Manchester’s Next Wave: Rising Artists You Need to Know

With the BRIT Awards arriving in Manchester for the first time, all eyes are on the city. Away from the headlines, a new wave of artists are shaping the local music scene.

From local duo Super Market to artists including The Monamees, Samvl, Ruby Joyce, George Lawson, samxemma and M60, this blog gets to know the artists making a name for themselves. They share their journeys so far, why they think Manchester is a good place to get into music, and the venues that matter most to them. 

From first gigs and early support slots to places that feel welcoming or help new artists get noticed, they share their personal favourite places to play live. Through their experiences, the blog highlights the venues that continue to support emerging artists and shows how important these smaller gig spaces are to Manchester’s music scene today. 

Listen to Visit Manchester's Rising Stars Playlist: 

Discover Manchester's Rising Artists: 

Discover Super Market:

Why do you think Manchester is such a good city to get into music?

Manchester boasts a thriving grassroots scene with a strong community of artists in every genre you can imagine, and so makes a fantastic place to be doing music (despite the economy’s best efforts to close as many independent venues as possible). We’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing people between going to gigs and playing our own, and in turn we have heard everything from Psych-Rock to Hyper-Pop, to Hip-Hop and House. Manchester is a city which contains every type of person so there’s a scene to be found for everything, you just have to be willing to put yourself out there.

A bit about your journey so far...

We met by chance when leaving a business conference in Salford a few years ago, and ever since have been making and performing our music. After getting a couple gigs and a single release under our belts, we entered discussions with Manchester-based label Heist or Hit who we released our debut EP 'Shopping List' with in May last year. That and continuing support from BBC Introducing has led to us playing all over the place in the last year. We’re very lucky to have so many people backing us, and no matter how much Jack puts our success down to his “charm and winner’s smile”, we couldn’t do it without everyone who supports us.

What's your favourite gig venue in Manchester?

The Rat and Pigeon (Back Piccadilly, Northern Quarter), has been open only a year and a half but has quickly turned us into regulars as well as becoming a staple in the Manchester indie scene. We’ve seen some fantastic gigs and met many a friend in the unsuspecting pub - we think it’s well worth a visit. (The beer is good too).

Discover Ruby Joyce:

Why do you think Manchester is such a good city to get into music?

There’s a lot of inspiration fodder in Manchester. When I remember that paying attention is a possibility, I notice different kinds of people doing interesting things at all times, which is like random word generator but in real life. People watching also shows me that there are so many possibilities beyond my current outlook, which is good exercise for keeping perceptions malleable.

In this city, there are many events at which to be a musician and many gigs at which to be a fan - I think it’s important to practice the distinction. Also there are lots of places to dance in and I’m finding that dancing is commonly a digestive enzyme in the creative process. 

And, even though there’s loads going on, I think Manchester is a perfectly sized city. It felt like home to me about a week in; I know it like the back of my hand now. But it’s also easily escapable. If it ever gets too much, the Peak District is only a stone’s throw away.

A bit about your journey so far...

I’m grateful to say I’ve always had music in my life. I’ve got fond memories of long family car journeys with my mum on the aux. I think I showed a musical inclination from a young age and my parents responded by putting me in lessons. Fortunately this was supported by such a good music department at my secondary school, which is sadly so rare these days!

I started writing music around 11 and was in bands with my friends as a teenager, where we practiced arranging and gigging, too. I decided to pursue music when I was 15 after collaborating with a local producer that went to my school and we released some stuff together. 

I moved to Manchester at 18 for a music degree and met more amazing people, including my band mates Jack Boles, Isaac Dobson, Joel Wolstencroft, Jeanette Szeto and Dylan Cummings. They’re amazing and I love them so much. 

After four years of journeying through genres and learning a lot, I’ve settled into alt-folk having been inspired by Big Thief, Fiona Apple and Elizabeth Fraser (Cocteau Twins). I’ve played shows in Manchester, Liverpool, London, Bristol… Some favourites include Kendal Calling and supporting Brògeal at their YES Pink Room show. 

I recently recorded an EP in Yorkshire with the band. It’s 5 tracks and they’re made of genuine blood, sweat and tears. It will be coming out this year, so good things are on their way!

What's your favourite gig venue in Manchester?

The White Hotel is a venue I would buy tickets for without having a clue what I’m buying. Another notable mention is the Carlton Club; I recently experienced it for the first time and I watched Jacob Alon whilst horizontal on a bean bag. I think less than 50 people were there. That felt really special. I also admire from afar The Hall at Aviva Studios - ever since I missed Adrianne Lenker play there in 2024, I’ve been pining to go to a show. But missing that gig will always sting.

Discover George Lawson:

Why do you think Manchester is such a good city to get into music?

Having had the chance to make and perform music across the UK, Manchester has always stood out as the place where I feel the most creative freedom. There’s something about the city, something in the air that constantly inspires me.

I’m now lucky enough to call Manchester home. It’s a city filled with supportive, like minded people who genuinely want to see each other succeed. Manchester is constantly evolving, and with moments like the BRITs coming to the city, it’s clear that more people are beginning to recognise just how special it is.

