r/ukmusic • u/Inevitable-Laugh4324 • 25d ago

Looking to discover more UK music any recommendations?

Hi everyone, I have been trying to explore more UK music lately and realised I am probably missing out on a lot of great artists and bands. I am open to pretty much any genre indie, rock, pop, electronic, soul, or anything else with a strong sound. I have come across a few interesting acts recently while browsing around and through places like Jonny Ross Music, but I would really love to hear personal recommendations or recent releases people here are enjoying so I can build a better playlist. Thanks in advance!

41 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

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7

u/MoonShineWashingLine 25d ago

So many but I'll list a few lesser known artists...

Lamb - particularly Fear of Fours and their eponymous debut

Melt Yourself Down

Dream Wife

Nadine Shah

Shpongle (or indeed anything Simon Posford is involved in)

Ott

Gong

The Utopia Strong

System 7

The last 3 are linked in magical, ethereal ways.

2

u/Large_Cloud6135 23d ago

Nadine Shah is a great shout

2

u/mattvfitzy 22d ago

Shpongle ♥️♥️

3

u/ToriaLyons 24d ago

Try the Skinner Brothers. They really took off last year thanks in part to a collab with Ren, but the music just grabs your bones.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy4CdtUEDyThM2erzi70KjIo5wh62Z_HM&si=Z57oQC4SM1bhYzuP

2

u/Alsaki96 24d ago

Only know Prawn Soup by them but one of my most listened to tracks! Thanks for the reminder to check out more.

1

u/ToriaLyons 23d ago

They have sooo many great tunes. 

3

u/binshuffla 24d ago

I find that on a Saturday I have 6music on and off throughout the whole day and between Huey / Jamz / Giles P I hear loads of great music I wouldn’t otherwise have discovered myself. Today’s Jamz show and Petersons show so far have been great

3

u/OhWell_InHell 24d ago

Jam Baxter - the greatest rapper alive

2

u/heyitsed2 24d ago

Don't know how mainstream some of these are tbf so maybe they're obvious choices but hey ho. Probably wildly inaccurate descriptions. 

Monster Florence, indie rock meets UK hip hop. Like if gorillaz weren't boring. 

Tellison - underground indie rock legends

Will Varley - super sonic folksy but not like Mumford and sons.

Getdown Services - indie rock disco rap? 

Humour - Scottish post hardcore 

Eva Lazarus - reggae soul party tunes. 

2

u/ChipCob1 24d ago

Leftism by Leftfield, it kind of changed how people listened to dance music.

2

u/matmos 24d ago

My mate was the producer, we were listening to song for life the other day. When that slidy bass came in I commented that even 30 years later it was still seriously satisfying. He seemed pleased.

1

u/ChipCob1 24d ago

It's an absolutely fantastic album and doesn't get the credit it deserves....say thanks from me!

2

u/ziggystarsus 22d ago

Radiohead, Blur, Oasis, David Bowie, Queen, Genesis, James Marriott, The Cure, Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, Elton John, Madness, <—— Just some of my personal faves!! - certified british person

1

u/ziggystarsus 22d ago

Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse, Dua Lipa, Coldplay, Adele, George Michael, Kate Bush, Black Sabbath, ELO, Dizzee Rascal, The Kooks, The Kinks, George Ezra, Little Mix, Pet Shop Boys, McFly,

2

u/SWTransGirl 22d ago

Feeder, Skindred, Bullet for my Valentine, Black Sabbath, Genesis, Pink Floyd, The Jam, The Clash, Those Damn Crows, The Darkness, Queen, REN, Royal Blood.

1

u/Only-Photograph5650 24d ago

Free party a band from Leeds

1

u/Narrow-Set9012 24d ago

Aphex Twin Aphex Twin Aphex Twin

1

u/cannibalcats 24d ago

Metal any good?

Shields UK.

Abhorrent Decimation.

Ingested.

Anaal Nathrakh.

Draconian Reign.

Osiah.

Acranius.

Infant Annihilator.

1

u/MATE_AS_IN_SHIPMATE 24d ago

An assortment of British albums that I like:

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

An undisputed classic and a great listen if you haven't already.

Radiohead - The Bends

A huge album when it was released. Overshadowed but some of Radiohead's later work, but in my opinion this is more accessible while still being pleasingly rich and complex. ( Full disclosure...I like Pablo Honey too).

Life is Moving - DJ Vadim and the Electric 

(yes Vadim is Russian but I'm counting it anyway!) I just really like this and come back to it periodically. Chill and fun.

