Reading Festival, originating as the National Jazz Festival in 1961, evolved into the UK's longest-running popular music event. It's celebrated for its diverse genres, spanning rock, indie, hip-hop, and electronic music, consistently hosting global superstars and fostering a vibrant community of music enthusiasts.
Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi rose from small pubs to global arenas with his debut album Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent. It featured the smash hit Someone You Loved, which hit #1 in 25 countries and earned a Grammy nomination. His second album, Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent, also topped international charts.
GRAMMY-winning rock band Imagine Dragons emerged in 2009, earning four RIAA Diamond singles and multi-platinum albums like Night Visions. Known for massive streaming milestones, they have collaborated with Kendrick Lamar and Hans Zimmer, and support charitable causes.
South London's Loyle Carner crafts introspective, jazz-infused hip-hop. Celebrated for honest lyrics on identity and family, his acclaimed albums include "Yesterday's Gone," "Not Waving, but Drowning," "hugo," and "hopefully!". A Mercury Prize and Brit Award nominee, he collaborates with artists like Jorja Smith and Tom Misch, captivating audiences with his poetic flow.
Formed on the Isle of Wight, Wet Leg, comprising Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, blends sad and party music. Known for their hit "Chaise Longue" and a Mercury Prize-nominated debut album.
Formed in Southend, alternative rock band Nothing But Thieves have achieved global success with four Top 10 albums, including their debut number one record Dead Club City. Known for soaring vocals and energetic guitars, the group has amassed billions of streams and multiple gold and platinum certifications worldwide.
Belfast-born duo Bicep (Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McBriar) are acclaimed electronic music producers and DJs. Known for their eclectic blend of house, techno, and breakbeat, they gained renown through their "Feel My Bicep" blog and dynamic live shows. Popular tracks include "Glue" and "Apricots". Their albums, including "Bicep" and "Isles," have achieved chart success and industry recognition. They are celebrated for their influential sound and curation.
Born Michael Lamar White IV in Canton, Ohio, rapper and singer Trippie Redd blends cloud rap, emo, trap, punk, and metal. Emerging online in 2015, he achieved mainstream success with multiple Billboard-charting releases, including his debut album Life's a Trip and the mixtape A Love Letter to You 4.
Compton-born Steve Lacy, guitarist for The Internet, crafts alternative R&B and funk. His Grammy-winning album "Gemini Rights" featured the chart-topping "Bad Habit." Known for his unique production style and collaborations with Kendrick Lamar and Solange, he continues to shape modern music.
BRIT Award-winning British pop and electronic artist Becky Hill is a pioneering singer and songwriter with over 4 billion Spotify streams. She has secured 17 UK Top 40 singles, including the UK number one single Remember, and released her gold-certified debut album Only Honest On The Weekend. Hill has collaborated with numerous major acts, including Rudimental, Tiesto, and Little Mix.
Formed in Los Angeles, indie pop trio MUNA crafts cathartic, queer synth-pop anthems. Renowned for hits like "Silk Chiffon" with Phoebe Bridgers and "I Know a Place," their self-titled album solidified their reputation for building danceable emotional release.
Nessa is an electro-pop artist known for her sophomore album AFTERCARE and singles like PASSENGER PRINCESS and MUSTANG BABY. She has accumulated billions of streams, sold over 83,000 tickets on her world tour, and been named to Billboard's 21 Under 21 list.
The Snuts, a Scottish indie rock band from West Lothian, formed in 2015. Known for energetic live shows and anthemic sound, they blend catchy hooks with heartfelt lyrics. Their debut album W.L. hit UK #1. Other albums include Burn the Empire and Millennials, which topped the UK Independent Chart. Popular songs feature "Always" and "Glasgow". They received a Scottish Music Awards Breakthrough Artist award.
South African-born, London-based anti-pop singer Baby Queen delivers sharp, satirical anthems dissecting internet culture and youth. Celebrated for tracks like "Colours of You" from the Heartstopper soundtrack and album "Quarter Life Crisis", she has also toured with Olivia Rodrigo.
