18 Must Do Things At Sound City 2018

Sound City is back where it belongs, in the heart of the city and we can’t wait for the two day party to start.

On top of the amazing line-up of live music you’ll find arts, conferences and food a plenty, all contributing to your festival experience. Here are our top 18 things to do at Sound City ’18. 

Superorganism

This list is in no particular order, but if it were, these guys would be number 1. The show, and the sound, is both out of this world and completely bonkers. This 8-piece super group has just released their debut album and it has blown the socks of music critics and audiences around the world. Bring an extra pair of socks to Hangar 34 on Sunday 6^th May. 

Sentric Showcase

Sentric Music Publishing are one of the cities most successful and innovative music industry start ups ever, offering a fresh take on how things are done. With that they have gained a huge roster of artists that they want to show off, giving them a platform from which to jump. The showcase features the likes of Husky Loops and Sinai and takes place on Saturday in the Blade Factory. 

Hafla Hafla

Home of the halloumi fires that caused such a stir last year and has now found a home at The Baltic Market. Get down there to get your hands on the cheesy bites before they inevitably sell out, as well as falafel wraps and Greek mezze. 

Arts Lab Skiffle Workshop

Taking inspiration from the ‘60s Arts Lab movement, the Liverpool Arts Lab is a creative community collective based in Liverpool 8’s Florrie, collaborating on happenings, artistic explorations and acts of subversion. The Arts Lab Skiffle Factory will tap into Liverpool’s inherent DIY creativity at Sound City by offering festival goers the chance to build their own instruments and cut their own tracks. This workshop will happen both days of the festival in the Gold room, Camp and Furnace building upstairs

Gigs & Graphics

Gigs & Graphics is a collaboration between Northern Lights, Sound City, Toucan Tango and artist and musicians that live and work in and around the city. 

The exhibition runs from 3^rd May all the way through to 7^th showcasing some of the best gig posters and music artwork you can see in the flesh. 

Getintothis After Party

Getintothis have always been on the cutting edge of the local music scene, even putting on their regular show, Deep Cuts. Their Sound City after party sees them do something similar, showcasing the likes of King Khan and the Shrines at Hangar 34 on Saturday 5^th May.

The Mad Bantam

The Mad Bantam is a specialist in fried chicken and is one of the only places in the city that you can get the American classic, loaded tater tots. Perfect festival food on offer all weekend at The Baltic Market. 

Peace

Peace are the headliners of Sound City 2018, closing the whole festival on the Sunday. The band delivers their exciting Indie-Rock sound at Camp and Furnace to what is sure to be the biggest crowd of the weekend, so get to the front early!

Smash It

Self proclaimed as Liverpool’s only Ice Cream Smashery, these guys do crazy things with sweets! From ice cream sushi to cotton candy burritos, these guys will give you that sugar rush you need down at The Baltic Market across the weekend. 

In Search of the Phoenix 

In Search of the Phoenix is a musical theatre work composed by Professor Stephen Davismoon of Edge Hill University and directed by Sadie Smith from Chatsworth High School and Community College, Salford. The work grew out of a commission from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and aims to promote ideas of ‘choice’ and ‘agency’ for young people with Special Educational Needs, whilst touching upon age-appropriate themes such as: loyalty, love and loss. Check out more info here. 

The Midnight Delivery

If you were thinking that you fancied a dessert, and Smash It wouldn’t quite do it, then The Midnight Delivery has you covered, adding waffles to the already sweet mix. The waffles cones on offer are outrageous, topped with ice cream, Nutella and almost anything sweet that you can think of!

Dermot Kennedy

This guy claims his spot on the list for one, big reason – his voice. Kennedy’s vocal power is only matched by its soul, combining to create something raw – something that you cannot learn or buy. His sound fuses this vocal with polished production and an almost Folk vibe. He plays at On Air on the Sunday, an intimate show for someone who is going explode very soon.

SESAC Showcase

Here’s another fantastic mini festival inside a festival. The SESAC Showcase welcomes the likes of Geowulf, Kawala and the sensational Carmody to District on the Sunday. Carmody is one of the most exciting female songwriters in the UK right now and this showcase is your chance to see her up close and personal. 

Meet The Industry

Sound City+ is amazing for meeting people in the music industry, with some of the best networking events this side of the Atlantic. Got a question for a publisher? Want to slip a record label your demo, or card to an agent? Well, reps from each area of the industry will be participating in roundtable networking sessions allowing you direct contact with those who are running the show. It’s first come first serve, though, so get down early to get a seat at the table! 

Future Music City

Another interesting and engaging panel explores that question over whether Liverpool is maintaining its status as a musical city. Obviously, we know that it undoubtedly is, however this panel aims to explore why and poses questions that you might not have otherwise thought of and how to keep on this great tradition.

If You’re Unhappy And You Know It, Sing a Song

With more and more artists speaking out about their struggles with mental illness in the music industry it is important that we start listening to more than just the music and empathise with those who are having more than just a down day. This panel will look at how the music industry and touring can affect the mental health of musicians and managers and what they can do to improve it for the wellbeing of themselves, with local inspirational speakers such as Queen Zee of Queen Zee and the Sasstones. 

WTF Is Publishing?

Music publishing can be a very confusing thing for emerging artists. In this talk by independent publisher Sentric Music’s Simon Pursehouse will go through the basics of what a publisher does and why it is vital to the survival of the music industry. Sentric are one of the most innovative start-ups in the city and this is your chance to get in on the ground level. 

On Air

What was once the Home Alone bar over Christmas 2017 is now a state of the art bar and music venue with a movie theme. ON AIR boasts 60ft high film sets and a secret garden mezzanine bar area offering views over the action on stage. If you’re not sure where to head, then this is a must see as it welcomes Sound City into its halls for the first time. 

The experiences never stop at Sound City ’18, as you can well see, but we want to hear what you’re most looking forward to! Let us know on Twitter and Facebook and keep me posted on anything else on my email alex@theguideliverpool.com.