WATCH: Everything You Need To Know About Sound City Liverpool 2019

You’re guaranteed to discover a new favourite band this May bank holiday weekend in Liverpool.

Sound City, the award-winning, weekend long music festival is back in its ancestral home for its 12th annual edition. 16 Baltic Triangle venues play host to the majority of gigs while The British Music Experience houses the unmissable Sound City Conference featuring a who’s who of the industry imparting their valuable wisdom.

Sound City is committed to lining up very best established names and emerging talent. Previous Sound City success stories include Ed Sheeran, Florence and the Machine, Calvin Harris and Catfish and the Bottlemen – so whether you know loads of names on the line up or none, you’re guaranteed to find the next big music star in the city this weekend.

With more than 250 artists, workshops, panel talks, exhibitions, VIP experiences and after parties to check out, it doesn’t matter who you see, because the level of quality right across the weekend, is top class. Come with an open mind, leave with amazing memories.

Here’s everything you need to know about Sound City 2019.

Venues

Sound City takes place at various Baltic Triangle venues (District, Constellations, 24 Kitchen Street, The British Music Experience and the launch event is at Queens Avenue, off Dale Street. Other venues include The Cavern Club 24 Kitchen Street, Constellations, Brick Street, Hobo Kiosk, Ditto Coffee, The Shed, Love Lane Brewery, Hangar 34, Birdies, Baltic Social, Best Before and a number of outdoor stages on and around Greenland Street.

Getting There

Sound City gigs are tabling place in venues across the Baltic Triangle and at The British Music Experience at the Pier Head. The easiest way to get into the city centre is with either Merseyrail or Arriva. James St is the nearest station for The BME and Brunswick is the closest station to the Baltic. Plan your journey with Merseyrail here.

Arriva operates services to Dale St for The BME. Services towards Aigburth, Garston and Speke will take you within a few minutes walk of the Baltic Triangle. Plan your journey with Arriva North West here.

Tickets

You can purchase day, weekend, conference and VIP Sound City 2019 tickets from www.soundcity.uk.com. Tickets start from as little as £5 (afterparty entry). Sound City is an age 14+ event with some after parties operating an 18+ entry only. Find out more and grab your tickets here. 

VIP

Secret, not to be missed Gigs, 3 days (standard ticket 2 days), Roof top parties, Beat the queues, entry to gigs, Curators live lounge, Barbecues, Sponsored parties (free drink), In-conversations, The Sound City Conference (insight into the music industry), Agent Parties, Chill zone, Exclusive entry to meet the artist/s competitions, Exclusive entry to signed merch competitions and 10% off your 2020 Sound City wristband! Find out more and get yours here.

Sound City+ Conference

The Sound City Conference returns to the iconic Cunard Building this weekend. Hosted by the British Music Experience, this three day expo brings the absolute best in the business all under one roof to share their knowledge and expertise in panels, workshops and live Q&A’s with music industry legends.

We’re talking Chrissie Hynes, Andy McCluskey, Huw Stephens, Yousef and representatives from BBC, Spotify, Sony, Sky, Vevo and tonnes more giving valuable insights into the industry and discussing topics that matter to you. Find out more about Sound City Conference here. 

Eats

The Baltic is going to be absolutely rammed this weekend with so much to see and do at Sound City. You’re going to need some big eats to keep you going at those after parties, so here’s 5 of our fave foodie outlets to get some munch.

1 – Baltic Market

There’s a whole wealth of street food vendors on offer at the free to enter Baltic Market. From halloumi to desserts, loaded fries, curries, steak and more. More info here. 

2 – Tusk

If you’re starting early, get to Tusk Baltic for a hearty brekkie or brunch dish. Loads of the all day menu for veggies and vegans here as well. Menu here. 

3 – Punch Tarmey’s

If its some good old fashion pub grub you’re after, head to Punch Tarmey’s Tavern. Burgers, salt & pepper chicken, pies, steaks, club sandwiches, you name it. Menus here. 

4 – Apocalypse Cow

Now when it comes to BBQ, the place to go is Apocalypse Cow at Birdie Bar Summer Garden. Lasagne bites, loaded tries, twisted tapas, spring rolls, nachos and more. Menus here. 

5 – Baltic Social

Known for its amazing Punk Afternoon Tea and Bottomless Brunch escapades, Baltic Social is hosting Sound City gigs so get in early for a buddha bowl, loaded fries, tasty small plates, flatbreads and burgers. Menus here. 

