Future Sound of Nottingham is back again and provides you with a rare chance to go to Rock City for free (no ticket required). If you’re unaware of how it works, seven of the city’s artists and bands play Rock City’s main stage through one night, competing before a judging panel for the chance to play Wollaton Park’s Splendour Festival, in the summer. Here's what some of the finalists had to say...
Emily Ashberry
How would you describe your music?
My music is very much about storytelling, and I think that comes from the traditional folk songs I grew up listening to. I always focus on lyrics first, and the thing with folk music is that it's always very universal. Even if the story is about something very specific there's something in there that really speaks to people and lasts for a long time. That's what I'm trying to tap into with my song writing.
What was your reaction to the news you'd be playing the FSN final?
It was so unexpected! You send out so many applications for opportunities as an independent artist, and I think I had so many on the go that I forgot the announcement was being made. I saw I'd been tagged and couldn't really believe it! My friend said she wished she could text 14 year old me to tell her, and she's right – even a few years ago I wouldn't have believed you if you'd have told me I would be playing Rock City.
What can the Rock City crowd expect from your performance?
I bring a really nice mellow vibe to all the gigs I play, and I'm leaning into that a lot more recently! Expect heartfelt songs and chilled music; maybe a banjo!
Why did you enter FSN?
It's such a brilliant opportunity for Nottingham artists. I first came to a gig at Rock City when I was about 16 and I'd been to Splendour the year before that. They're absolutely dream gigs for me, and I'm still pinching myself that I get to play such an iconic Notts venue. This is also a really good time for me to start pushing myself as I get ready to release some new music - I've been gigging a lot, but nothing as big as this, or to this many people!
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I always come back to Dolly Parton, especially her folkier stuff. The songs I've been working on recently are very inspired by female Americana – artists like Brandi Carlile and Indigo Girls.
What Nottingham artists are you loving at the minute?
I love watching Riley Marsh play, he's always so impressive and creates such a massive sound even when it's just him at an open mic! I also really love Lily Clarkson's writing, and Katie Keddie – really beautiful songs that make everyone shut up and listen when they play.
What are your biggest non-musical influences?
I look for stories for songs everywhere. I have a lot of songs about my family, telling stories about their lives. I'm also a big reader and I'm often really inspired by some of my favourite books and authors.
What's been the highlight of your career so far?
I received a grant last year from the Alan Surtees Trust to produce my debut album, which is finally finished and will be out later this year! That felt amazing, to have a project backed by them and to be able to make an album that I'm really proud of. I also got to support Seth Lakeman in Derby last year, and that was a really big moment for me, since I've been listening to him for years and he was one of the artists that first introduced me to folk and traditional music.
Any last words for LeftLion?
My debut album will be coming out in October, and I'll be playing the first single at Rock City ahead of its release in July! I can't wait to share it with everyone.
Sancho Panza
How would you describe your music?
Brit-Funk.
What was your reaction to the news you'd be playing the FSN final?
We were over the moon. It's a dream for every musician in town to play Rock City, so we are very happy to be in the FSN Final.
What can the Rock City crowd expect from your performance?
Fifteen minutes of funky psychedelic nonsense.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Sly and the Family Stone, Marvin Gaye, Can.
What Nottingham artists are you loving at the minute?
Ok Lady are our favourite new band in town, they have lovely dreamy songs for all to love. Big love to Marvin's Revenge, Cucamaras, Veduna, Filter Sequence, Pict and Do Nothing.
What are your biggest non-musical influences?
Jack Kerouac, Albert Camus, Leo Tolstoy, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
What's been the highlight of your career so far?
Playing in Paris. A real 10/10 night.
Any last words for LeftLion?
Big love to you guys. Keep up the good work. X
Omari Marsalis
How would you describe your music?
Storytelling melodic hip-hop that is influenced with jazz, soul and alternative sounds.
What was your reaction to the news you'd be playing the FSN final?
I was quite shocked to be honest. Being from St Ann's we don't always come across too many opportunities so it felt like a breath of fresh air when my name was announced on the FSN reel that was posted. I always believed I had the talent to be chosen but sometimes it may go under the radar so it was heart-warming to be recognised.
What can the Rock City crowd expect from your performance?
Connection, energy and passion. No matter the outcome of the competition I can guarantee people will walk away with something to hold on to, whether that's a lyric they relate to, the euphoria from the sonics or the urge of wanting to see me perform again.
Why did you enter FSN?
I believe I am ready for big things. I have performed on most stages in Nottingham so to have the opportunity to perform at Rock City I had to grasp it. Also I promised to myself this year that I am Outside whether it is rain or sunshine, I am going for it. To be able to represent St Ann's on a stage like that means the world to me. I just know great things will come from it no matter the outcome.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Nick Stez (my father), J Cole, Lil Wayne, Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Wretch 32 and 6lack.