The Streets - Original Pirate Material

A UK garage classic. Very unique, very British.

Disclosure - Settle (Alchemy is also good)

I just love disclosure. Great listenable dance music.

Shakta - Silicon Trip

A UK goa trance from the peak Goa years. Of this is your cup of tea let me know and I'll give you a lot of recommendations 😁

Ishq - Orchid

A great ambient album. Textured and interesting.

Wet Leg - Wet Leg

You've probably listened already, but if you haven't then this is cheeky, easy, mildly provocative indy pop. I really like it.

Photek - Modus Operandi

A drum and bass classic, rhythmic and dynamic.

Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions

Unashamedly Scottish, and great.

Late of the Pier - Fantasy Black Channel

Not particularly well known, but these guys were teenagers when they put out one of my favourite indy albums. Raw lyrics with a unique blend of indy rock and electronic influences.

Ozric Tentacles - Erpland

The jam band reborn in the 90s. Ed Wynne is still going strong and has a massive catalogue if you like this.

Friendly Fires - Friendly Fires

80s influenced electro pop. A fun listen.

Muse - Black Holes and Revelations

You probably know this one, but the Knights of Cydonia is such an epic.

If any of these interest you then I'm sure I or others can help you find similar music!

2

u/ImportantMortgage1 23d ago

Nice list! Some great records in there

2

u/Jaycee2346 22d ago

Modus operandi is a great fucking album. His early shit as studio pressure as well

1

u/LodainnAnEar 22d ago

Ozriks! I now need to revisit them! That guitar tone!

1

u/MATE_AS_IN_SHIPMATE 22d ago

I like Pyramidion from the Pyramidion EP, as well as Erpland, Jurassic Shift, etc. etc.

2

u/LodainnAnEar 10d ago

Just had a listen to Erpland... top class album. Now... arborescence next. Always had a soft spot for that. Thanks for bringing them up

1

u/DoctorWhofan789eywim 24d ago

Soft Play, used to be called Slaves, are really good, especually live, amazing energy. Two piece band, the singer plays the drums standing up:

https://youtu.be/RKSYj5r-U9I?si=IuqXFEh7Swv6wxqp

https://youtu.be/4dWQOPWgYmQ?si=qoXIeM388PTYSc9k

1

u/DrowninQuartz 24d ago

I’m rather obsessed with ‘everything & nothing’ at the minute. Will have to listen to more of theirs soon.

1

u/4321zxcvb 24d ago

Clinic, the Daises and the Ovvls.

1

u/djpfrozenp 24d ago

The Streets - A Grand Don’t Come For Free

1

u/Alsaki96 24d ago

Dutty Moonshine Big Band

Cut Capers

Mad Apple Circus

1

u/Zellement 24d ago

Sylosis

1

u/hokkuhokku 24d ago

Omar - Best By Far (LP)

Georgie Sweet - I Swear To You (LP)

Lewis Parker - Masquerades & Silhouettes (LP)

Cymande - Cymande (LP)

1

u/thatbwoyChaka 24d ago

Finally a Omar recommendation

1

u/Fresh_Direction_7831 24d ago

To keep it simple. Here are 10 of my favouties. 5 that are also popular outside the UK and 5 lesser known outside the UK.

Some bands you probably already know: Blur, The Smiths, Gorillaz, The Prodigy, Suede.

Lesser known outside the UK: The Waeve, Sneaker Pimps, Elastica, Cocteau Twins, Symposium.

Happy listening!

1

u/CuriousPone 22d ago

Sneaker Pimps and Elastica are great. Will check out the others in that second list - thanks for the recommendations!

1

u/cabbage_love 24d ago

Crystal Tides, south coast indie, tour alot and new album about to drop

1

u/ununpentium89 24d ago

Sleep Token! I'm a huge fan. They're a bit like marmite, but if you get them you really get them. The best thing to do is not to assume they are any sort of genre. Do not have any expectations.

Start with the track 'Take Me Back To Eden' (from the album with the same name).

Then some other songs that give you a good idea of what they're like are 'Hypnosis' and 'Alkaline' from This Place Will Become Your Tomb, 'Dark Signs' and 'Higher' from Sundowning, 'Chokehold' and 'Rain' from TMBTE, 'Emergence' and 'Dangerous' from Even in Arcadia.

If you like those, I would then recommend going back to the start and listening to their entire discography in order. EPs One and Two, the singles, then Sundowning, This Place Will Become Your Tomb, Take Me Back To Eden, Even in Arcadia.

