The Best Up-and-Coming Music Artists From Birmingham UK

Birmingham has a proud history of spawning diverse musicians, from the likes of The Beat and UB40 to Black Sabbath, Duran Duran and more recently, Laura Mvula and Peace. Here are 12 of the best up-and-coming artists from the city.

Ed Geater

Birmingham singer-songwriter/beatboxer Ed Geater is one of the more unusual stars in the city. Ed writes, records and produces his tracks himself and performs the layered masterpieces live using just an acoustic guitar, microphone and a loop pedal. Listen to him for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

The Americas

Dame

Dame are an indie-electronic band, consisting of a collective of University of Birmingham students. Signed to local label New Street Records and having already sold out an EP launch in advance, it’d be a mistake not to check them out.

Paper Buoys

Paper Buoys started to turn heads following the release of their hard-hitting single, ‘Sharp As Razors’ – a politically influenced track with a great animated video. They’ve since gone on to release a different styled single and video, showing their versatility in a crowded market.

Pleasure House

Often championed by online station BBC WM Introducing, Pleasure House are starting to make some serious strides – not just in Birmingham – but across the UK. They have recently been out on their first headline tour and with more dates planned, do keep an eye out for their infectious indie-pop in a city near you soon.

Kioko

It’s set to be a big year for Birmingham’s Kioko. Having already played Glastonbury 2016 as well as shows with the likes of The Wailers, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and The Specials in recent times, this pop-reggae hybrid should be on your one to watch list.

The Lizards

Birmingham boys The Lizards are a psychedelic influenced band with big plans in the pipeline. They’ve already supported the likes of Hatcham Social and Jaws, and their experimental sound is set to catapult them to new levels throughout 2017.

Lady Sanity

Flying the flag for Birmingham’s urban scene is Lady Sanity, one of the city’s brightest hip-hop artists. Keeping it local with her video for ‘Can’t Say That’ filmed at Cannon Hill Park, bright things are expected of this local talent.

Hoopla Blue

Blending intricate instrumentals with experimental tones, Hoopla Blue are one of our ones to watch in Birmingham this year. Signed to local record label, FOMA, the band are ready to step up, and a string of high-profile support slots should help them attain this.

The Mighty Young

Birmingham’s favourite garage rock duo The Mighty Young have been around for what feels like an eternity, but we predict that 2017 may see even more success for them. Selling out shows everywhere they go, the boys combine Americana rock with deep blues and garage rock to create an intense wall of sound.

Dorcha

Dorcha is the experimental project of local musician-extraordinaire Anna Palmer. Dorcha’s brooding sound has seen tracks picked up by the likes of BBC 6 Music, and they’ve got big plans for this year.

Cinema

When a front-man mirrors Dutch Uncles’ lead vocalist Duncan Wallis, you know you’re going to like them. Cinema create synth-infused, jingly jangly pop that’s enough to make even the coolest of cats nod their heads at a gig – and speaking of gigs – they’ve already supported the likes of Theme Park and The Sunshine Underground, so big things are expected!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.