LF SYSTEM is a Scottish electronic music duo, Conor Larkman and Sean Finnigan, known for their vibrant blend of disco and modern house. They gained widespread recognition with their chart-topping, triple-platinum single "Afraid to Feel". Other popular tracks include "Dancing Cliché" and "Hungry (For Love)". They are celebrated for their energetic sound and remixes for artists like Fatboy Slim and Carl Cox. Recent singles include "Taking Over" with Obi Franky.
Detroit house music producer and DJ MK has amassed over 3 billion streams and 7 platinum singles. Known for early defining hits like Burning, his career highlights include chart-topping tracks like Look Right Through and Dior, plus collaborations like Rhyme Dust with Dom Dolla.
Jonatan Håstad, known as Yung Lean, is a Swedish rapper and pioneer of cloud and emo rap. Originating from Stockholm, he gained prominence with "Ginseng Strip 2002." His ethereal style and introspective lyrics define his work. Notable albums include Psykos and Jonatan. He collaborated with artists like Travis Scott and FKA twigs, and received the Bram Stoker Medal and Stim Platinagitarren. He founded the Sad Boys collective.
Andy C is a pioneering UK drum and bass DJ and producer. In 1992, he co-founded Ram Records, which became a driving force in the genre. As part of the duo Origin Unknown with Ant Miles, he produced the 1993 classic anthem Valley of the Shadows, and later formed the supergroup Ram Trilogy.
Don Broco, a British band known for blending rock, pop, metal, and electro, are famed for hits like those from their Top 5 UK album "Technology." Renowned for high-energy shows, they've sold out Wembley Arena and toured with Mike Shinoda and State Champs globally.
London-born DJ and producer Shy FX is a veteran jungle and drum and bass artist. Best known for his 1994 hit Original Nuttah with UK Apache, he founded Ebony Recordings and Digital Soundboy, scoring major U.K. chart hits and collaborating with artists like T-Power and Lily Allen.
Wokingham, England's rapper Songer is known for lyrical dexterity and genre versatility across UK Hip Hop, Drum and Bass, and UK Garage. He gained fame via viral BL@CKBOX freestyles, building an independent career with millions of streams. His releases include "Toxic (Freestyle)", "Vino Bandit", and "SKALA", topping UK hip-hop charts. Collaborations feature D Double E and KiLLOWEN.
Yard Act, a British post-punk and indie rock band from Leeds, formed in 2019. Known for their sharp wit and socially conscious, often spoken-word lyrics, they blend elements of disco and hip-hop. Their notable albums include "The Overload" (2022), a Mercury Prize nominee, and "Where's My Utopia?" (2024). They collaborated with Elton John on "100% Endurance."
Holly Humberstone is a singer-songwriter from Grantham who debuted with the EP Falling Asleep At The Wheel. She won the 2022 BRIT Rising Star award and has supported artists like Sam Fender, Taylor Swift, Girl in Red, and Olivia Rodrigo on tour.
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, originating from England (Turner born in Bahrain), blend folk and punk rock. Known for energetic live shows and prolific songwriting, they released acclaimed albums like "FTHC" (UK #1) and "Undefeated." Achievements include headlining Wembley Arena and performing at the London 2012 Olympics. They are celebrated for heartfelt, intense performances and poignant lyrics.
Arlo Parks is an artist who collaborated with producer Baird, along with Paul Epworth, Buddy Ross, and Andrew Sarlo, on her third album, Ambiguous Desire, following her 2024 New York tour.
Liverpool-born folk-rock artist Jamie Webster is known as a people's poet. His debut album, We Get By, topped the UK Official Folk Chart and reached the UK Top Ten. Produced by Dave Eringa at Rockfield Studios, his 2021 album Moments features an indie anthemist sound.
Hot Milk is a Manchester, UK-based emo power-pop/alt-rock band formed by Hannah Mee and Jim Shaw. Known for their energetic live shows and angst-ridden, catchy choruses, they released their debut album "A Call To The Void" in 2023, followed by "Corporation P.O.P." in 2025. They have toured globally, supporting major rock acts and performing at festivals, and are currently touring worldwide.
