top Songs:
Buzzin
Mean It
Overload
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Ellen Beth Abdi
Back to Top of ListMancunian music-maker Ellen Beth Abdi uses live loops, pokey drums, undulating synths and quietly subversive lyrics to mould her unique sound. A graduate from Royal Northern College of Music, Ellen has graced many areas of the Manchester scene, providing backing vocals and keys for legendary indie/alternative bands in the city - from playing a support slot for The Stone Roses at Wembley Stadium and most recently touring with A Certain Ratio.
Top Songs:
Spellbound
Problem Child
Kingsway Bouquet
Socials:
Samxemma
Back to Top of ListThe electronic duo Samxemma provides an emotional and sincere take on hyper pop/electronic music, drawing comparison to artists such as Porter Robinson, Charli XCX and Yung Lean, but also features hard hitting glitchy drops that you would hear from the likes of Flume and Skrillex. The pair also engage their audience through various mediums with distinct visual aesthetic and high energy live shows.
Top Songs:
I Let You
Ice 2
Didion
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OneDa
Back to Top of ListOneDa’s clever, sharp lyricism, mixed with melodic vocals and punch lines that make you rethink your train of thought, make her much more than your average artist. She was selected as One to Watch by BBC Radio 1 and 1xtra for her seamless manipulation of both old school and new school vibes, OneDa resurrects Hip Hop as we know it and leads her fans hand in hand down an energy filled fantasy land. With her fan base fast growing after just being involved in the Manchester music seen as a solo artist in the past 2 years or so. OneDa shows no sign of slowing down.
Top Songs:
Balling
Rude Girl
SPLAT
Socials:
Phoebe Hall
Back to Top of ListPhoebe Hall is quickly establishing herself as one of the most exciting bedroom-pop artists on the scene. Refusing to shy away from who she is, Phoebe writes about her experiences and identity with significant honesty and wants to pour new energy into the alt-pop world by exploring these themes with particular reference to her queerness. The live circuit has been busy for Phoebe, having supported Larkins on their 4,000+ capacity UK tour, playing the BBC Introducing Stage at Latitude Festival, All Points East and supporting The Lottery Winners.
Top Songs:
Like This
Pulling Me Back feat Larkins
Codependent
Socials:
Pippa Crossland
Back to Top of ListDelivering a fresh era of alt-pop, Pippa Crossland has proven she’s one to watch. With relatable, intimate lyrics carried by beautifully crafted melodies, Pippa captivates her listeners from the offset. Her latest single Sleep On It has been supported by tastemakers like BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and Spotify editorial playlists including being the face of April’s Fresh Finds. One for any fans of Olivia Dean, Holly Humberstone and Arlo Parks.
Top Songs:
90
Lavendar Hill
Sleep on It
Socials:
Fake Wife
Back to Top of ListFake Wife is a project from the mind of Manchester-born producer and songwriter Lewis James, inspired by 80s synth-wave and fuelled by desire to make the perfect pop song. Their debut single The Wedding was released in 2023, co-produced by Salford’s Lewis Dean (Pyncher, Cinder, The Strangerz). Their second single All You Wanted was released earlier this year and was picked up by BBC Radio 6, drawing on the same influences like Depeche Mode, Talking Heads and The 1975. Having recently headlined at the iconic Band on the Wall, they’re ones to add to your synth-wave playlists.
Top Songs:
The Wedding
All You Wanted
Socials:
Emile Almira
Back to Top of ListEmile Almira is 22 year old singer songwriter, originally from South London but now finds home in Manchester. Heavily influenced by his surroundings, Emile has created a unique sound that comes as a result of living in two of the largest cities in the UK with two very different music scenes. Pulling influence from artists like Joy Crookes, Jordan Rakei and Justin Timberlake, Emile’s found a fresh audience up North and has successfully been gigging around Greater Manchester for the last few years.
Top Songs:
Morning Sun
Ain’t Going
Swing Sets & Regrets
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TTSSFU
Back to Top of ListIn addition to being the lead guitarist for rising Manchester band Duvet, TTSSFU aka Tasmin Stephens (she/they) has been recording, producing, mixing and mastering all their own music on Garageband since they fell in love with classic shoegaze music as a teenager. Spending the past three years self-releasing a steady stream of singles and EPs, Stephens’ latest work – Studio 54 represents their most streamed song to date and is a huge crowd pleaser.
Top Songs:
I Hope You Die
Wait It Out
Studio 54
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