HIHF Presents: The Next Wave

HIHF Presents: The Next Wave takes over the Copper Bar at Band on the Wall in Manchester on 15 July, bringing together three of the most exciting emerging artists on the UK alternative scene for a night built around discovery and community. While much of my Must See Show series has focused on festival stages and headline shows, there is something equally important about the smaller rooms where the next generation of artists are given the space to be heard properly.

Heard It Here First is an independent music platform dedicated to championing emerging artists across the UK before they break, founded by Keira Knox. Through interviews, festival coverage and incredible content, it has built a reputation for genuine early discovery and authentic storytelling that earned it a nomination for Podcast of the Year at the 2025 SBTM Awards. The Next Wave is their debut live showcase series and announcing it Keira was clear about what she wanted it to be. "I wanted to create something that felt more like a genuine showcase of new music rather than the typical support/headline structure. There's so much exciting talent coming through at the moment across different corners of alternative music, and The Next Wave is about bringing those artists together in one space and giving everyone equal room to shine."

The debut edition brings together three artists who between them cover a remarkable amount of ground. Roulette bring a sharp, high-energy punk-influenced edge that cuts straight to the point. Shannon Gillespie offers something more considered, indie-pop songwriting that balances vulnerability with craft. XL Poncho complete the lineup with a genre-blurring sound that ties the whole bill together and speaks to exactly the kind of forward-looking talent that HIHF has built its platform around. Three distinct sounds, one room and a format designed to let each of them shine.

The Next Wave also marks the beginning of a wider HIHF live series focused on creating accessible, artist-first spaces for emerging talent and music fans alike. If this debut edition is anything to go by, this looks set to be a series well worth watching.

For tickets and further information head to the Band on the Wall website.