TEN MANCHESTER-DEFINING ARTISTS TO ADD TO YOUR PLAYLISTS

Meet the artists defying the stereotypes of the previously male-led Manchester music scene.

Over the years, Manchester’s music scene has been iconic to say the least. Home to the likes of The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Oasis, whilst also forefronting the post-punk era with its renowned venue, Hacienda, the city has sparked musical success for celebrated artists across numerous decades. However, when reflecting on Manchester’s historical significance amongst the British music industry, the lack of diversity across the bill is notable. So, in a city recognised for its ‘Madchester’ and Britpop foundations, let us introduce you to our favourite contemporary female and non-binary artists pillaring Manchester’s music scene today.

Phoebe Green

Indie; Alt-Pop; Soft Rock

How could we give the downlow on the Manchester scene without including Phoebe Green? With her vibrant style and dark witty lyricism, Green’s indie-rock tunes are an authentic observation of modern-day relationships and life. Since her debut self-release ‘02:00AM’ in 2016, we have been provided with compelling relatability - combining both gritty and dreamy instrumentals. Following the success of her second record ‘I Can’t Cry For You’ via Chess Club Records, Phoebe Green is definitely one to watch.

Julia Bardo

Alt-Pop

Beginning her musical journey in Northern Italy, Julia Bardo wrote and sang for a local band between working shifts at her father’s bar. Hungry for new inspirations, Bardo relocated to Manchester and her musical career took off. With hazy yet catchy melodies and journal-like lyrics, her recently released ‘It’s Okay (Not To Be Okay)’ is enticingly honest; the ideal alt-pop soundtrack to open up our emotions.

Iamkyami

R&B; Low-Fi; Neo-Soul

Kyami, known as iamkyami on stage, hit the Manchester music scene after leaving New York to fulfill her boundless dreams of creativity in the UK. Since then, she has dropped a catalogue of groovy R&B-inspired tunes, collaborated with an array of incredible producers and delved into radio-presenting. Through her quirky and soulful low-fi beats, she demonstrates her refreshing individuality and authentic, motivational voice.

EVABEE

Soul; Jazz; Electronic

EVABEE is a vital part of Manchester’s underground music scene. Blending hip-hop beats with urban soul, EVABEE drifts between genres seamlessly as a natural songwriter, producer and artist. Her combination of velour vocals and hard hitting beats is one like you’ve never heard before - don’t sleep on EVABEE.

Morgan Harper-Jones

Folk; Indie; Alternative

Morgan Harper-Jones’ magical debut record ‘Breathe’ is intimate and candid. Stopping us in our tracks, Harper-Jones’ voice echoes the likes of Laura Marling and folk-fronting artist Joni Mitchell, telling us tales we simply have to listen to. With her moving acoustically-driven sound, Morgan Harper-Jones bestows us with overcoming emotions, whilst simultaneously comforting us with her sincerity.

Layfullstop

Jazz; Neo-Soul; Hip-Hop

Layfullstop is Manchester’s latest triple-threat. Since releasing ‘Cherries’ in 2019, Layfullstop has demonstrated her exciting contribution to the scene, encompassing her adoration of Jazz, Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop music. Speaking from the soul, Lay is intentionally vulnerable through her lyricism, but meets that with effortlessly cool backing vocals and beats. As we are introduced to the world of Layfullstop, we are taken on a journey of refreshing honesty, and we’re enchanted by every single word.

Abbie Ozard

Indie-Pop

Indie artist Abbie Ozard encompasses all the Y2k dream-pop vibes. With her radiant aesthetic and talent, Ozard paints pastel Pinterest-worthy pictures with her catchy summer indie-bops. Her words coat themselves in adolescent life, whilst her instrumentals are beachy and dance-inducing. Following the success of her recently released ‘let’s play pretend’ EP, Abbie Ozard is the epitome of Manchester’s trendy Indie scene.

Witch Fever

Grunge-Rock; Doom-Punk

Witch Fever are loud, empowering and conspicuous on the Manchester scene. Driven by Doom Punk and Grunge-Rock, the band’s records are explosive from start to finish. Their limitless raging energy is gripping and their live performances reflect this, exploring femininity with a punch. Witch Fever’s raw and momentous racket is one to unleash from your speakers and blast in your bedroom for all to hear.

Jessica Luise

Indie Pop

With her groovy guitar riffs and optimistic instrumentals, Jessica Luise creates sunny soundscapes which are strong contenders for your Summer ‘21 playlists. With familiar undertones of 2000s Indie-Pop, her records are reminiscent of singing your heart out into your glittery hairbrush, getting ready for the school disco. With a catalogue of such strong debut releases, we have high expectations for the future of Jessica Luise.

AFRODEUTSCHE

Techno; House; Electronic

Making moves on the international Techno scene, AFRODEUTSCHE is an asset to Manchester’s extensive music scene. Her beats intertwine Electro with UK Techno and have landed her collaborations with the likes of Boiler Room. She also hosts her own radio show on the reputable NTS to display her own productions. From composing, producing and DJing, AFRODEUTSCHE epitomises limitless creativity, drive and the effortless hybridity of genres that just simply work. 

From those lulling us into a state of daydream, to the voices we simply cannot ignore, these artists hold a crucial jigsaw piece in Manchester’s immense modern-day music scene. The city’s landscape today prides itself on diversity more than ever before and we couldn’t be more excited about it! So, whether you’re looking for a hybrid of new sounds or a hand-hold to the soul, Manchester’s female and non-binary musicians have got it all to offer.