Hot picks for us on Sunday included: Afternoon headliner Kate Nash, nighttime headliner Jalen Ngonda, MT Jones, Picture Parlour, Teenage Joans, Picture Parlour and the wonderful Brooke Combe.
Scottish artist Brooke returned to Sound City 2026; no stranger to the city nor the festival. Brooke first performed at Sound City in 2022 and this year she had a 9pm slot before Jalen Ngonda on the main stage at Grand Central.
But sadly her 30 minute spot was cut in half after she was delayed starting by technical issues, and then sound issues at the start of her set, so she sat looking fed up at the drum kit until her microphone was working. But the 15 minutes we got was gorgeous. This magazine tipped her for big things early on, in 2022. Read our exclusive interview and see the pix from our photo shoot from back then, in our “Features Zone”.
Another superb set came from Liverpool’s fast-rising soul man MT Jones on Sunday, main stage between the quirky Picture Parlour and Brooke Combe.
Outspoken singer-songwriter, actor and activist, Kate Nash played a much anticipated and energetic 45 minute set opening the main stage on Sunday afternoon. She also took part in Friday’s conference with a sparkling Q&A, weeks after telling British MPs “I sell pictures of my bum” to fund touring; establishing an Only Fans account.
Bringing two-decades of songs and tirelessly promoting the rights of artists, Kate Nash, whose hits include the iconic early-00’s smash, “Foundations”, she did Sound City proud with a full band.
May 2026 is Liverpool Sound City’s 19th edition and also Liverpool Music Month, with the baton handed to the city by New York. With more than 150 bands and artists in 10 venues across the city for two days of the bank holiday weekend, plus the Sound City+ Conference kicking things off on Friday.
After Saturday sold out, Sunday was still busy, the weather kind and people flocking to Liverpool from around the UK and overseas to soak up the sights and sounds of one of the UK’s premier multi-venue festivals for new music, with a passionate voice for upcoming talent.
Liverpool-based soul star Jalen Ngonda headlining the main stage to close the festival in style.
A real eclectic lineup across the weekend in Liverpool, with sparkling performances from the big names and rising stars, and the complete unknowns, many getting their first festival slot. A good chance some will become tomorrow’s headliners.
Another band this magazine has championed for a while – since 2023 – is the quirky Picture Parlour, who were in good form on the main stage after M60 and before MT Jones.
Hotly tipped Aussie powerhouse duo Teenage Joans gave a rare UK performance at 7.30pm Sunday at the Arts Club Loft.
The Adelaide pairing of drummer Tahlia Borg and guitarist Cahli Blakers as Teenage Joans make a stop in Liverpool for the first time during their run of debut UK tour dates.
Bringing songs including their breakout 2021 single “Wine”, and highlights from their debut album, “The Rot That Grows Inside My Chest”.
Sound City is the brand responsible for organising a range of boutique music, media and technology festivals and conferences around the world. Since its inception, it has designed, delivered, marketed and hosted events in cities on three continents that range from a series of shows, conferences and product and service launches to full music and arts festivals and creative and digital industries conferences.
Sound City-owned events include Liverpool Sound City Festival and conference, Dubai Sound City, Tromso Sound City, New York Sound City, Gateway to the Asian Music Markets, Sound City Korea and Sounds of the Xity, Beijing and China.
Venues included The Dome at Grand Central Hall, The Arts Club Theatre and Arts Club Loft, Kazimier Stockroom, The Jacaranda, EBGB’s, Spanish Caravan, Tunnel, and The Shipping Forecast. Plus unofficial fringe venues.
Sound City’s Managing Director, Becky Ayres, says: “Sound City has always been about discovering tomorrow’s superstars today: giving artists the platform to grow, connect with audiences, and take their first steps toward global success. Sound City has always been about spotting talent at the moment it’s about to break… From acts already making serious noise to those right on the cusp of something special, this line-up underlines why Sound City remains the place where future headliners are discovered first.
“Alongside welcoming back major names like Jalen Ngonda and Keo, we’re proud to be creating space across Liverpool city centre for the next generation of artists to connect with audiences, industry, and each other – all while continuing to push forward meaningful conversations through Sound City+ about where music is heading next.”
Shira Gans, Senior Executive Director for Policy and Programmes at New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and founder of New York Music Month, said: “From the streets of New York to the docks of Liverpool, music connects us all. As we hand the baton to Liverpool Music Month, we celebrate the shared spirit of creativity, community, and the enduring friendship between our cities.
“The ties between Liverpool and New York run deep: both have rich musical histories that continue to inspire generations. We’re excited to see Liverpool carry forward this celebration of talent, community, and the universal language of music.”
Liverpool Music Month is followed by Liverpool Summer of Music, a city-region-wide celebration of live music and cultural events taking place from June through to August. It will shine a spotlight on the full calendar of festivals, concerts and events taking place across the Liverpool City Region, highlighting activity not only in the city centre but across communities and neighbourhoods throughout the boroughs.
* Check out our coverage of Saturday’s Sound City…*
Photos: Liam Battersby
Words: Steve Best
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