More than just the Arctic Monkeys: Here are Sheffield’s most underrated indie bands

Sheffield’s indie scene has produced some legends over the years. The Arctic Monkeys, Richard Hawley, Pulp, Def Leppard, and The Reytons all got started in our little corner of South Yorkshire.

And while Sheffield’s music scene has clearly birthed plenty of big names, there’s more to the city’s sound than just those stars. With a menagerie of great music venues, Sheffield is the perfect place for music fans to discover new bands and have a great night out. Just under the surface, a whole range of underrated bands are quietly making their mark. Here are Sheffield’s most underrated indie bands.

  Marples                                   

via @marples___ on Instagram

Named after the Marple Hotel on Fitzalan Square which was destroyed during the Blitz, they carry the city’s heritage in every note.

The band started at open mic nights around Sheffield and has since gone on to perform in venues such as the Leadmill, Network and Sidney and Matilda. With a new single on the way, they’re aiming to take their sound to more cities beyond Sheffield and attract audiences from a wider region, with one of their favourite venues beyond Sheffield being The Dublin Castle in London, Camden. Stay tuned – and check out their new single coming soon.

The Bad Actors

via @thebadactors on Instagram

Most Read

A Love Is Blind deleted scene with Marissa and Ramses has released and it’s just sad

Revealed: The number of MAFS UK 2024 couples still together has apparently leaked

Netflix has finally revealed who pays for the Love Is Blind weddings

The Bad Actors are impossible to miss, thanks to their signature flashy orange suits. But there’s more to their look than just standing out – the band states that the vibrant outfits send a clear message: “They don’t take themselves too seriously”. This theme continues into their music with their new high-energy track Roswell, a playful and unique song written about uncovering an alien conspiracy.

They can often be found playing in West Street Live which they describe as a “rite of passage” for all up-and-coming bands based in Sheffield. 

Feral Family

via @FERALFAMILYUK on X

Feral Family, who first started playing together as teenagers in their guitarist’s bedroom 12 years ago, are currently putting the finishing touches on their newest EP. Their songs remain deeply personal, carrying the unmistakable Feral Family sound they’ve all come to recognise as their own. The band’s personal favourites include This Side of Me, Sold, and It’s All Us, each showcasing the unique indie qualities that define their music.

Their current goal is to generate enough cash through gigs and merch to go fully self-funded. With their sights set on sustaining their passion and keeping the music flowing, they are determined to keep doing what they love.

Cinematics

via @cinematicsband on Instagram

Having their sound described as “awkward and abrasive”, the band embraces this compliment, blending experimental synths with raw, shouty vocals to create something fresh.

With each new track, they continue to push their creative boundaries and carve out a unique place in the indie scene. In their favourite, and latest single, Everything is Nothing the band thrives in small but quirky and active venues and has also played the iconic Leadmill as support. Keep an eye out for their upcoming shows in venues around Sheffield in the future for a memorable night out with some great music.

Sunburst

via @_sunburstofficialband on Instagram

Sunburst first came together through Tracks, a charity that helps young people develop their musical talents. With the later addition of their bassist, the band has been successful in having already headlined the Leadmill Steel stage.

Inspired by icons like Oasis, Johnny Marr, and Led Zeppelin, their sound is a perfect mix of classic indie rock energy with a modern twist. Their debut single, Too Far Too Fast, has just been released and has already begun to pick up traction, making it clear that Sunburst is off to an electrifying start in the production of their original music.

Featured image via @steelcitysnaps on X