The end of Summer sadly usually means the end of festival season in the UK. Sheffield has and always will be front and centre of this season with major festivals like Tramlines and Get Together earlier in the season. Before Summer ends though, the Steel City has one last hurrah in the form of Rock N Roll Circus. With it comes with a host of homegrown talent across its now three stages for festivalgoers to sink their teeth into. Alongside storied headliners in the form of Richard Hawley (Thursday) and Milburn (Saturday), we wanted to highlight some of the best talent on display hailing from our musical city.
Thursday
Shanghai Treason - @streason2024
BBC Music Introducing Stage @ 17:15
The first of many incredible local artists to take to a stage at Don Valley Bowl this weekend, Shanghai Treason are an eclectic melting pot of folky punk rock goodness. Their music and their live shows are high octane jolts of energy, perfect for opening any stage at a festival. Already possessing two diverse and emphatic albums under their belt, we can't think of many better ways to start your festival off.
City Parking - @cityparkingband
Stage 2 @ 18:15
A spoken word post punk band who have had a busy summer of festivals so far, and this won't be their last with an appearance at Sheffield's Float Along Festival also planned for September. Their first EP It’s Mad Round Here is esoteric in the best way with cover art showcasing a moody, stylised photo of West Street Off Licence at night. The band manage to capture the very essence of the city across the course of their work. The project just sounds like growing up in Sheffield in the most personal and indescribable way, one you'll have to see to truly appreciate.
Sonni Mills - @sonnimills
BBC Music Introducing Stage @ 18:15
A distinctive and exciting voice emerging from the Steel City, Sonni Mills blends a jazzy lounge music style with some immediate DIY indie sensibilities. It's a mix that's a true treat for your ears, and one that is sure to take Mills to the very top. It's hard to draw comparison to Sonni Mills as her music flits between influences and soundscapes in a very deliberate way, it's truly unique and once you've seen it live, you'll be searching for your next chance to catch her again.
Ed Cosens - @edcosens
Stage 2 @ 19:30
A true Sheffield legend, one of many on Thursday's bill it seems, Ed Cosens made a name for himself as guitarist and songwriter in Reverend And The Makers and also as a former bandmate of Alex Turner and Matt Helders. But now Cosens has found his own voice as a solo artist and the release of his second album, Somewhere Between Dark And Light, has cemented him as an artist here to stay. It is easy to tell that Cosens has lent his talents to some of Sheffield's best bands, but his solo work is distinct, more in the vein of a Richard Hawley than a Reverend And The Makers - emotive, cinematic and carefully orchestrated to make the heart swell. A perfect way to warm up for the man himself.
Malah Palinka - @malahpalinka
BBC Music Introducing Stage @ 20:30
An exciting amalgamation of all things good and groovy, Malah Palinka are set to bring a gorgeous mix of jazz, neo soul, funk, pop, disco, and indie, just for good measure. This eclectic mix of influences and genres may sound chaotic but it's perfectly executed by a band whose combined musical talents make them a force to be reckoned with. A worthy headliner to close out the first day on the BBC Music Introducing stage, get ready for half an hour of infectious grooves and energetic goodness from Sheffield's most exciting 8-piece ensemble.
Bromheads Jacket - @bromheadsjacket
Stage 2 @ 20:55
Veterans of the Sheffield music scene for most of the 2000s, Bromheads Jacket have made the exciting decision to reform after a long hiatus, just in time to headline Stage 2 at this year's Rock N Roll Circus. Trailblazers of the post-punk scene, with these days is awash with some of the most exciting bands the UK has to offer, now Bromheads Jacket are back to reclaim their post as a touchstone for the scene. With established bangers like 'Fight Music for the Fight' and 'Turn Me On' and a wealth of new material as well, their half an hour set promises to be raucous and everything you'd expect from a seasoned band like this.
Richard Hawley - @richardhawley
The Big Top @ 21:30
The main act closing out the first day of Rock N Roll Circus 2024 will be one for the history books in Sheffield stalwart Richard Hawley. Hawley is surely at the height of his cultural popularity thanks to the success of the musical Standing At The Sky's Edge which heavily features his music. Hawley will bring a huge back catalogue of hits to his set including the likes of 'Tonight The Streets Are Ours' and 'The Ocean', along with the incorporation of some of the brilliant work on his most recent release from earlier this year, a release that we loved instantly thanks to tunes like 'Heavy Rain' and 'Prism In Jeans'. We can't think of many better ways to close out the first day of a festival.
