Having launched in October, the Discover a New Beat project set the stage for a revolutionary series of showcases that spanned the entire cityscape where music enthusiasts submerged themselves in Liverpool’s landmark soundtrack. The string of surprise popup showcases featured a lineup of Liverpool’s most dynamic artists performing across iconic locations and captured the city’s eclectic music scene, harmonising its historic roots with the contemporary.
Woven into the fabric of this experience is a tapestry of sound and culture, intricately linked to Liverpool’s vibrant heritage. Renowned as a worldwide hub for musical innovation and artistic excellence, Liverpool captivates with its diverse genres, distinctive settings, lively party atmosphere, and emerging new sounds.
Kicking off, rising electropop star Michael Aldag took to the streets, busking into the hearts of locals and visitors alike, at Liverpool ONE and in the shadow of the iconic Three Graces. Having blown up TikTok, Aldag represents a new generation of exciting local talent. His debut EP, a self-described “diary entry set to music”, charted the highs and lows of life from 16 to 20 so far was a runaway success with tracks such as ‘BLEAK’ and ‘Girlfriends’ amassing streams in the millions.
Next up, Lauren Lo Sung transformed St Luke’s Bombed Out Church into a dancefloor. The Liverpool-based DJ and producer is revered for her groove-laden sound: a fusion of warm textures and stripped-back percussion that has become synonymous with her record label LOLiFE. Lauren Lo Sung’s career has seen consistent support from electronic tastemakers and recently she has played the F1 closing party in Las Vegas, Mixmag’s LAB alongside fellow scouse DJ Mele and delivered an iconic Essential Mix for BBC Radio 1.
One of Liverpool’s most popular bands, Red Rum Club brought their vibrant indie melodies to the Cavern Club, birthplace of the Beatles, set against the backdrop of the intimate, brick vaulted cellars. Fittingly for the historic setting, the local sextet combined sounds of old and new, channelling ‘Tarantino-esque’ wild western vibes with the help of a solitary trumpet. Red Rum Club will also be playing their biggest show to date in 2024 – a true homecoming at the M & S Bank Arena on 5th April. Forming fashion rather than following it, the band renowned for firing festival crowds with rocket-propelled cult hits such as Eleanor and Would You Rather Be Lonely are set to prove their pulling power once again with this incredible headline show.
Finally, local rising rapper Koj took Anfield, home of Liverpool FC, by storm with a soul-stirring live performance to football fans. The rapper reviving Liverpool’s rap scene, Koj gave his own unique flavour in front of the Kop, melding the genres synonymous with the UK from Grime and Drill to Trap and Rap. Koj’s effortless flow and satirical lyrics can often discuss the more serious: issues such as mental health and life on the streets of Liverpool.
Liverpool’s landmarks are not just locations; they’re co-stars in this musical narrative. A UNESCO City of Music, Liverpool has long been known for its storied history, but the city is undergoing a cultural renaissance from its thriving underground electronic music scene to its blossoming crop of indie rock and rap talent. Discover A New Beat, an initiative launched this winter, has invited visitors to explore the diverse range of emerging music trends, eclectic venues and attractions across the city region.
“Liverpool truly has its own unique melody in the world. Whether it be a hidden jazz bar tucked away in the corner of an old pub or a street performer singing harmoniously on a corner, music pops up in the most unexpected places within the city. It’s this spontaneous soundtrack that makes Liverpool so magical. We’ve given the world some of the best and most recognisable music ever. Think The Beatles, The Real Thing, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Atomic Kitten and many, many more. Of course we want to celebrate our amazing music heritage but we should be just as passionate about bringing attention to the incredible talent that is making a mark now.”, explains Head of UNESCO City of Music for Culture Liverpool, Kevin McManus “That’s why this campaign is so significant: it brilliantly showcases just a few of the artists that make Liverpool the most exciting UK city of music.”
