More about: portsmouth

When you think of Portsmouth you two things probably come to mind. The Spinnaker Tower and that viral Chris Kamara clip from Fratton Park. Whilst the “I dunno Jeff” meme cemented us into the brains of football Twitter, did you know Portsmouth also has a vibrant, thriving music scene?

From Saturday nights at the Wedgewood Rooms to Victorious Festival, music is an integral part of our waterfront city. That being said, here are 11 upcoming Portsmouth acts you need to get behind. 

Crystal Tides

With strong support from the likes of BBC Introducing and Radio X, Crystal Tides are Portsmouth’s answer to Sea Girls. They’ve have become somewhat of a local must-see since forming in 2018, their joyous, upbeat summer anthems such as ‘Honey’  make for the perfect night out. Infusing rhythmic beats with electric guitars and bounds of energy, Crystal Tides are a band you don’t want to miss. 

Ria Hanley

Ria Hanley, although relatively new to the scene, is making a huge impact. Originally uploading a handful of covers on YouTube and social media, Ria spent last year writing and performing, allowing her time to experiment with the artist she wants to be. Her latest single ‘Hell For Leather’ shows her to be the next star of smooth, RnB infused pop. 

Emilia Tarrant 

Fresh from her first play on Radio 1’s future Pop, Emilia Tarrant’s melodic, soulful pop will simultaneously break your heart and blow you away. New single ‘Slow Motion’ pulls her out of shatteringly beautiful ballads into addictive, sweet pop. If you love Mimi Webb, Emilia Tarrant is your next playlist staple. 

Harvey Jay Dodgson 

Soulful and cinematic, the bluesy tones of Harvey Jay Dodgson have graced the soundtrack of American Netflix original ‘Purple Hearts’, John Kennedy’s infamous ‘X-posure’ show on Radio X and festivals up and down the country. Harvey is certainly one to watch over the next year particularly now he has a full band in place, the electricity is set to be off the scale!

Novacain 

If you’re looking for you next night out, Novacain have just announced their headline show at Edge Of The Wedge on December 7th. Angsty and full of fire, their new single ‘D’you really want to? mixes Royal Blood with elements of groove and a certain Pompey charm. Dig out your parka and bang on the tunes!

Tash Hills 

Funk with a spicy kick, Tash Hills is your new go to for party tunes, you’re destined to dance the night away. A diva of the glamourous kind, her powerful vocals paired with electro-funk beats and some seriously groovy basslines makes for compelling, effervescent listening. If Girl Power is your thing then immediately blasting Tash Hills is highly recommended.  

J.J. Summer

If you’re looking to embrace a slightly slower pace of life J.J. Summer has got you covered. Debut EP ‘constructs’ pulls together American shoegaze and bedroom indie to form a beautifully lightweight work of art, made for midnight drives. This may be their debut but it certainly won’t be their last. 

Jerry Williams 

Jerry Williams has made quite the name for herself over the years, a firm fixture at Victorious Festival and yet another act from our shores that has captured the attention of BBC Introducing. Jerry Williams is quite possibly Portsmouth’s best kept secret but not for much longer. 

Flowvers

Earning support from a host of music magazines, Flowvers have had a reinvention over the last few years, honing in on a much rockier punk sound than before. They’re so good, they’re almost a Portsmouth institution in themselves, with locals flocking to their headline gigs and outsiders discovering them up and down the country. Their new single ‘Waiting’ can also be found on Apple Music’s ALT CTRL playlist. 

South Coast Ghosts

If you miss the nineties but want something a little bit fresher that the Happy Mondays vinyl you’ve had on repeat for years, South Coast Ghosts are your brand new obsession. With their debut album ‘Silent Assassins’ that dropped last July you have no excuse for not giving this 10 piece a chance. 

Hallan 

Quite possibly saving the best until last, Hallan’s experimental punk approach is, in my opinion, some of the best sounds this city has ever produced. Championed by the legendary Steve Lamacq, you’ll crave their political and social commentary direct in your ears, Hallan will leave you questioning the world and rejoicing at the same time. A fan of Yard Act? Well you’re a fan of Hallan now too. 

Listen to the playlist now:

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More about: portsmouth