Based out of Leeds and comprising guitarist/vocalist Adam Parday, drummer Bryn Jenkins and bassist Andrew Thomson, Caro is an inventive English indie rock trio which pairs introspective lyrics with offbeat rhythms and sinewy treated guitars. Caro emerged in 2016 with the nervy and atmospheric single Cold Comfort. Four years later, they released their debut album, Burrows. Their sound has elicited comparisons to contemporaries like Alt-J,  Bombay Bicycle Club and Everything Everything. Huw Stephens described Caro as “definitely a name to listen out for in the future, whilst Gigwise named them “one of the most exciting new bands in the country.”

@carotheband | Listen on Spotify

Radical hope mixed with punk, curiosity and philosophy. This is Chisara, an award-winning composer and multidisciplinary artist celebrated for their unique Afro-art-pop sound, making music that asks you to shine your light on the world while interrogating the chaos and contradictions at it’s core. Chisara’s  leading voice, lyricism and skillful storytelling has led to achievements across theatre, film and visual arts, including a George Butterworth Award; choreography for Steve McQueen’s Blitz; mentoring from Brian Eno through Netflix’s composer programme; and recognition from BBC Introducing London, The Great Escape, The Roundhouse, Tate Britain and The National Theatre. 

@chisara_| Listen on Spotify

Brighton-based artist, writer and multi-instrumentalist Circe makes cinematic dark-pop, where huge synths, distorted guitars, strings and layered vocals collide with sharply drawn storytelling. Taking cues from Björk, FKA twigs and Kate Bush, her sound filters visceral electronics through something more romantic, atmospheric and melancholy. Her music has appeared in Netflix’s Crew Girl and Elite; Amazon Prime’s Hanna; and Channel 4’s Made in Chelsea. Circe has toured with The Midnight, as well as headlining Latitude Festival’s BBC Introducing Stage and The Great Escape. Jack Saunders of BBC Radio 1’s Next Wave called Circe: “insanely talented and definitely someone we are backing.”

@circemusic | Listen on Spotify

Katherine Aly is a rising alt-pop artist known for her genre-defying sound. Her distinctive orange aesthetic and a commitment to pushing creative boundaries has garnered praise from press including Wonderland, Notion and Earmilk. BBC Introducing described Aly’s songs as “educational”, reflecting her distinctive lyrical approach and incisive perspective on relationships. Her music operates as a form of “humorous anthropological research”, set against an hyperpop soundscape that fuses alternative pop with an experimental edge. Her work has received airplay on BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music, and with support from BBC Introducing Scotland. Aly was named their Future-Ready Artist of 2026. 

@itskatherinealy | Listen on Spotify

Lepani is a Fijian-born, New Zealand-raised independent artist, songwriter and producer now based in Manchester. Blending alternative pop, R&B and soul, his music – which has gained 14 million streams across digital platforms – draws on a diverse range of influences, creating a smooth sound that is eclectic and distinctive. Since making Manchester home, he has immersed himself in the city’s grassroots scene, performing regularly in venues across the city and building relationships with fellow artists. Lepani has also performed internationally, including at Pacific Roots Festival in Amsterdam. His upcoming project explores vulnerability, mental health and his challenging relationship with his music career. 

@lepanimusicc | Listen on Spotify

LFay is a lyricist and vocalist from rural Norfolk, crafting a vibrant sound that fuses old-school hip-hop, urban jazz and neo-soul with elements of jungle, drum & bass and breaks. LFay delivers playful yet insightful observations on the impact of isolation and youth experience, drawing inspiration from her free party and rave culture roots whilst incorporating textures and imagery influenced by the pirate radio scene of the 1990s. Her music has been featured on BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, Capital XTRA, and BBC Introducing, where she has also been named a One to Watch 2026 for Suffolk and Norfolk. LFay is an artist firmly on the rise – bringing originality, energy, and authenticity to the stage.

@lfay | Listen on Spotify

Other People’s Leisure (OPL) are making waves on their own terms. The Scottish electronic duo craft immersive live performances using analogue hardware, digital production and multi-projection visuals. Craig A and Craig P create melody-driven music that translates seamlessly to their expansive sets, with lyrics adding emotional depth and drawing from a background in songwriting. Taking influence from Bicep, Caribou, Four Tet and Junior Boys, OPL make melodic, indie-infused electronic music that “sits equally at home on the dance floor and the journey home.” Their debut release earned immediate support from BBC Introducing and a placement on Apple Music’s New in Dance playlist. 