While a lot of people focus on Manchester’s undoubtably iconic musical history, I think the future is just as exciting. There are so many up and coming artists, bands, and producers here putting in the work. I’ve been lucky enough to get to know some incredibly talented people, and it feels like only a matter of time before they start getting the recognition they deserve.

A bit about your journey so far...

Music has shaped my life from a young age, giving me an outlet and opening doors to experiences I never imagined.

I began releasing music in 2023, with my first two singles, Me&U and MISYA, gaining early support from BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing. I later released my debut EP, Lacuna Nights, celebrating it with two headline shows at The Deaf Institute in one year.

I’ve also had the opportunity to support artists I admire and play some incredible venues. In 2024, I performed on the Main Stage at my hometown festival, Highest Point, alongside Tom Odell, Busted, Cat Burns, Caity Baser and Sam Ryder, as well as at LeeStock Festival in Suffolk. These moments continue to push me forward.

Since then, I’ve gone through a full rebrand with my most recent single, ‘no offence’ marking the beginning of a new chapter with a run of new music to come. In October I returned to the stage with a headline show at YES, my first show back after what I’d call a short hiatus.

I’ve spent a lot of time in the studio writing and refining new material, and I’m more excited than ever about where it’s heading. Taking that time allowed me to rediscover my sound and find new sources of inspiration, something I don’t think would’ve happened without being in Manchester.

There’s a lot happening behind the scenes for my project this year. My goal is to play more shows, grow my already amazing fan base, and most importantly, enjoy every step of the journey. I can’t wait to share what’s next and see where this chapter takes me. Who knows, maybe I’ll be at the Brit Awards in a couple of years?

What's your favourite gig venue in Manchester?

This is a tough one, as I love every venue for different reasons, but if I had to pick a favourite so far, it would be The Deaf Institute. It’s truly iconic, some of my biggest inspirations have played that room, and when I set out on this journey, one of my goals was to perform on it’s stage. Not only have I played it a few times, I’ve also headlined both rooms, and each time I could hardly believe it was happening. I have so many fond memories there, and that’s why it takes the top spot for me.

As for a venue I haven’t yet played but have attended many times, it has to be the O2 Ritz. Headlining there is a dream, the atmosphere when that room is full is like nothing else. I manifest the moment I’ll perform there most days, and every time I see a gig at the Ritz, I picture what it will feel like when it’s finally my turn on that stage.

Manchester has a venue for every kind of artist, and each one feels like a little piece of the city’s soul. I feel lucky to be part of that story, and I can’t wait to add more chapters of my own.

Discover samxemma:

Why do you think Manchester is such a good city to get into music?

Manchester is great, especially for new artists as there are plenty of smaller venues and gigs that you can play, and there is a wide variety of different genres that people are making.

A bit about your journey so far...

We first met at The Paramount spoons in 2021, but didn’t release music together until 2023. Our first headline show was at Fuel in Withington, and since then we have done two more Manchester headlines at Band on the Wall and YES Basement. Our first radio play was BBC Introducing Manchester, and we have since been featured on Radio 1 as their introducing track of the week. 

What's your favourite gig venue in Manchester?

Our favourite venue has to be YES, it has a bit of everything. Club nights, gigs, multiple floors, a roof terrace and even a chess club that we are yet to go to. A great memory was when we did a 6 hour DJ set in the main room in summer of 2024. And the pizza is fire.

Manchester will always be special to us because it’s where we met and started samxemma.

Discover M60:

Why you think Manchester is such a great city to get into music?

I think being from Manchester it's hard to avoid the powerhouses of the music scene that have come from Manchester; Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Smiths and more recently The 1975 and Blossoms. The list is endless.

I think being in a band from Manchester you carry that heritage with you. We've also found that because of this history, the people of Manchester are so welcoming to the idea of proper Manc bands, which has been amazing for us to build that relationship with our die hard Manchester fanbase.

As for the city itself, it feels like there's a music venue on every corner so its almost impossible to ignore the Manchester music scene. 

What's your favourite gig venue in Manchester?

This is a really tricky one for us because I reckon it varies from each member. Me and Brad (the drummer) have really fond memories from the early days of playing The Ruby Lounge, which had a proper underground energy to it, but it has sadly shut down since.

So I think if you're talking active music venues, we have a very special place in our hearts for Gorilla, the orange scaffolding stage and the room has you toe to heel when its sold out, you play to just shy of 600 but it feels like thousands in there, we love Gorilla. Honourable mention goes out to The Deaf Institute too, that venue feels like a must for any indie artist in Manchester on the come up, that's a venue you need to go and experience to feel everything it has to offer. 

Manchester’s Music Moments of 2026

2025 was a big year for Manchester, thanks to Oasis Live ’25. In 2026, the city keeps that momentum going, hosting both the BRIT Awards and the MOBO Awards and cementing its place on the national and international music stage. Both awards shows will take place at Co-op Live, Manchester’s new state-of-the-art arena, bringing a few busy weeks of live performances, industry events and artist appearances across the city.

For visitors, it’s a rare chance to see Manchester’s music scene at its most alive. Follow along as we dig into the city’s unmissable music culture, from its best small venues to the artists just starting to make noise.