Heard It Here First

This week on Heard It Here First, we’re joined by Manchester alternative-indie artist Kate Couriel. Blending raw storytelling with her classical background as a violinist, Kate’s music explores themes of feminine rage, social injustice and navigating the world as a young artist today. With tracks like ‘Patriarchy’s Dead’ gaining serious momentum online, she’s quickly becoming one of the most excit...

In this special episode, we’ve teamed up with CloseUp Festival to take you behind the scenes of one of the UK’s most exciting grassroots festivals championing new music. We sit down with founder Sam Tucker to talk about how the festival came to life, what it takes to build something like this from the ground up, and why creating space for emerging artists has never been more important. Plus, we ca...

In this episode of  Heard It Here First , Keira sits down with Dea Matrona ahead of their Sound City Festival appearance. Fresh off a European tour, the band dive into their upcoming second album  ‘Hate That I Care’  (out June 5th), the stories behind the music, and how this new era compares to their debut. They also talk tour highlights, festival season, and what fans can expect from their Sound...

We caught up with Heidi Curtis in Manchester during her run supporting Holly Humberstone . From the meaning behind What Am I Missing? to the build-up to her debut EP, this episode is all about the moments in between growth, uncertainty, and finding your sound. Follow HIHF ✨ ~ Instagram: @hearditherefirstpod ~ Tiktok: @hearditherefirstpod ~ Youtube: @hearditherefirstpod

At Heard It Here First, it’s all about catching artists before they blow, and Keyside are right on that edge. The Liverpool band join us to talk their journey to Sound City, the city’s music scene, and a huge run of shows this summer; including supporting The Wombats, touring with The Clause, and playing alongside Red Rum Club. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Finn Forster is having a big year. From growing up in Middlesbrough to stepping onto stadium stages supporting Stereophonics, his rise has been impossible to ignore, and now he’s heading into his own UK headline tour. In this episode of Heard It Here First, we caught up with Finn ahead of Sound City Festival to talk about the journey so far, what it’s really like playing to thousands of people, an...

Cherryholt are quickly becoming one of the most exciting emerging bands in the UK right now — and with their latest single “The Bullet” already building serious momentum, it’s easy to see why. In this episode of Heard It Here First, we sit down with the band to talk about the story behind “The Bullet”, how the track came together, and what it represents for them at this stage in their journey. We...

Rising indie artist Lynnie Snow joins Heard It Here First ahead of her appearance at Liverpool Sound City . We dive into her latest single ‘Streetlight, Save Me’, unpacking the story behind the track, her songwriting process, and the journey leading up to its release. Lynnie also talks about the moment she received support from BBC Radio 6 Music DJ Chris Hawkins, and what that kind of recognition...

Heard It Here First turns one . 🎉 In this special anniversary episode, we’re looking back at some of the best moments from the podcast’s first year, featuring interview highlights with The Clause , The K’s , Arkayla , Andrew Cushin , XL Poncho , Luvcat , Nia Archives , and Seb Lowe , plus many more. From favourite interviews to standout moments, this episode celebrates a year of discovering and c...

In this episode of Heard It Here First, we’re joined by rising indie band Isolation. The band recently released their latest single “England’s Burning”, and in this conversation we dive into the story behind the track, how Isolation first came together, and what it’s been like building momentum in the UK indie scene. We also talk about songwriting, the importance of live shows for emerging bands,...

This week on Heard It Here First, we’re joined by rising indie band Athens following the release of their debut single “Eleanor.” We chat about how the band came together, the story behind the track, and what it’s been like releasing their first music into the world. With plenty of laughs and a look at what’s next for the band, this is definitely one to tune into if you love discovering new artist...

From supporting Alex Spencer to lighting up The Jacaranda in Liverpool as part of This Feeling’s Big in 2026, Freight are a band building something real. Not chasing algorithms. Not waiting around. In this episode of Heard It Here First, we get into: ~ Life on a support tour ~ The Liverpool indie scene ~ What Big in 2026 signals for a rising band ~ Why live shows matter more than streams ~ Their a...

