THE 12 DAYS OF LIVERPOOL MUSIC CITY: A LOOK BACK AT 2024
As 2024 comes to an end, we’re celebrating a year of unforgettable stories that showcased Liverpool’s vibrant musical landscape. From honoring iconic legacies to introducing rising stars, LiverpoolMusicCity.com captured the creativity and community that define this city. Here are twelve highlights from the past year.
January: Bandwagon
We began the year by revisiting the legacy of Bandwagon, a monthly night at The Zanzibar that defined Liverpool’s indie rock scene in the early 2000s. Featuring bands like The Coral and The Zutons, Bandwagon became a crucible for creativity, fostering the emergence of some of Liverpool’s most iconic acts. This retrospective celebrated its lasting influence on the city’s cultural identity.
Read the full article on Bandwagon here.
February: Artist Spotlight – Pixey
In February, we spotlighted Pixey, an artist whose music blends euphoric indie pop with nostalgic rave influences. With tracks like “Free To Live In Colour” and “Just Move,” Pixey has carved out a distinct space in Liverpool’s music scene. This feature celebrated her evolution from a self-taught bedroom producer to a rising star in the UK’s indie music landscape.
Discover more about Pixey in our Artist Spotlight.
March: GoPlay Studios
March highlighted GoPlay Studios, a hub for Liverpool’s young musicians. Offering cutting-edge recording facilities and mentorship programs, GoPlay empowers artists from all backgrounds to develop their craft. This article celebrated its vital role in fostering the next generation of Liverpool’s creative talent.
Explore GoPlay Studios and their impact on Liverpool’s youth.
April: Business of Music Podcast with Cath Hurley
April’s Business of Music Podcast featured Cath Hurley, who shared her expertise on navigating the music industry. Cath provided practical advice on building sustainable careers, from managing royalties to leveraging digital platforms. Her insights continue to inspire Liverpool’s emerging artists to balance creativity with business acumen.
Listen to the Business of Music Podcast with Cath Hurley.
May: Artist Spotlight – Tre Reynolds
May’s Artist Spotlight shone on Tre Reynolds, a house music producer and DJ whose tracks are steeped in the rhythms of Chicago house and hip-hop. Tre’s breakout track, “Candy Paint,” has gained international recognition, supported by industry icons like Marco Carola. This feature explored Tre’s creative journey and his growing impact on the UK’s electronic music scene.
Read more about Tre Reynolds in our Artist Spotlight.
June: Music as a Protest
June examined Liverpool’s tradition of blending music with activism in “Music as a Protest.” Featuring events like Tories Can’t Dance, a monthly non-profit night at The Jacaranda, the article highlighted how local artists use music to unite communities and inspire change. From punk to house, this feature underscored the enduring power of music as a vehicle for resistance.
Discover the full story on music as a protest here.
July: Artist Spotlight – DJ Amber Rose
July celebrated the multi-genre talents of DJ Amber Rose, whose high-energy sets span reggae, dancehall, amapiano, garage, and UK funky. A fixture on platforms like Boiler Room and BBC 1Xtra, Amber is passionate about amplifying Liverpool’s creative community while prioritizing self-care in a demanding industry. Inspired by local collectives like Girls Don’t Sync, Amber’s influence continues to elevate Liverpool’s music scene on the national stage.
Learn more about DJ Amber Rose in our Artist Spotlight.
August: Summer Style with Nil00, Koj, Ni Maxine, and MT Jones
In August, we explored the intersection of music and fashion in a series featuring Nil00, Koj, Ni Maxine, and MT Jones. Each artist shared their unique approach to style, from Nil00’s playful eccentricity to Koj’s clean minimalism, Ni Maxine’s rooted elegance, and MT Jones’ effortless cool. This series celebrated individuality and creativity, making Liverpool a hub for artistic expression.
Discover Ni Maxine’s style here.
Learn more about MT Jones here.
September: Do Not Disturb
In September, we delved into Do Not Disturb (DND), a vibrant event series redefining Liverpool’s nightlife. Founded by six friends with West African roots, DND has created a unique space where R&B and Afrobeat influence blend seamlessly with the city’s cultural diversity. By curating intimate yet high-energy nights, DND has filled a vital gap in Liverpool’s entertainment scene, uniting communities through music and creativity.
Read more about Do Not Disturb here.
October: Out and About with Dan Astles
October offered a detailed look at Dan Astles, whose emotive songwriting and cinematic compositions resonate deeply with audiences. Often working with ensembles of up to ten musicians, Dan crafts rich, layered pieces that reflect his personal journey. Our feature included a mini-documentary showcasing his creative process and the inspirations behind his music.
Watch the Out and About feature with Dan Astles here.
November: Creators Connect – Kadeem France
November’s Creators Connect featured Kadeem France, the frontman of Loathe, a band redefining the metal genre with experimental soundscapes. Kadeem shared his experiences as a Black artist in heavy metal and his commitment to pushing the genre forward. This feature captured the resilience and innovation that make Loathe a standout in Liverpool’s music scene.
Discover Kadeem France’s journey in Creators Connect.
December: A Year to Remember
As we close out 2024, these stories remind us why Liverpool remains a beacon of music and creativity. From revisiting iconic scenes to celebrating emerging voices, this year showcased the passion and innovation that define Liverpool’s cultural fabric.