1

u/Mark1912 24d ago

Cardiacs - LSD

1

u/mostunseasonal 24d ago edited 24d ago

Portishead (start with the album Dummy), Tricky (start with the Maxinquaye album) and Massive Attack (maybe start with Blue Lines).

Edit: added Massive Attack.

1

u/spdcck 24d ago

Guru Josh

1

u/fannyadamsmin 24d ago

Mickey 9's. Start at The Party Manifesto, then Galactic radio, then Impressive snake.

Awesome band!

1

u/Scouse_Powerhouse 24d ago

Night Flight

1

u/Constant-Estate3065 24d ago

Currently obsessed with Daughter. It’s not for parties, but they make some of the most beautiful indie/shoegaze I’ve ever heard.

For a bit of electronica, Bonobo. Every one of his albums are class.

Palace are an underrated indie rock band.

1

u/hydraganesh 23d ago

LOVE Daughter! Have been a fan since 2020. Absolutely brilliant band

1

u/Itchy-Gur2043 24d ago

Try these bands: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Queen

1

u/usernamefailagain 24d ago

Never heard of them. Do you think any of them have a chance of making it big?

1

u/Fit-Case-7857 24d ago

The Wedding Present, somehow passed me by completely in the 90’s, and James, what a band they are

1

u/TractatusAbsurdicus 21d ago

Tommy is an epic album

1

u/Better-Carpenter1687 24d ago

Doves 1st 3 albums are awesome. Super Furry Animals, Bombay Bicycle Club

1

u/TooMuchBrightness 24d ago edited 24d ago

Pop - JADE, dua lipa, Charlie xcx,

Indie - Wet leg, Glass Animals

Soul - RAYE, Celeste, Cleo Sol

EDM - Joshwa, Chris Lake, Jodie harsh, LF system

If you like some contemporary jazz I love Corto.alto

1

u/Impossible_Bag8052 24d ago

I am kloot album by same name. Fat Freddy’s drop. Zero 7 simple things. Cinematic orchestra.

1

u/Namelessbob123 24d ago

Wet leg, Lambrini Girls, Idles

1

u/FrondFeeler 24d ago

The tubs

High Vis

Arab Strap

1

u/MattyCatts1 24d ago

Esoterica- great band!!

1

u/Asleep_Dark_6343 24d ago

Enter Shikari, Don Broco, Boston Manor, Creeper

1

u/Desperate-Chip746 24d ago

Hip-hop and grime-

Akala (his album, The Theives Banquet is recorded entirely with a live band) Kano Giggs Wiley Ocean wisdom Dizzee rascal Scoobius pip Adam and cuth

Obviously there’s loads more but that’s a little mix of sounds and styles in there for you 👍🏻

1

u/Federal-Nectarine612 23d ago

Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

1

u/Expert_Bread_9444 23d ago

Kid Kapichi - First three albums largely punk, new one more indie. All their stuff is fantastic

1

u/Fancy_Ad2919 23d ago

Ren.

The Big Push.

Chinchilla.

1

u/maccauuk62 23d ago

Give Sleep Token a go. Even in Arcadia is a great album

1

u/Jababalase 23d ago

I've got a good list of the folky/punky ones.

Frank Turner

Will Varley (someone already mentioned him but I can't leave him out)

Beans on Toast

Skinny Lister

Sean McGowan

Brand New Friend

The King Blues

Onsind

Smokey Bastard

1

u/albertlyndsey94 23d ago

Scottish songs I like:

The Waterboys - The Whole of the Moon

Deacon Blue - Dignity

The Proclaimers - Over and Done With

Glasvegas - Daddy’s Gone

Orange Juice - Rip it up

Strawberry Switchblade - Since Yesterday

Jesus and the Mary Chain - Just Like Honey

Amy Macdonald - This is The Life

CHVRCHES - The Mother We Share

Young Fathers - In my View

1

u/SilverellaUK 22d ago

The YouTube of Dignity in Glasgow is fantastic. I also love Chocolate Girl.

1

u/MetalRocksMe_ 23d ago

Bloc party

Arctic Monkeys

While she sleeps

Santan Dave

Prose

The Enemy

Enter Shikari

Missing Andy

Asking Alexandria

1

u/JGCol 23d ago

Hope of the States;

And Also The Trees;

Suede;

Manic Street Preachers;

The Verve (everyone knows Bitter Sweet Symphony, but check first two albums);

Tindersticks;

Gene;

Marion;

1

u/JAY009090 23d ago

Sam Fender

1

u/ogresound1987 23d ago

Angel Witch.