English DJ and producer Sub Focus, Nicolaas Douwma, pioneers drum and bass, dubstep, and electro house. Known for high-energy sets and genre-blending soundscapes, his popular tracks include "Rock It," "Tidal Wave," and "Ready to Fly." His album Evolve won Best Album at the 2023 Drum&BassArena Awards, and he released Contact in 2025, featuring collaborations with Grimes and John Summit. He is a leading figure in electronic music, celebrated for innovative productions and chart success.
Dimension, Robert Etheridge, is an acclaimed English drum and bass DJ and producer from London. Known for his cinematic production and anthemic tracks, he blends euphoric melodies with high-energy beats. His popular songs include "Desire" and "DJ Turn It Up," and his debut album "Organ" topped the UK Official Dance Chart. He has collaborated with artists like Sub Focus and is celebrated for electrifying performances.
Frankie Stew and Harvey Gunn are a Brighton, UK rap duo known for their candid, reflective UK hip-hop over garage-inspired beats. Their DIY approach led to a loyal following and millions of streams. Notable albums include "Breathing Exercises" and their culminating project, "Goodbye For Now." They collaborated with artists like Loyle Carner.
Palaye Royale, a Las Vegas-bred band of brothers, blends brit-pop, glam rock, and art-punk. Acclaimed for energetic live shows and over half a billion streams, they've toured with Yungblud and Rob Zombie. Known for connecting deeply with fans worldwide.
Indiana-born artist midwxst blends rap and rock, emerging from the pandemic-era hyperpop scene. Known for his grungy hit Trying and the concept album archangel, he creates chameleonic music exploring mental health, relationships, and identity.
Formed in Brighton, alternative rock quartet YONAKA blends ferocious guitar riffs with bold pop hooks. Fronted by Theresa Jarvis, the British band made an impact with punchy anthems like "Seize the Power" and "Teach Me to Fight," standing out for raw, uninhibited stage energy.
Orlando's Magnolia Park blends punk, rock, pop, hip-hop, and metalcore into a vibrant sound. Formed in 2018, they're acclaimed for their genre-spanning creativity.
Meet Me @ The Altar is an American pop-punk band originally formed in 2015. The band is highly celebrated for bringing a fresh, inclusive perspective to the rock music landscape with energetic guitar riffs, punchy drums, and powerful vocals.
Pinkshift, a rock band from Baltimore, Maryland, formed in 2019. Composed of Ashrita Kumar (vocals), Paul Vallejo (guitar), and Myron Houngbedji (drums), they are known for their pop-punk, grunge, and alt-rock sound. The band gained recognition with their song "i'm gonna tell my therapist on you." Their albums include "Love Me Forever" and "Earthkeeper." Pinkshift is celebrated for its diverse members and advocacy for authentic expression.
Formed in London, indie rock band The Last Dinner Party blend theatrical art-rock with lush baroque pop. Acclaimed for their breakthrough hit "Nothing Matters" and debut album "Prelude to Ecstasy", the BRIT Rising Star winners deliver opulent harmonies and dramatic live performances.
KennyHoopla, born Kenneth La'ron Beasley in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Wisconsin, is an American indie rock and pop-punk artist known for his genre-bending sound. Popular songs include "How Will I Rest in Peace if I'm Buried by a Highway?" and "Estella." He has collaborated with Travis Barker and released EPs like "Conditions of an Orphan" (2025). His music blends alternative, new wave, and electronic elements.
High Vis is an English rock band formed in London in 2016. They blend hardcore punk with post-punk, indie rock, and baggy styles, known for their energetic performances and socially conscious lyrics. Their discography includes albums such as "No Sense No Feeling," "Blending," and "Guided Tour." Popular songs include "Trauma Bonds" and "Drop Me Out." They have collaborated with Show Me the Body.
Edinburgh's Vistas are a Scottish indie rock trio, formed in 2016, celebrated for their anthemic sound, catchy hooks, and bright guitar riffs. Albums like "Everything Changes in the End," "What Were You Hoping to Find?," and "Cut The Cord" feature popular songs such as "Retrospect" and "Tigerblood," earning chart success and soundtrack placements.
