Buzzing with random DJ vans dotted across the city and excited musicians ready to play some of their biggest shows, Manchester was overtaken by Beyond The Music Festival this weekend. Grassroots venues have knowingly suffered since Covid, meaning there’s never been a better time for a festival focused solely on new music and smaller artists.
Beyond The Music is an exciting conference and new music festival located in what many argue to be the music capital of England, with a selection of impressive grassroots venues. From music conferences on music and mental health, misogyny in music to general music business discussions, the festival works hard to open people’s eyes to some of the big issues artists and fans currently face. As for their fantastic line up, over 200 small bands attended the festival showcasing the best new talent of the year.
With spine chilling guitar riffs and hair-raising vocals, the enticing Honey Motel took to Soup’s stage. ‘Punch Drunk’, A standout track, explodes into a verse of heavy drumming and wild guitar. Although well-polished, their music feels raw and intoxicating. Guitarist Samson Meredith caught my eye constantly. Smiling, dancing along and posing for the photographers, he radiated good vibes, not to mention his exceptional musical talent. Fighting through a throat infection (not that you would ever be able to tell with his passionate vocals), lead singer Freddie Griggs recently joined the band who are teasing the release of a live version of their recent EP with his singing. Defiantly one to keep an eye on.
Running venue to venue I watched a multitude of artists from Congratulations a quirky group from Brighton to MSIX, a young alt-rock group. Dressed in bright cowboy-like outfits with dangling tassels, Congratulations owned the stage, beaming with intensity. Leaping in the air and dramatically landing the moment of a beat drop, another striking guitarist Jamie Chellar never stood still. Completely different yet just as talented, MSIX build up their tracks before snowballing into a frenzy of hypnotizing guitar and gripping drum slows. With a bit more stage confidence, the group are set to be unstoppable.
Opening Soups line up on the first day of music, The Manatees graced the stage with swagger, beginning their ultimate jam sesh. Mastering groovy guitar and radiant melodies the bands discography is the ultimate feel-good playlist. During dance-floor ready tracks like “Better Way To Think Of It” and “Know You,” the crowd were enthusiastic, clearly loving the dynamic band.
“This song isn’t completely set in stone so you’re getting the live version now” Cam Mannix explained before offering a taste of his infectious, riff heavy, guitar pop. In a dark room at Gulliver’s, a hidden away venue above a bar in the middle of Manchester, Mannix got lost in the rhythm. Flaunting strong, confident vocals backed by slow, relaxing chords the room starts swaying, before shouting out to ask where they could find and stream his music.
I managed to catch the beginning of Coach Party’s set before having to run to another venue and I’m so glad. “All I Wanna Do Is Hate” was the harsh, brutal song that opened their set. Singing in a low voice “I always get what I want, you think you know me uh-huh” lead singer Jess Eastwood (who is also the bassist) sends shivers down your spine. Much of the track feels empowering while still being haunting and ruthless.
Coach Party at Beyond The Music. Photo Credit: Gracie Hall
Finally, oozing vulnerability that makes her songs hit ever-harder, Better Joy and her band are a blend of Nieve Ella and Joy Division creating gripping indie pop hits. Easily the best crowd I saw at the festival, fans sung the lyrics back, holding hands and dancing together. Closing song ‘Dead Plants’ tackles heartbreak and created an aura of loneliness while still making you want to jump up and down with its blissful guitar.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t see all 200 bands that performed but the festival certainly has something for everyone. Supporting a multitude of female artists and smaller artists while also putting a focus on big issues in the industry, Beyond The Music does what many festivals have been criticized for failing to do. An exceptional weekend filled with talent, important topics and community, Beyond The Music was the most unique and necessary festival of 2024.
For more information on Beyond The Music: Beyond The Music | 9-12 October 2024, Manchester, UK
