Photo Credit: Ruby Connery
Words: Lilly Roberts
Liverpool Sound City made a return for another year in the centre of Liverpool highlighting the city’s music heritage and capturing the emerging talent from established, well known artists to a showcase of local raw talent. This festival is across 8 different venues, including The Jacaranda, Kazimier Stockroom and the Arts Club. Creating an atmosphere where new artists can unveil modern ideas and talent and putting a spotlight on the huge importance of keeping Liverpool’s music venues alive.
Kicking off the Saturday we saw acts such as Montello, Keyside and Florentenes getting the weekend started. The balla performed their debut gig where they packed out the tiny Spanish Caravan with an immense support for a debut gig. The band performed their tunes such as “Paris” and “I’m not a number” which the crowd already knew despite it being their first gig. From The balla’s debut gig we then went to the Grand Central Hall to watch Tom A. Smith, although only being confirmed a few days before the festival the Liverpool crowd still sang along to his indie-rock songs. At such a young age, Tom A. Smith has released EPs, played multiple festivals and numerous gigs with an exciting future ahead of him.
Next to take on the Grand Central stage was Manchester band Corella who filled out the venue, after playing the festival last year the band were given a bigger slot. Fresh off their debut album “Once Upon A Weekend” and tours, Corella stopped at Liverpool for the afternoon ahead of their European tour. Playing their well known song “Barcelona girl” to finish off their set getting the crowd buzzing ready for The Royston Club to headline the Saturday later on.
The arts club offers a unique gig experience with the arts club loft and the arts club theatre (upstairs and downstairs) having artists on at the same time meaning you could see a different artist or band without even leaving the building. In the arts club we saw the Liverpool band Keyside with tracks such as “Runaway”, “Angeline” and “Nikita”. These lads have an authentic indie feel to their band with unreal vocals. Definitely a new favourite on the playlist. The best part about the arts club… we walked downstairs straight into the arts club theatre to watch Arkayla play an unreal set. Another Manchester band influenced by the sounds of modern indie bands.
To finish off an unforgettable Saturday The Royston Club absolutely blew the roof off in the Grand Central Hall. Although 30 minutes late they kicked off their show off with “The Patch Where Nothing Grows”, the vibe was unmatched between the band and crowd creating a euphoric atmosphere. As the indie-pop band filled the room with heartfelt lyrics and energetic guitar riffs, the crowd didn’t hesitate to dance along with each other. This group of four lads have ingrained their place as one of the most exciting upcoming bands on the scene. Although The Royston Club’s set came to an end the excitement from the crowd never did ready to do it all again the next day…
Sunday arrived with the sun shining and the venues ready to hold another special day for Liverpool’s music scene. We saw acts such as The Cases, M60 and Hotel Motel begin our sunny Sunday in Liverpool. We headed to the Stanleys at the Grand Central who opened the venue up and got the crowd ready for the day ahead of them. Next to make an appearance in the Grand Central was Liverpool band Stone. A unique alternative rock band who are known for their energetic live performances and didn’t fail to live up to the expectations in their hometown.
Back to my favourite venue of the weekend, the arts club, we saw Alex Spencer and his band in the arts club loft. Although being only 18, Alex came on stage with his confident persona which immediately radiated to the crowd. As Alex begins to rattle through his songs the crowd, if they didn’t already know them, begin to pick up the catchy rhythms and sing along with Alex. Definitely a lad to keep your eye on with outstanding talent.
16000 steps later we were back at the Grand Central to see the Scottish band Brogeal. It was my second time seeing this band and there is a reason I went back to watch them. The energy they create on stage is incredible. A group of lads from Falkirk who met travelling on the same supporters bus to Celtic games definitely don’t forget their roots which they engrave into every detail of each song.
The rest of the day was spent in the Grand Central as the Liverpool crowd packed in to see the hometown band The Cheap Thrills. Definitely a big anticipation of the weekend and they did not disappoint. They wanted the crowd to hear their music song after song the crowd jumped, sang and really felt a connection with this band. Another unreal band that made this festival memorable.
As the eagerness grows for Dylan John Thomas first we get Birmingham band The Clause. From the get-go the lads had a blinding stage presence and definitely a band to put on the gig bucket list. By the sea of The Clause merch it was proved that a lot of the crowd had came just for these boys who had such an amazing live sound and will definitely be heading to bigger festival slots in the future.
10pm approaches and the crowd is fiercely dancing along to all the most known indie classics from James to Courteeners the crowd was bouncing before Dylan John Thomas had even come on stage. We were at the barrier as the Glasgow born curly haired singer made the room light up with his burning passion for music. Being brought up in the care system music wasn’t just a hobby for him it was the core of his life. This is displayed through his live shows as he opens with “Jenna” and moves on to his other songs such as “Wake Up Ma” which really shows his passion for music and his background. Of Course he always likes to break up his set with “Mama Mia” in the middle. After another outstanding performance Dylan closes his set with “Fever” to end an amazing weekend on a high note. Certainly a festival to look out for next year.
Taped Magazine 