What Nottingham artists are you loving at the minute?
Jah Digga, JayaHadaDream, JTYH, izo.
What are your biggest non-musical influences?
Dave Filoni, Donald Glover, HINDZSIGHT.
What's been the highlight of your career so far?
Supporting ITM (In The Making) at Saltbox last year. The founder of ITM, Cassell The Beatmaker is an Ivor Novello Award Winner and has worked with many big names in the industry. To be able to hold my own and open up for ITM on their tour when they came to Nottingham spoke volumes. It was my first real taste of the industry and it showed me that I can do it, I can perform around professionals. They were even impressed.
Any last words for LeftLion?
Thank you so much for the opportunity, we will speak more soon. Love for the Love.
Louis Walsh
How would you describe your music?
Pop with a dash of many other genres.
What was your reaction to the news you'd be playing the FSN final?
Honestly I was just shocked. I've played the same competition twice before so didn't really think there would be a 3rd time.
What can the Rock City crowd expect from your performance?
Well hopefully a good performance but I guess that's up to the crowd and the judges if I'm any good!
Why did you enter FSN?
More just curiosity got the better of me. I thought there was absolutely no chance I'd get chosen to do it for a third time. But here we are!
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Ed Sheeran will always be top of the list. My producer Jared from Electric Bear in Mansfield is great too – the ideas we're able to bounce off each other, and if something is shit he'll tell me. I appreciate the honesty.
What Nottingham artists are you loving at the minute?
Notts has such a good variety of artists, whether that's rock, pop, grime or alt. There's something for everyone. Marvin's Revenge and Bloodworm are incredible, I'm glad they're both getting the traction they deserve. As for pop, I have to go for myself
What Nottingham artists are you loving at the minute?
Notts has such a good variety of artists, whether that's rock, pop, grime or alt. There's something for everyone. Marvin's Revenge and Bloodworm are incredible, I'm glad they're both getting the traction they deserve. As for pop, I have to go for myself - I think Nottingham is really lacking on the pop scene but I'm currently in the midst of making my next project and the process of that has made me fully love what I'm doing. For grime, I've got to give props to Two 2's. They're smashing it.
What are your biggest non-musical influences?
My friends and family. Regardless if this music dream doesn't work out the way I've always dreamt of, I know I'll always have them.
What's been the highlight of your career so far?
Last September I had my first ever headline show and it sold out. I never thought I'd be able to do that. But I did. To see that people actually care about what I'm doing just fills me up with so much joy and determination to keep going.
Any last words for LeftLion?
If you're free, please come down and support on 14 June. Even if you're not going to be there to support me, support the other acts instead. It's a FREE gig with eight of the best current acts in Nottingham. I hear so many people complaining about the Notts music scene and how it doesn't get enough traction, but then they don't come to events like this. It'll be a good'n - hope to see YOU there.
Content Provider
How would you describe your music?
After five years of this band I've still not found a good way of describing our music. We lurch from indie-pop to heavy post-punk, often within the same song. No two songs are the same, for better or worse.
What was your reaction to the news you'd be playing the FSN final?
I was initially over-the-moon and then went into a panic trying to get out of a work commitment. That said, I would have risked unemployment to play Rock City.
What can the Rock City crowd expect from your performance?
It will be loud and noisy, but with some catchy choruses and the best bass playing you'll see in your life.
Why did you enter FSN?
I've been as a punter a couple of times and always been incredibly jealous of the amazing artists on that stage. The chance to also play Splendour would be the cherry on the cake.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
A slice of Radiohead, a dollop of Nirvana, a sprinkling of Foals, and obviously our bassist is a big fan of Flea from RHCP.
What Nottingham artists are you loving at the minute?
I think Do Nothing are brilliant and can't wait for their next material. I accidentally ripped them off with one of our songs called 'Yacht Rot'. I hope if they ever hear it they take it as flattery rather than consider it a legal matter.
What are your biggest non-musical influences?
As we took our name from a Stewart Lee book, we should say him. We went to one of his shows wearing our merch and spoke to him after about naming our band after him. He looked confused and slightly worried for his safety.
What's been the highlight of your career so far?
Releasing an album we are incredibly proud of last year. As an album purist, releasing that was a huge moment for me and no matter what happens now it's something that will exist forever.
Any last words for LeftLion?
Thank you to everyone that supports local music, whether that's going to gigs, buying the merch, or even just streaming. Time is the most valuable commodity and to spend it supporting artists find their way is so important.
Head to Rock City, Talbot Street, at 6.30pm on Sunday 14 June for Future Sound of Nottingham 2026.
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