In this episode of Heard It Here First, I’m joined by Stanleys to talk about their new single Pass The Time , evolving their sound, and building momentum as an indie band in 2026. We discuss songwriting, consistency vs virality, long-term strategy, and what separates bands that last from those that fade, plus their upcoming Manchester show at Night and Day Cafe on April 10. For fans of indie rock...

Indie pop artist Ed Fisher joins Heard It Here First to talk about his latest single ‘Be Careful (What You Wish For)’, emerging from Newton-le-Willows (home of The Ks), and carving out a 1975-inspired sound in today’s UK indie scene. We discuss building momentum with only a handful of releases, the pressure of early potential, and what to expect from his upcoming track ‘Sandy’. Ed Fisher - Follow...

This week, Keira sits down with rising UK indie band Televised. From their formation to the stories behind their latest releases, the band open up about building momentum, navigating today’s music industry, and what’s next. Sharp guitars, big ambition, and a real look at the grind behind the buzz, this is one for anyone watching the future of British indie. You heard it here first.

They’ve built a fanbase without releasing a single song. Is this the new blueprint for breaking a band in 2026? XL Poncho join Heard It Here First to discuss building an audience through viral covers, stepping into live gigs, and preparing to release their first original music. We talk TikTok growth strategy, online buzz vs real-life crowds, and what it takes to break through as a new UK band in 2...

This week on Heard It Here First , Keira sits down with Liverpool indie band The Balla to talk about their latest single “Paris” and their rise within the UK grassroots music scene. We dive into the story behind Paris , their songwriting process, building momentum on the Liverpool live circuit, and what it takes to stand out as an emerging UK indie band in 2026. From British guitar music influence...

What does it really take to run an independent music magazine in 2026? In this episode of Heard It Here First , I’m joined by Darci Jackson (co-owner of Dizzy Magazine and music journalist) to talk about the current state of music journalism and the role independent media plays in shaping the industry. We discuss: • How Dizzy Magazine was built • How journalists discover emerging artists • TikTok...

This week, Keira sits down with rising UK indie band Chest ahead of their new EP never really here (out February 27th). The band unpack the real-world moments that inspired their latest single, from the LA wildfires to the aftermath of the Trump assassination attempt in 2024, and why they pair high-energy, almost euphoric instrumentals with lyrics rooted in unease. We talk Radio 1 & 6 Music suppor...

This week on Heard It Here First , Keira sits down with rising UK band Roulette to talk about being personally picked by Only The Poets for Battle of the Bands — and what that co-sign meant at this stage of their career. The band also dive into their latest single “ Out of Luck ”, sharing the story behind the track, how it came together, and the reaction since release. From industry backing to bui...

“Live music shouldn’t be a luxury” — Only The Poets join Keira for Episode 25, diving into their mission to champion grassroots venues and uplift unsigned artists. Apply to support - Only The Poets FOLLOW NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Instagram-@northernexposure_mag Facebook - Northern Exposure Facebook

Heard It Here First is back for 2026! We’re joined by Shannon Gillespie for one of our most chaotic (and fun) episodes yet. No rules, no script — just great energy, big laughs and a conversation that went completely off the rails 🎧✨ FOLLOW NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Instagram-@northernexposure_mag Facebook - Northern Exposure Facebook

It's release day for 'Big Light' and we've got the incredible Pippa Crossland with us for episode 23! She chats about her song writing journey, the stories that inspire her, and her ultimate dream dinner party lineup. FOLLOW NORTHERN EXPOSURE

We’re back and buzzing! This episode features one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands, Arkayla. Join Keira as she dives into fresh music, massive shows, and the band’s vision of their dream festival. FOLLOW NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Instagram-@northernexposure_mag Facebook - Northern Exposure Facebook

Ahead of their biggest headline show yet, Rosellas stopped by to chat with Keira about what’s next. From imagining a Rosellas -themed service station tour, to bonding over our love for Sam Fender, to sharing thoughts on Pink Floyd—this episode’s packed with stories, laughs, and music talk you won’t want to miss! FOLLOW NORTHERN EXPOSURE: Instagram -@northernexposure_mag Facebook - Northern Exposur...