Manchester’s music scene shines at BBC6 introducing festival night opener

The BBC6 Music Festival is an annual event that celebrates some of the best in alternative music.

The festival features a diverse lineup of artists across multiple venues, showcasing a range of genres such as rock, indie, electronic, and hip-hop.

It has helped skyrocket the fortunes of many bands in the past, and it was clear that these talented musicians were no exception.

Last night was all about Manchester, with all local artists on the line up for the festival’s opener.

The future of our music scene looks brighter than ever, and this triumphant night was a testament to the city’s thriving musical landscape.

Kicking off the night was the dynamic and charismatic band, Afflecks Palace, led by frontman James Fender.

The band had come full circle, returning to the scene of their first proper gig in 2019, and they certainly did not disappoint.

Dan Stapleton’s guitar playing was phenomenal, with John Squire-esque licks that reverberated around Band on the Wall.

The crowd was captivated by their popular tunes like “Holidays”, “Forever Young”, and “Big Fish Small Pond”.

The band channel their ‘nu-madchester’ spirit through dynamic drum beats, driving bass lines and a chiming guitar.

It was a glorious performance that had the partisan crowd on their feet, singing along to every word.

Exciting news for fans, Afflecks Palace are releasing their album on Spirit of Spike Island on April 7th.

You can pre-order a copy here.

Next up was Antony Szmierek, a band that has been gaining momentum and has built up a huge head of steam recently.

It’s easy to see why, with their beautiful introspective lyrics, pulsating grooves and charismatic frontman cracking jokes freely.

The crowd was putty in their hands as they delivered a smooth blend of poetry, hip-hop, and inspired beats that you can’t help but dance to.

Hailing from Hyde, Anthony explained that his song “Hometown Pride” was about finding happiness despite growing up with very little in the Manchester borough.

The band had really found their groove and a receptive audience, and their final number ‘The City is Safe With You’ was dedicated to the city of Manchester.

Best of all, they looked like they were really enjoying themselves, and why not? They smashed it out of the park.

The crowd erupted into a riotous round of applause as Antony Szmierek left the stage, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Next up was Pheobe Green, who was absolutely phenomenal.

Phoebe Green is a rising star in the UK indie music scene. She was born in Manchester and began playing music at a young age, inspired by the likes of David Bowie and Patti Smith.

Green’s music is characterised by her confessional lyrics, dreamy guitar riffs, and soulful vocals. Her sound is often compared to the likes of Mazzy Star and Lana Del Rey.

Green released her debut EP, “02:00 AM,” written in 2018 in her bedroom while at school, followed by a second EP, “I Can’t Cry For You,” in 2019. She has since released several singles, including “Reinvent,” “Golden Girl,” and “Grit.”

With her honest and introspective approach to songwriting and her captivating live performances, Phoebe Green is an artist to watch in the coming years.

The Lathums were the last, but certainly not least on the bill.

Steve Lamacq has this to say of them before they took to the stage, “The group’s success over three years has been heartwarming, amazing, something really touching positive and optimistic and uplifting about their songs, strikes a chord with the audience.”

After announcing they are set to play a huge gig headlining the Castlefield Bowl, they are riding a huge wave at the moment.

Last night, in front of a roaring crowd of 500, The Lathums took to the stage and had BBC Introducing eating out of the palm of their hand with a set of thumping sing-along bangers.

Bursting with pogo energy, the band was led by a wailing guitarist who drove them forward with each strum of his guitar.

Greeting their fans with a casual “Ello loves,” the Lathums showed why they’re one of the hottest up-and-coming bands around.

Fresh off the release of their second album, “Just How Beautiful Life Can Be,” the future looks incredibly bright for this talented quartet.

We were also treated to an impromptu performance of The Dayman Cometh, from Always Sunny to get the crowd into raptures.

If their performance tonight was any indication, the Lathums are on their way to even greater success and adoration from fans all around the world.

An eclectic blend of ballad, stompers and sing along instant classics, they look the real deal.

Overall, it was a fantastic night for Manchester’s music scene, and the future looks incredibly bright.

It’s clear that Manchester is home to some of the most exciting musical talents in the country, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next.