Giant Rooks, from Hamm, Germany, creates indie rock with a pop sensibility and atmospheric sound. Known for songs like "Wild Stare" and "Tom's Diner" (with AnnenMayKantereit), they earned a 1Live Krone Award and Preis für Popkultur. Their album "How Have You Been?" achieved a number one spot in Germany. The band is recognized for blending organic and electronic elements, captivating audiences worldwide.
A Scottish singer-songwriter from Glasgow, known for his earthy vocals, fingerpicked indie folk-rock sound, honest storytelling, and highly energetic live performances.
Artemas Diamandis, an English-Cypriot singer, songwriter, and producer from Oxfordshire, crafts alternative pop, R&B, and dark wave music. Known for viral hits "If U Think I'm Pretty" and "I Like the Way You Kiss Me," his discography includes mixtapes like "Pretty," "Yustyna," "Lovercore," and "Getting Up to No Good." His work has achieved RIAA Platinum certifications and gained international chart success. He appeared on Forbes' 2026 30 Under 30 list.
Los Angeles melodic dance producer Gryffin blends cinematic, emotional songwriting. Hits “Tie Me Down” (multi‑platinum), “Woke Up in Love” w/ Calum Scott; 1.5B+ streams; Coachella x3, Red Rocks x4, Wynn residency, Forest Hills headliner; collabs w/ Kaskade, GRiZ, Excision, Kygo & Khalid.
New Jersey-born vocalist and songwriter Fousheé blends R&B, folk, punk, and indie electronica. After her viral 2020 hit Deep End, she released albums including softCORE and Pointy Heights, collaborated with artists like Lil Wayne and Steve Lacy, and co-wrote Lacy's number one hit Bad Habit.
Formed in Cardiff by teenagers Joe Williams and Mike Griffiths, the rock band HIMALAYAS includes James Goulbourn and Louis Heaps. Known for cinematic fast-paced rock, they have played major festivals like SXSW and Reading and Leeds, and released their debut album, From Hell To Here.
MOTHICA, born McKenzie Ellis in Oklahoma City, is an American singer known for her alternative pop, rock, and emo-influenced music. She gained prominence with her viral hit "VICES" and is recognized for her candid lyrics addressing mental health and trauma. Her albums include "Blue Hour," "Nocturnal," and "Kissing Death." She also heads Heavy Heart Records.
Mae Stephens, from Kettering, England, is a pop singer-songwriter known for her catchy, colorful pop-funk style and relatable lyrics. She gained widespread recognition with her viral hit "If We Ever Broke Up," which charted globally. Stephens' debut EP, "Securely Insecure," showcases her talent, and she has collaborated with artists like Meghan Trainor and The Chainsmokers. She is celebrated for her compelling vocals and honest storytelling.
The Royston Club, a Welsh indie rock band from Wrexham, formed in 2019. Known for energetic live shows and catchy melodies, their sound blends indie pop with rock. Popular songs include "Mrs Narcissistic" and "Cariad". Their debut album, "Shaking Hips and Crashing Cars," achieved UK chart success, followed by "Songs for the Spine," which also charted highly. They are celebrated for their gritty, melodic style.
Formed in Las Vegas in 2002, rock band The Killers have sold over 25 million albums globally and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Their acclaimed 2004 debut, Hot Fuss, featured hits like Mr. Brightside. Known for albums like Sam’s Town and Day & Age, they achieved consecutive UK number-one albums.
Billie Eilish, born in Los Angeles, is a 9-time GRAMMY® winner known for her genre-defying style. Her albums, debuting at No. 1 worldwide, include hits like "No Time To Die," winning an Academy Award. Collaborating with her brother FINNEAS, she's made history with her achievements, including two Academy Awards, showing her lasting impact.
Declan McKenna, from Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, moved to Los Angeles and recorded his album What Happened to the Beach? with producer Gianluca Buccellati. Made under the California sun, it has playful grooves, loose structures, and a weirder, wonkier sound.