Friday
April-Ess - @officialapriless
BBC Music Introducing Stage @ 19:30
Friday is shaping up to be a very pop and dance centric lineup with Becky Hill headlining, which is possibly the reason for less local artists on this day, they aren't Sheffield's most prodigious genres. However, that's not to say there isn't some incredible pop and dance talent in the Steel City and April-Ess is a perfect example of this. This multi-genre vocalist and DJ from the Steel City has been making waves up and down the country and is set to bring immaculate weekend vibes to the BBC Introducing Stage.
ADMT - @iamadmt
Stage 2 @ 20:50
One of only a couple of returning artists for this year, but this time in a much-deserved headline slot, ADMT is one of the best pop exports from the Steel City in recent years. The singer-songwriter captivates listeners with emotive lyricism, married with tender and soulful vocals to create ballads on a level with the very best like Ed Sheeran and James Arthur, and it's only a matter of time before ADMT reaches those same levels.
Saturday
Gia Ford - @gia__ford
The Big Top @ 12:30
Another returning artist looking to go even bigger and better this time. Seeing Gia Ford onstage is like a cinematic journey. Dazzling and enigmatic, there are grooves and whispers, echoes and charm through the grunge alt-pop that effortlessly spills from the artist. The melodies are always sharp, and their setlist packs a punch. We suggest you grab a front-row position for this spectacle. In anticipation of the release of her debut album in just a couple of weeks, this is an artists that you really need to get to know.
CRUZ - @band_cruz
Stage 2 @ 13:15
With a wealth of local talent on display on Sunday, it unfortunately brings a lot of stage clashes to contend with as well if you want to catch Sheffield's best. Speaking of Sheffield's best, CRUZ craft indie bangers filled with catchy lyricism, emphatic melodies and an energy and dynamism that will be hard to find at any other set. With a trajectory heading up and up, we'd recommend you get yourselves down early to catch these guys.
The Heavy Souls - @the_heavy_souls
BBC Music Introducing Stage @ 13:15
The Heavy Souls offer a bit of a heavier alternative for Circus attendees. This four piece blend bluesy guitars with elements of heavier rock to create a sound unlike anything coming out of Sheffield that we're aware of. It's gritty americana mixed with Sheffield sensibilities. As enjoyable for fans of The Black Keys as they are for fans of Arctic Monkeys, The Heavy Souls are ones to watch for us going forward.
The Macaws - @themacawsofficial
Stage 2 @ 14:15
Another tough choice follows for festivalgoers, The Macaws are on the freshest bands on the whole lineup and are set to deliver yet another display of indie rock goodness for those lucky enough to catch them. With only two releases so far, the four piece have put an immediate stamp on the South Yorkshire music scene. Latest release 'See Me Running (Back To You)' has an infectious chorus and deliciously punky melodies and riffs. Their 30 minute set guarantees some new material too which, if their two releases are an indicator, are some bangers that you won't want to miss.
The Nothings - @thenothingsband
BBC Music Introducing Stage @ 14:15
An even fresher band than The Macaws but with a totally different vibe, The Nothings sit anywhere between straight up rock, Nu-Metal and shoegaze, mixing and melding between all to create their own sound and find their own voice. With only one release available to stream, that being the dark, driving and relentless force of 'Jellyfish', the band are sure to debut some new material to obsess over until its release.
Sam Scherdel - @samscherdel
Stage 2 @ 15:30
We've sung the praises of Sam Scherdel multiple times throughout this year and we can't seem to stop talking about the "South Yorkshire Springsteen". With his distinctive and powerful gravelly voice reminiscent of the megastar, Sam delivers anthemic rock that appeals to a wide audience. Fresh from a raucous and heaving set at The Library Stage at Tramlines, Stage 2 is set to bear the weight of his talent, and the crowd it draws. Not one to miss.
