Music is an integral part of Liverpool’s identity. Since The Beatles in the 1960s, legendary bands have continued to emerge from the region, from Frankie Goes To Hollywood to The Zutons. However, all of these musicians have to start somewhere, and the grassroots music scene is as vibrant as ever in Liverpool, with bands popping up in every corner of the region. Here are 15 Merseyside bands that you should be adding to your playlists….
Ambedo Blue
Alternative guitar rock band, Ambedo Blue, are based on the Wirral in New Brighton, with Milo Richardson on vocals and rhythm guitar, Paddy Turner on lead guitar, Danny Brown on drums, and Isaac Cleary on bass guitar. Ambedo Blue have been going strong for 6 years; however, they did not become a quartet until a year and a half ago when bass guitarist Isaac joined.
Much like many other bands on this list, Ambedo Blue are a regular on the Liverpool venue circuit. Last year, their residency in Rough Trade completely sold out. The Wirral-based musicians have also supported a long list of top bands, including Electric Six and The Heavy North, as well as playing alongside their Liverpool based mates, The Dream Machine and Keyside. You can also catch them at Shiiine On Weekender in November at Minehead Arena, supporting The Jesus and Mary Chain and Ash, amongst others.
Stay in the loop with Ambedo Blue by clicking on their LINKTREE!
Element
Rock ‘n’ Roll band, Element, from Kirkby, have only been playing together for a year, but have already made a name for themselves within the Liverpool music scene. The four-piece, formed by Jack Sim as the lead vocalist, Dylan Dwyer on lead guitar, Harry ‘Fozz’ Forrester on bass, and Harry ‘Raz’ Riley on drums, takes inspiration from some of the most established names in the business, from Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd to the Stone Roses and Oasis.
Those involved in the Liverpool music scene might recognise Element from Primal Live 2025, a Liverpool-based battle of the bands competition where the boys reached the final. 2025 has been a stellar year for Element as not only did they reach the final for Primal Live, but they’ve played many hometown gigs in the Jacaranda, as well as playing an outdoor festival in Lincoln. Alongside live gigs, the boys have focused on upcoming recorded music, with demos recorded at Alien Studios that they hope to release in the coming months.
Give them a follow on INSTAGRAM!
Headfeeder
Big hitting four-piece Headfeeder, based in New Brighton, have developed a cult-like following due to their explosive and high energy performances. Headfeeder, composed of frontman and lead vocalist Will Robinson, guitarist Ben Kynaston, drummer Sonny McGuigan, and bassist Jamie Valerio, who is also their songwriter, are a must-follow for any fans of neo-psychedelic alternative rock.
The New Brighton band has formed a great relationship with iconic 90s legends Space, recently joining them on tour, even performing on stage with them during their final song at the O2 Academy. Touring with Space has allowed Headfeeder to share their music across the country, and it is not the end of the band’s collaboration with them! Expect big things from these guys and be sure to see them live — it’s an experience to say the least!
Check them out on LINKTREE to follow along with their musical journey!
Keyside
From opposite ends of Liverpool, four-piece Keyside are the next big thing in indie pop/rock music. The talented quartet is made up of vocalist Dan Parker, lead guitarist Ben Cassidy, drummer Oisìn McAvoy, and bassist Max Gibson. Much like many of the other bands on this list, the Merseyside musicians are inspired by Liverpool greats The La’s. Alongside this, they also draw inspiration from iconic bands The Smiths and The Police, as well as modern artists Fontaines D.C. and Blossoms.
Keyside‘s lyricism is rooted in real life – everything from the streets around them to friendships to escapism influences the band. This real lyricism has also been a hit with their fans: the Liverpool lads are fresh off a sold-out tour in March. The reaction from their fanbase is what the boys cite as their proudest achievement: “This is why we started, to have a positive connection through music.” The indie pop/ rock band are embarking on a tour at the end of the year, hitting big cities like Glasgow, Manchester, London, topped off with a huge homecoming show at Liverpool O2 Academy.
Keep up to date with Keyside through their WEBSITE and secure tickets to their upcoming tour!
Knowones
‘Knowones’ are an alternative rock band from Liverpool and the Wirral — comprising of Robert Rundle – Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Pavel Zeli – Lead Guitar, Graham Gait – Bass andDan Levey – Drums. With an eclectic collection of songs, they have been compared to many artists from The Velvet Underground and The Verve to Radiohead and Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds.