Born in the Bronx, Lil TJay blends Jay-Z and Justin Bieber influences with Usher and MJ's melodic style. His hits "Resume" and "Brothers" gained massive popularity, securing millions of streams. After overcoming early challenges and incarceration, he became an Internet sensation with his unique rap-R&B fusion.
Inhaler's "Open Wide" blends indie, garage-rock, glam-pop, and art-rock, influenced by T.Rex and Depeche Mode. Produced by Kid Harpoon, it showcases their artistic confidence with tracks like "Eddie In The Darkness" and "Billy (Yeah Yeah Yeah)."
Lovejoy is an English indie rock band from Brighton, formed in 2021. Led by William Gold (Wilbur Soot), Joe Goldsmith, Ash Kabosu, and Mark Boardman, they blend indie rock and pop-punk. Known for engaging lyrics on loss and romance, their releases include EPs "Are You Alright?", "Pebble Brain", "Wake Up & It's Over", and the album "One Simple Trick". Popular songs include "One Day" and "Call Me What You Like". The band has charted on the UK Albums Chart and Billboard Emerging Artists chart.
Canterbury-born UK pop singer-songwriter with soulful, big-voiced honesty; hits “Good Without” & “House on Fire,” 730M+ streams, Epic Records, UK Top 15, toured.
The Amazons, a British rock band from Reading, formed in 2014, deliver arena-sized indie rock with powerful guitar riffs and anthemic melodies. Known for hits like "Black Magic" and "In My Mind," their albums include their self-titled debut, "Future Dust," "How Will I Know if Heaven Will Find Me," and 2025's "21st Century Fiction." They have achieved multiple UK Top Ten albums.
London-based drum & bass producer/DJ & vocalist; known for soaring, high-energy tracks blending industrial grit with euphoric melodies, bold guitars & distorted synths.
The Murder Capital, formed in Dublin, is known for its intense post-punk style. Their ambitious album 'Blindness' was produced by Grammy-winner John Congleton.
San Diego's TV Girl is an indie pop band blending lo-fi, electronic, and sampledelia with lyrics on love. Known for "Lovers Rock" and "Not Allowed," their albums include "French Exit" and "Grapes Upon the Vine" (2023). Collaborations include "Fauxllennium" (2024) and "Incredibly Blind" (2026), recognized for their distinct, sample-heavy sound.
Tom Odell is an English singer-songwriter, known for his emotionally raw piano ballads and indie pop. Born in 1990, he gained fame with his debut album "Long Way Down" and global hit "Another Love." He won a BRITs Critics' Choice Award and an Ivor Novello Award. In 2025, he released his seventh studio album, "A Wonderful Life," and a new single "Over" in 2026. He is currently touring internationally.
North London rapper Clavish is known for his cold, introspective lyrics and laid-back style. He gained fame through viral freestyles and his acclaimed mixtape "Rap Game Awful."
Newham grime icon D Double E: ex N.A.S.T.Y. Crew (w/ Kano, Ghetts, Jammer), co-founded Newham Generals; known for “Street Fighter Riddim”, “Woo Riddim” & acclaimed Jackuum.
South London rapper K-Trap broke out in 2016, wearing a mask until 2019. Raised in Gipsy Hill, he launched via drill, known for booming vocals. He’s won multiple MOBOs, earned a BRIT nomination, and scored Gold single “Warm” (2021).
East London artist Lancey Foux first gained attention in 2015 with his debut full-length EP PINK, a 14-track, rule-bending project. He began recording for fun, freestyling over YouTube instrumentals, and has made over 500 tracks.
Kenny Allstar, aka The General, is a UK DJ and radio presenter famed for his Mad About Barz freestyle show on BBC 1Xtra, boosting UK rap talent and curating influential projects.
Finn, from Shepherd’s Bush, blends punk, British-Jamaican sound system, hip-hop, and UK dance music. Known for his work with Elevation Meditation and artists like Lord Apex.