Luxury Goods - @weareluxurygoods
BBC Music Introducing Stage @ 15:30
An alt-pop powerhouse in the making, Luxury Goods champions self-love and love of the world around us through their hypnotically catchy hooks and melodies and lyrics that champion this too. With an impressive list of artists they have shared a stage with like Self-Esteem, While She Sleeps and Our Girl, Luxury Goods have already made quite the name for themselves. They were identified and chosen as one of the best emerging artists of 2020 by Glastonbury Festival and are sure to deliver some unapologetically brilliant alt-pop choruses for us all to join in with.
Harriet Rose - @harrietrosemusic
Stage 2 @ 16:45
One of the most hyped local acts around at the moment, Harriet Rose is set to bring her unique folksy indie Americana sound to Stage 2 this year. Having already performed at the iconic Leadmill, it was most likely a no-brainer for organisers to pick her out for this stellar lineup. Latest single 'Good Time Honey' is addictive easy listening, combining her powerful vocals and catchy melodies to perfection. Having worked with Ed Cosens and performed in support of artists like Pete Doherty, Jon McClure, The Lottery Winners and The Sherlocks she has developed a live show not to be missed.
Cinematics - @cinematicsband
Stage 2 @ 18:15
Winners of the Rock N Roll Circus vote competition, Cinematics will grace Stage 2 with their atmospheric alternative rock and are sure to deservingly leave with a whole host of new fans. Their sound is moody and gritty with guitar riffs and vocals that build and build to often end in a fantastic cacophony as they swirl together. This is perhaps best displayed on latest release 'Everything is Nothing' but is a standout feature in one way or another on all their releases. Cinematics are a band that conjures dark melodies but have their own very bright future.
Mat Hook - @mathook.music
BBC Music Introducing Stage @ 18:15
Mat Hook first emerged on the Sheffield music scene as the frontman of indie band Kartica in 2008 who saw great success until their disbandment in 2014. Mat returned after almost a decade away from music in 2023 as a solo singer-songwriter. If you didn't know about the hiatus, it would be hard to tell by just listening to his music, as every track sounds like the product of a seasoned and consistent artist. Mat's lyrics are searching and introspective and stand out on each track as deeply personal, we're super excited to see where this new venture takes him.
The Rosadocs - @therosadocsuk
Stage 2 @ 19:30
This five-piece alt rock band are taking this city by storm. They have sold out venues up and down the country, including a recent standout, sold out performance at Sheffield City Hall's Ballroom. Their brand of indie sensibilities, anthemic choruses and infectious melodies has gained, and continues to draw them many many fans and they are set to be a future festival headliner for sure in our books. For now though, you'll have to settle for catching their sub-headliner set here, in preparation for their future stardom.
Bedroom High Club - @bedroomhighclub
Stage 2 @ 20:50
A local band looking to close out Stage 2 on a high note. Bedroom High Club have already smashed a set on Sarah Nulty's Main Stage at Tramlines this Summer but they have rightly earned a headline spot on this festival's newest stage. They are dynamic, daring and DIY in the best possible way. They know how brilliant they are and channel that into their live shows so if you want to kick your weekend off right, these boys are a must see.
Matilda Shakes - @matilda_shakes
BBC Music Introducing Stage @ 20:50
Closing out this year's BBC Introducing Stage lineup are indie rockers Matilda Shakes. These boys have been going from strength to strength over the last year releasing anthem after anthem that has garnered huge attention both in the mainstream and by other musicians like Noel Gallagher, who kickstarted Sheffield's love affair with Rock N Roll Circus in 2023. Having already played sold-out shows at the city's most iconic venues, their appearance on the BBC Introducing Stage is set to add further to their growing reputation.
Milburn - @milburnmusic
The Big Top @ 21:30
The announcement that Milburn will be the band to close out this year's edition of Rock N Roll Circus was huge news throughout the Steel City. The hype for this set was only furthered when the band, hosted by Rock N Roll Circus, played a stellar FREE intimate warm up show at Yellow Arch Studios in July for a lucky few fans. Contemporaries of Arctic Monkeys with a plethora of indie bangers under their belt, Milburn are cult heroes in Sheffield and are sure to draw a huge crowd and put on an incredibly special show for their hometown, we cannot wait!
Tickets are still availble for this year's festival and can be purchased here.
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