Promoting unsigned artists is something we at Gigslutz feel extremely passionate about, with our regular ‘Unsigned Act Of The Week’ and ‘Ones To Watch’ features, as well as a wealth of reviews and premieres. Celebrating new artists, or even people who’ve been making music for years but not got the recognition they deserve, is something we pride ourselves on and feel is an integral part of what the world of music should be about. We therefore thought it would be a great idea to focus on the array of unsigned artists in different cities around the country and spread the word about the huge amount of talent that is out there!
– Mari Lane, Assistant Editor & Unsigned Artists Editor
This week it’s the turn of Beth Kirkbride, our Junior Editor, to select five artists from the crème de la crème of the unsigned scene in Sheffield…
The SSS: “I’m searching high, I’m searching low / but I don’t know what it is that I need” are lyrics from ‘Who Dares Wins’ … but I’m telling you I’ve done the searching, and I know exactly what it is you need: Sheffield based band The SSS. They’ve played alongside the likes of The Twang and Danny Mahon, but should really be gracing bigger stages and more tightly packed venues given how talented they are. With a loyal following, their brooding live shows are sure to be jam packed, with tickets always selling out fast. So do yourself a favour and get down here – I’m confident you’ll see exactly what I mean!
The Fontaines: My only problem with Sheffield lads, The Fontaines, is that they produced a debut EP so assured and cohesive that it’s hard to pick a favourite song! The band boasts an incredibly devoted fanbase and, with tracks under their belt like ‘Two To Tango’, you’re bound to want to dance along if you see them live. It’s nice to see a group fully prepared to immerse themselves in their creations and really go for it on stage – something The Fontaines do for sure.
Catalysts: I’m going to be honest here and admit that Catalysts are fronted by my best friend, Tom. With that confession out of the way I feel like I can heartily recommend their live sets – with new track ‘See In The Dark’ featuring distinctively Bloc Party-esque components. From Franz Ferdinand to The Libertines, Catalysts boast a diverse musical education. With their debut single being mastered as I write this, I’m excited to hear what they’ve come up with as well as seeing where their talent can take them over the next couple of months!
Knaves: Having only formed in February of this year, I found myself astounded by the continued achievements of this Sheffield band; not only have they received airplay on BBC Radio Introducing multiple times, but they were chosen to play alongside the likes of White Lies and The Fratellis at Y Not festival this summer. Those accolades are really down to the band’s work ethic and commitment to producing incontestably catchy anthems such as ‘Stalemate’ and ‘Roxy’, my personal favourites from the band’s Suncatcher. Think Two Door Cinema Club, with a refreshing note of individuality.
The Time Sellers: Here is a band that doesn’t need selling to you – their melodies do that for them! If you’re a fan of Humbug era Arctic Monkeys, then their live sets will be ideal. That’s not to say the band are lacking in originality, though; James Bull’s vocal is full bodied, confident and has a delightful Northern twang. With epic chord sequences, heady breakdowns and catchy vocal hooks, it’s pretty obvious why you should give The Time Sellers the time of day!
Do you live in Sheffield and know of any brilliant unsigned acts we’ve missed? Let us know at @Gigslutz_ !
Beth Kirkbride
@BettyKirkers
Latest posts by Beth Kirkbride (see all)
- ALBUM REVIEW: Victory Kicks ‘The Young Flood’ - December 2, 2014
- ALBUM REVIEW: She & Him ‘Classics’ - November 29, 2014
- Unsigned City: Sheffield - October 28, 2014