After Parties

Positive Vibrations is partnering up with Fiesta Bombarda to host the official Sound City afterparty at District on Saturday from 11pm. Expect a heady mix of reggae, hip hop, afrobeat, funk and other joyful noise. Entry with a festival wristband.

Shit Indie Disco is hosting an official Sound City closing party at Hangar 34 on Sunday. Expect the best indie bangers, confetti cannons, glow sticks, inflatables, balloons and good times.

Levi’s Music Project Afterparty takes place at Constellations on Sunday after presenting at Sound City Conference. Focussing on brand partnerships and nurturing new talent, the project worked with headliners Loyale Carner and a wealth of up coming talent on a mentorship scheme.

Here’s 10 acts you’ll see perform at Sound City 2019

Alongside a hitlist of incredible up and coming and established talent from Liverpool and beyond, we’re 10 of the local big hitters joining the Sound City 2019 line up.

1 – Mable

When Finders Keepers smashed into the UK charts in 2017, we fell in love with Mabel’s sound. Fresh, relatable and brutally honest, (she’s a MASSIVE Harry Potter Fan). Mabel collaborated with the likes of Not3s, Stefflon Don, Jax Jones, just released ‘Don’t Call Me Up’ and now got us on countdown for her debut album ‘High Expectations dropping in on 12th July.

2 – Loyale Carner

Bringing his very own, distinct style of ‘confessional-hip hop’ to Sound City, London born Loyale Carner hits Liverpool with brand new album ‘Not Waving, But Drowning’ smack bang in the middle of a jam-packed 2019 with gigs right across the UK and Europe.

Mabel

3 – Louis Berry

Liverpool’s very own raspy-voiced rocker is set to headline Sound City this weekend and no one has earned that place more than this revolutionary rocker. We’re dying to hear ‘She Wants Me’ and ‘Stumbling’ ring out across the Baltic.

4 – The Tea Street Band

Liverpool 4some, a fixture and firm favourite at Sound City over the years. The Tea Street Band’s latest album dropped just before Christmas and they’ve been off all over the country playing it to the masses. Another huge homecoming gig not to be missed.

Tea Street Band

5 – Clean Cut Kid

Another local band gone national. Clean Cut Kid is one of the hardest working bands around. Touring relentlessly after the release of their first album ‘Felt’, which included hit track ‘Vitamin C’, CCK have been back in the studio. Catch them at Sound City and listen out for new, more mature material.

6 – Natalie McCool

An alumni of LIPA, Natalie can boast of a song writing session with none other than Macca himself! She’s been on the scene for years and her soft voice and strong lyrics are keeping us coming back for more. Released on International Women’s day, Natalie’s track ‘Womans World’ is a fine example of her skill. Is right queen!

Natalie McCool

7 – Red Rum Club

Scouse rockers. ‘Friend of a Friend is still a firm favourite but the new album has plenty of outstanding tracks too. Red Rum Club has already sold out Liverpool’s O2 Academy for the homecoming gig this September, this might be your best chance to catch them live.

8 – Paris Youth Foundation

Paris in their name, a track titled ‘London’ but these lads are all about Liverpool. Lots of support from the BBC including a live set played by Huw Stephens. Definitely ones to watch as they play the Bruntwood stage at Queens Avenue on Friday night.

Louis Berry

9 – SPINN

Billed as ‘connoisseurs of jangly, dreamy pop’ this Liverpool band releases its debut album, plays Sound City and performs live at Jacaranda Phase One all in one weekend. ‘Is There Something That I Missed’ is catchy, ‘Notice Me’ is a summer sing along tune and the video for ‘Shallow’ will make you question the way you run.

10 – PizzaGirl

Aintree based Liam, or PizzaGirl to you and me has attracted a lot of love on Spotify with track ‘Seabirds’ clocking up more than 1 million streams. PizzaGirl tracks are written, recorded and produced at home, so having toured the length and bredth of the UK in support of Hers, we can wait to see how the live set has developed right back here in Liverpool.

To get your Sound City 2019 day, weekend, VIP and conference tickets head to www.soundcity.uk.com and follow @SoundCity on socials for artist and event updates. 

Who are you most looking forward to seeing live at Sound City 2019? We want to see your pics and reviews from the weekends festival. Drop us a line on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and we’ll share the best on our socials.