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.
Grammy-winning rock band Imagine Dragons emerged in 2009 and became the first act with four RIAA Diamond singles. Known for multi-platinum albums like Night Visions and Evolve, they achieved ten billion-plus streamed songs on Spotify and collaborated with Kendrick Lamar and Hans Zimmer.
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 known for 17 UK Top 40 singles, including the UK number one single Remember, and her gold-selling debut album Only Honest On The Weekend. She has amassed billions of streams and numerous certifications.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Jersey-born vocalist and songwriter Fousheé blends R&B, folk, punk, and indie electronica. She is best known for her viral 2020 hit Deep End and for co-writing Steve Lacy's number one pop hit Bad Habit. She has released albums including softCORE and Pointy Heights, and collaborated with artists such as Lil Wayne, Lil Yachty, and James Blake.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