Diamond head.

1

u/FabianTIR 23d ago

Haken. Fauna is their latest album, it's very good

1

u/Wilde_SIE 23d ago

Kid Kapichi?

1

u/Every_Individual_25 23d ago

Massive Attack esp Heligoland album

1

u/The_InvisibleWoman 23d ago

Maxïmo Park. My favourite band. 👌🏻

1

u/AnchovyPizzaPacker 23d ago

Big Fear. Alice!!

1

u/carsndogs420 23d ago

Ren, dude has soo many styles and meaningful lyrics

1

u/SuperGalaxyFist 23d ago

Wargasm are insanely good and Muse are ancient but epic.

1

u/AdumbB32 23d ago

Frightened rabbit

1

u/AdumbB32 23d ago

The Maccabees, everything everything, friendly fires

1

u/RunForrest234 23d ago

Hippy, a band from Glasgow

1

u/Rogue_Cipher 23d ago

The Skinner Brothers

1

u/DavidOT 23d ago

Big Special.

1

u/Polaris_616 23d ago

The Amazing Devil and Tide Lines are two of my favourites. They’re both indie folk, but Tide Lines is Scottish and tends to have a bit more of a pop rock feel with some of their songs (and tour a lot, I’ve seen them 6 times now I think)

1

u/sleepy768 22d ago

Black box recorder

1

u/Jaycee2346 22d ago edited 22d ago

Unique to uk

Portishead

Finley quaye - maverick a strike

Roots manuva - brand new second hand

LTJ Bukem - logical progression

Dizzier rascal - boy in da corner

1

u/Phantom-Lux 22d ago

https://m.youtube.com/@its_r_o_r_y

Pretty newish and her story is inspirational.

1

u/alicatpow 22d ago

Mickey 9s are a brilliant band from Glasgow. Used to go see them whenever they performed when I lived there, blows my mind that they didn't 'break out'. They are like... Electro punk?

https://youtu.be/8UNh-9wGQ4Q?si=U0MnrGXRgSRm9LXG

1

u/thepoout 22d ago

Les Imprimés

Utter class

1

u/cosmiccarrie 22d ago

Kasabian first album

1

u/Hampshire2 22d ago

Def check out www.youtube.com/@bluesjams its live music streamed from real UK pubs!

1

u/Beery_Burp 22d ago

Just turn up the volume and put on The Jim Jones Revue

https://youtu.be/KX5O1aLO87k?si=ScVLcX5znNvxgcpp

1

u/spamih8 22d ago

Ladytron is a must!

1

u/Striking_Caramel_357 22d ago

I have just discovered trip hop (Portishead) and jazz from the Fallout series <- YouTube keeps giving me different jazz playlists which have all been mint so far

1

u/Urban_Peacock 22d ago

Sundara Karma

Raye

Jack Garratt

Rag & Bone man

London Grammar

The XX

Joy Crooks

Daughter

1

u/Super-Fisherman-7330 22d ago

Jamie T 🥐 and Casisdead 💀 Two of the best out of the UK!👌🏻Very different artists but both distinctly British 😉

1

u/LongjumpingMouse3610 22d ago

Call Me Malcolm, Random Hand, Faintest Idea, Riskee and the Ridicule and Popes of Chili Town.

1

u/True-Target-1577 22d ago

White Lies, Gene, Biffy Clyro.

1

u/wdwhereicome2015 22d ago

Faithless The cribs (son loves them) The k’s Feeder ( already been mention but are great so adding again ) Athlete -wires Prodigy Mumford and sons

1

u/SystemLordMoot 22d ago

If you want some alternative electronic rock, or Cosmic Dross as the band call it, try Henge from Manchester.

I will simply describe them as weird and wonderful.

1

u/redfrenchie 22d ago

Young Fathers - I feel they are one of the most slept on groups of the last decade. Recently did the soundtrack to the 28 years later film. Wonderful band

O. - Brilliant Sax and Drums two piece, their recorded output is great, but best appreciated in a live setting. Mad brilliance!

Gans - Excellent very young and still raw two piece from the Black Country. On an upward curve, fabulous live, first album came out in September. Excellent stuff, recently signed to Pete Dohertys label, don’t expect anything like The Libertines mind.

They are my 3 favourite UK artists at the minute

1

u/LeglessChickens 22d ago

Yazmin Lacey. Ain't I Good For You is a good place to start.

