ARKAYLA

Arkayla are a four-piece from Manchester built around Cal Blakebrough on vocals and guitar, alongside bandmates on guitar, bass and drums. Since their debut in 2023, Arkayla has become one of Manchester's most talked-about bands, known for their electrifying live shows and sharp, insightful lyrical instincts, quickly garnering key support across radio and press. They've picked up nods from CLASH, 1883, Earmilk, Radio X's John Kennedy and BBC Radio London's Gary Crowley.

The band's sound leans on big, layered guitar work and melodic songwriting rather than anything dancefloor-focused. They describe their own sound as punchy and energetic classic indie rock, infusing the harmonies of the '60s with a Johnny Marr-esque guitar tone and the punchiness of a Strokes tune. Growing up in Manchester, they've been heavily shaped by the likes of Oasis, The Smiths, Stone Roses and Joy Division. That grounding has fed into live shows built for singing along and losing yourself in the chorus, with their electrifying live shows and sharp, insightful lyrical instincts winning them a growing following well beyond Manchester.

On stage, expect a tight, high-energy set rather than a DJ mix. The band blend era-spanning guitar influences with emotional songwriting and an unrivalled live presence, having put in the miles building a grassroots following that now spans far beyond their hometown. They've earned their stripes supporting bigger names on the circuit, and this run has already included headlining the 900-capacity Manchester Academy 2, a big moment for a young DIY act in a city built on guitar music. Catch them at Thekla, The Brook, The Fickle Pickle, St. Stephens Church and O2 Academy2 Oxford for a set that's all about big choruses and live energy rather than beats per minute.