The band are known for producing a wide range of styles from heavier rock anthems to introspective indie folk and are consistently recording and releasing original material. Ones to watch out for, they have been playing at various festivals round the country.
Listen to and follow Knowones on SPOTIFY
Modern Marriage
Formed in late 2020, Modern Marriage consists of trio Ben Savage – vocals, guitars, keyboards, trumpet, Lewis Hall – bass guitar, backing vocals and Danny ‘Malfunction’ Johnson – drums, backing vocals. With a style owing as much to a plethora of obscure 80’s indie bands as to XTC, Captain Beefheart and Captain Birdseye, ‘The Marriage’ are signed to legendary Birkenhead label Skeleton Records, and their long overdue debut album ‘Grim Up North’ is due imminently!
The band have supported the likes of Half Man Half Biscuit, Hotwax, Apollo Junction, Dave Dee Dozy Beaky Mick & Tich and Mexican Dogs to name a few and have played at venues far and wide across the country. A high energy rock/pop/post-punk band, the guys have developed a cult like following and leave the audience in rapture!
Keep up to date with them via their LINKTREE
Playmate
For fans of alternative rock music, Playmate are a band to add to your playlist. Inspired by Elastica and Fontaines D.C., the five musicians that form Playmate are based in Liverpool city centre as they study at university – although their Liverpool roots run deep, as lead singer Jess is from Bootle.
Playmate are no strangers to playing the live music circuit; they have recently supported Gringo Star at Future Yard and have an upcoming gig in September at the Bloom Building. They may have not released music yet, but the alternative music makers promise that there are new tunes on their way.
Keep up to date with them by looking at their LINKTREE
Red Coven
Red Coven are a Liverpool-based heavy rock music band who are often compared to the likes of Queens of the Stone Age, Wolf Alice, and No Doubt, although their music is inspired by Royal Blood and Black Sabbath. The trio is based all around the North West, with lead singer and guitarist Sophie from Leasowe, bassist Abbie from Bootle and, finally, Alice, the drummer, calling Manchester home.
Last month, Red Coven released their second single, Eternal Rut, a classic rock-inspired track that deals with the feeling of fear of growing up whilst dealing with mental health problems. The release of the track was accompanied by a live gig in the Zanzibar. The trio have also recently played another iconic Liverpudlian live venue, the Cavern Club, supporting The Falling Doves on their 10th anniversary album release world tour.
Keep up to date with Red Coven by checking out their WEBSITE!
Rozemary
‘Modern Metal’ band Rozemary are from across the Liverpool region, with three members of the band from the Wirral and their drummer hailing from Bootle. Although they often get compared to Polaris, Thornhill, and Dying Wish, the quartet mainly draws their inspiration from bands like Spiritbox and Loathe.
The band have been getting up to a lot of gigs throughout the year, from supporting Employed to Serve in Rough Trade, to embarking on their first tour in May with Omoia and Sunday Best. They also performed as part of the Anthony Nolan Charity Fundraiser back in April in Birkenhead, an event which the band describes as their proudest achievement. If this year hasn’t already been busy enough, Rozemary will be taking to the EBGBs stage at No Play Fest in September, as well as planning a run of shows around autumn time! Recently, the metal band has released a new single on 7th August, ahead of the release of their new EP.
Listen to Rozemary on SPOTIFY.
Shefu
If heavy guitar music is not your tune, Shefu might be the band for you. Based in Liverpool city centre, Shefu is composed of Rose Winn and Tom Mahoney. Citing their biggest influences as Clairo, Alanis Morissette, and Beabadoobee, the duo is bringing a softer melody line to the Liverpool music scene.
After releasing their self-titled EP in March this year, the band has gone from strength to strength, taking their talent south of the Mersey to the Windmill in Brixton, where they performed a sold-out show and forming part of the roster for Live at Scorrier House in Cornwall this month. However, the pair’s proudest achievement took place in Liverpool when they collaborated with Liverpool Football Club, and their song was featured in the kit reveal ad.