@otherpeoplesleisure_ | Listen on Spotify

Manufactured in Northwest London, lyrical rapper PH brings a modern alternative sound to the UK, blending old-school hip-hop with influences from cultures around the world. He has collaborated with Soulja Boy, The Game, Onyx and Swayvee, as well as producers including Oliver Bassil, who has worked with NBA YoungBoy and That Mexican OT. PH’s 2024 collaboration with rising artist SOLOCELO, YOU GIRL, has become a summer anthem, amassing more than one million streams. The pair followed up with HELL N’ BACK. PH has also travelled to Lagos and Rio de Janeiro to create music and visual content, including a Hollywood-style video aired on Nigerian television.

@panni__h| Listen on Spotify

Derry-based songwriter roe describes herself as “an emotional car crash with free will and an impulse to write.” roe’s influences span from Irish singer-songwriters like Orla Gartland, to American artists such as Medium Build and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. Through live performances at Reeperbahn, SXSW and a UK arena run supporting Snow Patrol, she has connected with audiences all over the world. Her 2022 debut album That’s When The Panic Sets In was called “an exceptionally sophisticated succession of confessional songs” by The Irish Times. Everything since has been made without a label or publisher, on her own terms and with a small, dedicated team around her. 

@roemusic | Listen on Spotify

WineMom is a Dublin-based four piece stepping their way firmly to the forefront of the Irish music scene. Led by powerhouse frontwoman Rosanna, their sound draws parallels to major musical names such as Fleetwood Mac and Blondie. WineMom are fresh off a wave of successes in their first year, during which they took to some of the biggest stages across Ireland and the UK – supporting iconic artists such as Kingfishr, Jane’s Addiction and Deacon Blue, as well as a surprise performance at Electric Picnic. WineMom’s debut EP Grand Affair came out in April 2026, and the band are excited to bring their self-styled brand of “Nostalgia Rock” to the rest of the world.

@winemom_official | Listen on Spotify

Pablo has enjoyed a highly successful career and is best known as a founding partner of Caffè Nero. He is dedicated to supporting start-ups as both an investor and mentor. He has also co-founded Talentbanq, and more recently founded MusicGurus.

@ettingerpablo

James Matthews is Senior Director at Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, representing a vast roster of artists. UMG is home to Polydor, Island, Interscope Geffen A&M, Def Jam Recordings, Republic Records, Decca and Verve.

@umpg

Nicolas-Tyrell Scott is an award-winning music and cultural journalist with work printed/published in GQ, Pitchfork, Dazed, Apple Music, and more. He’s been featured on BBC, Channel 4, Wray and Nephew, The Grapevine TV, and at Soho House.

@iamntyrell

Francesca Pidgeon also known as ‘Dilettante’, is a multi-disciplinary musician based in the North of England. She won the inaugural edition of the Aesthetica New Music Stage in 2025 and will also be joining us for a musical performance at this year’s event.

@dilettantesongs

Sally is an A&R / Artist Manager at the Futuresound Group. For the past five years she has worked across their label Dance To The Radio. Based in Leeds, Futuresound Group is one of the longest running independent live music promoters in the UK.

Sallybryant

Arusa is an award-winning writer, editor, programmer and speaker with a passion for music, diversity and accessibility. She has previously worked as the music programme manager curating the in house music programme at Edinburgh’s Summerhall.

@arusaqureshi

Rob Cannell is the Head of Promotions at Beggars Group, a record company that owns several labels, including 4AD, Matador Records and XL Recordings. Cannell started his career at Sony Music before moving to Beggars to work in radio promotions.

Robcannell

Christine is the founder of Measure of Music, a global community, conference, and hackathon introducing music and data to industry enthusiasts, now in its sixth year. She has previously worked at Universal Music Sweden and Warner Music Group.

christineosazuwa

Rachel Croft is an internationally acclaimed musician and artist. Her work has featured on Netflix, BBC Two, and CMT (USA). Rachel’s distinctive sound has filled iconic venues such as The Bitter End (New York) and Camden Assembly (London).

rachelcroftmusic.com

Jess Iszatt hosts BBC Radio 1’s Radio 1’s Dance Party Starters and its flagship BBC Introducing show, where she champions the UK’s emerging music talent. A respected tastemaker in the industry, she has hosted events including The Mercury Awards.

@jjiszatt