So 2017 is nearly over and what a year it has been, I have been to some brilliant gigs and I have interviewed some fantastic bands. I’ve managed to choose my top 10 bands I have seen this year, it’s been hard to choose but I’ve managed to choose.


1. Scott Bugg and The Vital Few
I had heard about these before and I finally got to see them live when they supported Jake Bugg on his solo acoustic tour. Although it was just a trio of Scott, Ashley, Brett they were amazing and I can’t wait to see the whole band live again. They are hugely talented and are one to look out for in 2018.
2. Jersey Budd
Come on if you know me well then you would have knew there was no drought this name would crop up in this list. A singer songwriter from Leicester, Jersey is brilliant! His voice is fantastic and he always puts on a great gig. You never leave one of his gig without.
3. Gazelle
I found out about these towards the end of 2016, I was lucky enough to see them live twice this year, once as a support act and once at their own headline gig and they haven’t disappointed. A more recently new band to the scene but already making huge musical waves.
4. The Flavelles
I found out about these at the beginning of 2017 by a friend, I got to see them perform live twice this year and they didn’t disappoint, they have a lot of talent and are a great bunch of lads. They may not have a lot of experience behind them yet, but seeing them play live proved that what they do have is a knack for performing.
5. The Tangents
These guys are fantastic! I first got to see them live in Leicester last year. I got to see them play in Nottingham at the beginning of 2017 the gig was also full of their family and friends which made it even more special. I also got to see them twice later on in the year on their tour. They always get the crowd going and are three great guys.
6. Racketeers
A new band I found earlier this year and have not disappointed me with what I have heard so far. Their debut EP is fantastic! It’s an energetic and well recorded little treat you’re sure to enjoy. They are a band to keep an eye out for in 2018.
7. The Chase
Another band I discovered this year, they are a great bunch of lads with a lot of talent. I had heard a few of their tracks before I went to see them live and I loved what I had heard. Seeing them live was a treat they have a lot of energy with is infectious, they are a fun and talented band to watch. A great bunch of lads and a great band to listen to and I’m sure Liam Gallagher would agree.

8. Cable and the bay
A three piece band from the Wirral in Liverpool made up by Jonny, Leon and James. A new band to the scene with bags of talent and who have a slightly different sound to other bands. Three of the nicest and funniest guy’s you will ever meet! They are worth checking out.

9. Viyellas
I have been a fan of the band for a while, the striking aspect about this band is their passion for the music they make. There is something so special about this band, every time I hear them they get better and better.

10. Mountainjam
I discovered MountainJam through a friend who sent me a link to their stuff, and wow I’m so glad my friend told me about them. The band’s debut 10 track album ‘You’ve Got Yours Where’s Mine’ shows how good this band are. Your ears will undoubtedly adore every track on the album from MountainJam, according to my friend they are seriously one of the coolest and talented bands around the Midlands.

By Siân Parker