Take a look at Shefu’s LINKTREE
Short Notice
Wirral-based rock band Short Notice were crowned winners of the prestigious Primal Live song contest at Camp & Furnace, Liverpool — a competition known for spotlighting emerging talent from across the North West, whilst raising money for The Whitechapel Centre. The band, made up of teenagers Joey, Kaiden, Alfie, and Lewis, delivered a standout performance that electrified the crowd and judges alike — blowing the roof off the Baltic Triangle venue in a dynamic performance way ahead of their years.
Despite having only formed six months ago, the four-piece have quickly made a name for themselves with their raw energy, musical chemistry, and explosive rock sound. Their debut single, “Why Won’t You Leave,” has already caught the attention of fans and critics, and they’re currently hard at work on their first EP. Their win at Primal Live cements their reputation as one of Merseyside’s most exciting up-and-coming bands.
FOLLOW SHORT NOTICE ON INSTAGRAM
The Cheap Thrills
Sticking to their Liverpudlian roots, The Cheap Thrills release what they describe as “guitar music with a Scouse accent”. The guitar band, based in Walton Vale, is composed of vocalist and guitarist Lewis Pike, Anton Eager on drums, Terry Eaves on guitar and keyboard, and Callum Fitzpatrick on bass. 2025 is already a huge year for the Liverpool locals, who are fresh off playing The Bread and Roses stage to a packed crowd during their Glastonbury debut.
As if that wasn’t enough, the band are headlining a sold-out gig at The Dome (Grand Central Hall) in November and are about to embark on a set at Y Not Festival in August. The quartet has amassed over 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and, back in April, released their latest single, a high-tempo summer tune called Who Am I To Judge.
The Cheap Thrills are destined for big things. You can check them out on their LINKTREE!
The Dream Machine
Dynamic five-piece The Dream Machine, would sum their music up in one word as ‘confused’. They take much inspiration from Liverpool legends, The Beatles, Echo and the Bunnymen, and The Coral, but also Tom Petty, Dr Feelgood, and The Modern Lovers.
The band have already made quite a name for themselves in the industry, not just in the local scene but also overseas. The calendar has been full for the five-piece, supporting Noel Gallagher last year, and this summer, they have embarked on a headline tour of France, in addition to supporting The Lathums in Belgium and the Netherlands. Exciting times are ahead for the Liverpool lads as they prepare to release their next album, “a neo-noir seaside murder mystery about mermaids, ducks and voodoo.”
Take a look at The Dream Machine’s WEBSITE!
The Stamp
South Liverpool locals, The Stamp, are bringing a unique sound to the local music scene. Their music is packed with hints of reggae, hip hop, blues, Latin, and indie rock. This sense of individualism is something that the band is incredibly proud of, exclaiming: “we sound like The Stamp and no one else really!”. Not only are the musicians influenced by Liverpool bands and artists, including The Real People and Edgar Jones, but they are also influenced by their Liverpudlian roots and surroundings, describing their sounds as “like all that has gone before [ them ] here in Liverpool”.
The Stamp are not just a regular on the Liverpool music scene, but they have played all around the country. Recently, they have supported Brian Jonestown Massacre at Oxford O2 Academy and Sheffield O2 Academy. Additionally, they will be heading to Minehead in November for the Shiiine On Festival. New music is on the horizon for the Merseyside music-makers! Their 4-track EP will soon be released before they start work on the complete album.
You can follow The Stamp on INSTAGRAM!
Traits
Image: @lukedoesvisuals
Hailing from Wavertree, TRAITS are certainly ones to watch. Having recently supported Sting at On the Waterfront in Liverpool, the four-piece is currently on a high. The indie-pop band is made up of Kieran McCarthy as lead vocalist, Adam Bridge on bass, Matty Campbell as the lead guitarist, and Ben McLoughlin on drums.
Although their sound is fairly unique, the band is influenced by a plethora of artists, ranging from The Smiths to Fleetwood Mac to REM. This summer has been a busy time for the boys; not only have they supported Sting, but they have also recently released their newest single, Nothing’s Ever Good Enough, and have just put on a gig themselves at Kazimier Stockroom in Liverpool.
Check out TRAITS’ LINKTREE!
Support Local Artists
With Spotify giving bands very little royalties for streaming and music venues getting squeezed from every angle, there’s never been a more important time to support local bands and artists. The next time you’re considering paying hundreds of pounds to see an already famous band play in a big arena, why not look a little closer to home and support some of the incredible up and coming talent that Merseyside has to offer.