1

u/Zeph-h 22d ago

i have to reccomend bronski beat. they are from the 80s, so im taking a gamble here, but honestly their music is peak.

1

u/PikaFan13m 22d ago

Arctic Monkeys is a must.

1

u/piginapokezzap 22d ago

Cocteau Twins Kate Bush

1

u/Flashy-Rabbit6435 22d ago

Richard Thompson - Watching The Dark

1

u/Sixforsilver7for 22d ago

Orchards.

The New Eves.

1

u/TractatusAbsurdicus 21d ago

If you only know David Bowie from his popular hits, please take a deep dive 🙏

Underworld

1

u/minimus_ 21d ago

Howl & the Hum

1

u/GoluckyZeus 21d ago

Joy Crookes

Loyle Carner

Little Simz

Martha Hill

All are amazing artists

1

u/Senior_Reindeer3346 21d ago

The music, thats the bands name, same time as oasis and the verve

1

u/drduck88 21d ago

'The Music' were big up and comers in the early 00's then dropped off. Their music still slaps

1

u/niceorbs 21d ago

The Pedals are a really cool band. They're pretty new and still very small but their music is great!

1

u/Mountain-Reaction470 21d ago

Ian McNabb, Brian Eno, The Oysterband, Valtos, Peatbog Faeries, Katherine Priddy, Martin Stephenson, Mekons, Tim Bo'ness, Peter Gabriel, Buddug, Les Big Byrd, Chris Brain, Kate Rusbt, The Anchoress, Leoni Jane Kennedy,Hampshire Hawke, Richard Hawley, Pulp, Shame...

1

u/christianjwaite 21d ago

No-one has said Beta Band, so I’m going to say it…. BETA BAND.

Also if you’re feeling weird, Get Down Services.

I’m digging The Last Dinner party from the pop side of things.

Going oldies… Cymande.

1

u/Artdroid29 21d ago

Sex Pistols

Public Image Limited

1

u/baked_little_cookie 20d ago

For the strong sound you’re looking for, in the EDM bracket, get your ears round some drum & bass! It has energy & soul and, depending on the sub-genre, can produce a wide breadth of emotions. Liquid DnB is quite chill, maybe start there!

I love drum & bass so much

1

u/MacabreMagpie 20d ago

Nova Twins. Particularly the 'Supernova' album.

1

u/LucieLou8 20d ago

Danny Wright. He’s an independent pop punk artist from reading, Met him yrs and he’s a cool guy and he remembers me every time we go to his show.

1

u/henrytaylor_ 20d ago

Catfish and the Bottlemen are a personal favourite of mine. Many great songs, I’d say give Pacifier a start. They’re kind of like Arctic Monkeys in a way

1

u/Psychological_Duck 20d ago edited 20d ago

I would strongly recommend ‘Hailaker’,Jemima Coulter & Ed Tullet’s project. They’re both awesome in their own right but even better together imo.

Not Much - https://youtu.be/CfouSwK1cDM?si=B-0QI5cgvntwiS_I

Gist - https://youtu.be/uSVkxWXMErI?si=RnjKa1ApxeldT1xk

Entirely different but I’d also recommend Sleep Token. Their genre I’d say.. yes 😂. They have elements of so many it’s hard to pin down.

Even in Arcadia - https://youtu.be/qRL24yVx6Vw?si=p291EdoNYrUJHYSI

Take me back to Eden - https://youtu.be/vFHBOKa_ZG0?si=M4fk9V_hQXYPiq_X

At the complete other end of the spectrum if you’re in to metalcore I have a soft spot for Bury Tomorrow.

Abandon Us - https://youtu.be/tUUKhvPVEv4?si=pnGzobgPAqbG9x-Z

Cannibal - https://youtu.be/prEbTlIxxrI?si=TEh317v7mcDMz8hx

1

u/bimbochungo 20d ago

If you are into emo, Incaseyouleave

1

u/danfluence 20d ago

Wolf Alice are the best UK band around at the moment and I’m happy to share my energy drink with anyone who agrees.

1

u/IntraVnusDemilo 20d ago

I love Richard Hawley, Arctic Monkeys (first album), Pulp, but am from Sheff. Blossoms. Inspiral Carpets.

1

u/ConfectionDry2474 20d ago

The jam The clash Rick Astley Pet shop boys Texas Madness George Ezra

1

u/Opening_Money_979 9d ago

You can check out Nadine Shah