Best new bands to watch out for in 2023
Here are the best bands that you should be keeping an eye on in 2023.
Last updated: 20th Dec 2022
Originally published: 19th Dec 2022
There have been recent discussions that the band is dying out, with one of the main reasons being that solo artists can find a career in the music industry much more sustainable when income doesn't have to be split between a few people. Whilst there are definitely positives to going it alone, it'll never kill off the band and the list below shows it.
Here, you'll find ten of the best upcoming bands who we think have a big future ahead of them and we highly recommend you try to catch them live in 2023.
Tommy Lefroy
Tommy Lefroy is the project of songwriters Wynter Bethel and Tessa Mouzourakis. The band name is a reclamation of Thomas Langlois Lefroy who famously broke Jane Austen's heart, which is an indication of how they use heartbreak as a form of armour. Looking to subvert tropes, their glistening synth-pop is well worth a listen.
Prima Queen
London-based band Prima Queen know how to write a catchy tune but their recent singles such as 'Eclipse' and 'Butter Knife' have shown that they're an adaptable bunch. Their guitar-driven sound provides the perfect canvas for a whole range of emotions and with an EP coming out soon, we can't wait to give it a go.
Melin Melyn
A Welsh group who certainly know how to have fun, Melin Melyn are the epitome of audio slapstick, as they have a sound that perfectly mirrors the crazy places that their lyrics take them. From 'Lucy's Odyssey' to 'Short Haired Lady', it's nice to hear from a band who revel in their own eccentricity.
Tickets for Melin Melyn
Cucamaras
Nottingham band Cucamaras are everything you could want from an indie band and lean into the British tradition of producing bands who know how to get the best out of the guitar. With a string of brilliant singles under their belt already and an impressive EP 'Soft Soap' released back in May, keep tabs on this lot.
Tickets for Cucamaras
M(h)aol
M(h)aol loudly and proudly discuss issues that affect women and their songs contain lyrics about potentially triggering themes such as sexual abuse. Feminists to the core, the spoken word delivery of vocalist Roisin Ghearalit makes it feel like you're at a sermon and it is sure to get you riled up in the right way.
Tickets for M(h)aol
Sprints
Another band of Irish excellence, Sprints' sound is best described as cathartic, which is in part thanks to the brilliant lyricism from Karla Chubb. They've clearly become more confident as they've grown into their career and you can feel a sense of evolution throughout their singles so far.
Tickets for Sprints
VLURE
One of the more enigmatic names on this list, VLURE blend post-punk with electronic music to deliver a fist-pumping sound that would make you go wild at any gig or rave. Their songs can quickly blow you away and that immediacy is what makes them such a fascinating listen.
Tickets for VLURE
Wednesday
From Asheville in America, Wednesday are the kind of band for you if you love heavy riffs and constant ripples of distortion. They are masters of tension and release, able to drop the most satisfying guitar sequences you've ever heard at a moment's notice. Each of their tracks feels like a worthwhile journey.
Swim School
Edinburgh band Swim School are brilliant at two things. They can capture you in a world of ethereal sound and within the same song can deliver a memorable chorus that you just have to chant out loud. A perfect mixture of calmness and momentary passion, they have all the ingredients to be a memorable indie rock band.
Crawlers
Pipped for big things and having the streams to prove it, the only way is up for Crawlers. The scouse band are the latest hot topic on the alternative rock scene 2022 has been a breakthrough year for them and we're expecting things to flare up again in 2023 as they keep the momentum going.
Tickets for Crawlers
Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