Normandie's fourth album, "Dopamine," explores addiction and overconsumption in a near-future setting. Known for their powerful sound and thought-provoking themes, the band engages listeners with reflective narratives on our dependency on quick dopamine fixes.
Formed in Louisville, Knocked Loose is a hardcore quintet known for uncompromising heaviness and intensity. Comprising vocalist Bryan Garris, guitarists Isaac Hale and Nicko Calderon, bassist Kevin Otten, and drummer Kevin Kaine, the band has brought their underground sound to major stages like Coachella and Bonnaroo.
Scowl are a Santa Cruz, CA hardcore punk band known for a venomous, fierce sound and ripping live shows. They’ve shared stages with Circle Jerks, Touché Amoré, and Limp Bizkit, played Coachella, and released the album Are We All Angels.
EKKSTACY, born Khyree Zienty in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for blending new wave, post-punk, and indie rock. His music features emotionally honest lyrics, often exploring themes of sadness. Popular songs include "I Walk This Earth All by Myself." He has released albums like Misery (2022), EKKSTACY (2024), and Forever (2025), collaborating with artists such as The Kid LAROI and Trippie Redd. He is recognized for his unique, moody sound.
Ethel Cain, born Hayden Silas Anhedönia in Tallahassee, Florida, is an American singer-songwriter known for her ambient, Southern Gothic, and indie rock music. Her acclaimed 2022 debut, "Preacher's Daughter," garnered a cult following. In 2025, she released "Perverts" and "Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You." She is the first transgender artist to reach the Billboard 200 top ten and is currently touring.
English Teacher is a Leeds-based indie, art rock, and post-punk band formed in 2020. Known for their poetic lyrics and dynamic sound, their debut album "This Could Be Texas" earned them the 2024 Mercury Music Prize and a Rolling Stone UK Breakthrough Award. Popular songs include "R&B" and "Nearly Daffodils." They have collaborated with artists like Fontaines DC on a remix album.
Southampton-born Caity Baser's feisty pop and candid lyrics have captivated fans since 2021's mixtape Lil CB. Notable for tracks like "X&Y" and "Pretty Boys," she earned nominations for the BBC Sound of 2024 and Brit Rising Star. Signed with EMI, her catchy tunes focus on relationships, showcased in her second mixtape, Still Learning.
Aimée & Jaguar is a stage production and musical project based on the poignant true story of Lilly Wust and Felice Schragenheim in 1940s Berlin. The production is based on the 1994 non-fiction book by Erica Fischer and the subsequent Golden Globe-nominated film.
Somebody's Child, led by Cian Godfrey, hails from Dublin and innovates modern rock with influences like Kraftwerk. They've supported The War on Drugs and headlined Dublin's 3Olympia Theatre. Collaborating with Grammy-winning producer Peter Katis, they explore fresh sounds beyond indie norms.
Joey Valence & Brae, a hip-hop duo from State College, Pennsylvania, are known for their high-energy blend of punk rap, nerdcore, and 90s-inspired alternative hip-hop. Their breakout single "Punk Tactics" achieved RIAA Gold certification. They have released albums including "Punk Tactics" (2023), "No Hands" (2024), and "Hyperyouth" (2025), and collaborated with artists like JPEGMafia and Rebecca Black. They are celebrated for their viral success and engaging live shows.
Phoenix-native UPSAHL gained fame with hits like "Drugs." Featured on TikTok, her album "Lady Jesus" marked her as a rising star. Known for co-writing Dua Lipa's "Good in Bed," UPSAHL also collaborated with artists like Madison Beer and Little Mix. Achievements include a top charting EP and a sold-out global tour.
Maryland-born rapper Cordae blends sharp storytelling with truth, earning 3 Grammy nods. Known for hits like “RNP” (feat. Anderson .Paak) and collaborations with Eminem.
Atlanta rapper Ken Carson signed to Playboi Carti’s OPIUM Records/Interscope in 2019. He released EPs Boy Barbie, Lost Files and Teen X (featuring “Yale,” 13.5M Spotify streams) and his 2021 debut album Project X led by “Rock N Roll.”
