NME’s Top 10 Shows from Beyond The Music 2026
The music world just got a major upgrade. For its third edition, Beyond The Music made a significant geographical shift, trading the historic energy of Manchester’s Northern Quarter for the cutting-edge landscape of Salford’s MediaCity. This move wasn’t just a change of address; it was a declaration that the future of music is moving forward, and the festival, firmly focused on shaping the industry and discovering the next wave of dominant artists, brought with it a history lesson, naming its stages after beloved Manchester venues.
Over the course of the week, the event became a vibrant collision point, gathering thought-provoking panels and artists who are poised for massive impact. The lineup showcased a phenomenal spectrum of sound, from introspective lo-fi grooves to furious punk rage, all delivering massive promise for the years ahead.
The showcase delivered a masterclass in diverse performance, proving that the future of music isn’t confined to a single genre. We saw artists pushing boundaries across the spectrum:
On the laid-back side, London rapper and singer Bawo immersed the audience in glitchy lo-fi visuals, delivering a compelling set that let the infectious hooks of his music do the talking. Meanwhile, the post-punk contingent, led by the Manchester-via-County Durham four-piece Cutscene, provided a wall of sound fueled by the epic misery of Fontaines D.C., the instrumental ambition of Mogwai, and the paranoia of early Radiohead. The collective energy set the stage for the next era of sound.
The raw, aggressive side was equally compelling. Manchester five-piece Dead Stilettos unleashed a sound that felt like a punk rock barroom brawl, mixing the sleazy glam of The Cramps and The Stooges with the dirtier garage rock of Gilla Band and the sax-punk flair of Maruja. Their performance was a potent reminder of what pure, furious energy can achieve.
Elsewhere, emerging talent shone brightly. Four-piece Holly Head delivered a propulsive, raw explosion of feeling, proving that artists like them are already generating heat with tracks like No Gain. Similarly, JayaHadADream, an NME 100 alum and Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition winner, brought a powerful message, asserting that they make happiness from agony, manifesting true greatness through their radio-ready flow.
The festival also featured artists who tapped into reflective and soulful spaces. Kofi Stone, the “Mayor of Brum,” guided the mood with measured, reflective rap, using his set to explore stories from his vast catalogue, demonstrating a healing energy that encouraged the audience to stay fully in the moment. The hazy dreaminess of Manchester six-piece Venkappa, for example, drew heavily on the atmosphere of Wolf Alice and Cliffords, showcasing incredible dynamic range.
The lineup was further spiced by the wild and witty. Silverwingkiller brought a crowd-invading battle-starter with their industrial hyperpop noise, echoing the warped rhythms of Peaches and Can. And perhaps the most raucous was Soapbox, whose performance was a brutal, breakneck rage—a perfect blend of old-school punk fury and a delightfully waving red rag to the generation that forgot what the genre truly stands for.
Finally, the buzz surrounding newer acts was palpable. Sweet Gene, though yet to release a single, built significant momentum, delivering a set that transitioned seamlessly from acid-drenched baggy tunes to jungle swagger. The promise is even stronger, with reports suggesting collaborations, such as a potential pairing with Dove Ellis, hinting at soaring, sonorous melodies to come. Beyond The Music 2026 wasn’t just a showcase; it was a powerful indicator that the next wave of music is about to hit the mainstream.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
