April’s Emerging Showcase features Bristol based band Make Friends who bring their unique indie-pop sound to Bury for the first time. Support comes from local talent Kieran Arnold and Charlotte Kinsella.

Bristol-based band Make Friends were formed after being collectively inspired by the indie-dance-punk of early era Foals’ Antidotes, and melodic alt-pop of Bombay Bicycle Club. The band continue to bring their fresh take on modern indie music and their debut EP forged fan favourite Ellie, followed with a string of singles and a second EP in 2021.

Much of their work was written over various states of lockdown, which supplied a surprisingly creative climate for the band, with lyrics naturally gravitating towards tackling themes of isolation and mental health.

To date, the band have seen strong support from BBC Introducing in the West, with stand-out singles Falter and Fever receiving Radio 1 Airplay, culminating in Make Friends being selected for a live session at the esteemed Maida Vale Studios.

With the help of Ed Nash (Bombay Bicycle Club) at the helm as producer and co-writer, Make Friends began work on their Loaded Fun EP, released in 2024, and continuing to solidify their presence as frontrunners of the UK Indie scene. The EP received further support from Radio 6, BBC Introducing and beyond, with single Maybe Tomorrow being selected as part of their best of 2024 roundup, and lead single ‘Loaded Fun’ appearing on ITV’s FA Cup roundup.

A singer-songwriter from Radcliffe near Bury, Kieran Arnold blends indie acoustic rock with a Britpop feel. His music is often described as melodic and uplifting, with a nostalgic vibe.

Together with drummer Ben Robinson and backing vocalist Kerry-Ann Parkins, they perform a diverse blend of songs: Sick of the Sight of the City and Get Away show his ability to write catchy yet powerful Indie Rock tunes, The Place We Live display the cheeky observational side of his lyrics, while Forsaken Dreams and Dreams in the Dead of Night show his more emotional side.

Charlotte Kinsella (formerly Charlotte Mary), a country music songwriter from the north-west, has been writing for over a decade. Known for her “feisty country-soaked songs about love, breakups, and the assured swagger of a woman who knows it’s all about three chords and the truth”, Charlotte’s music blends classic country storytelling with a modern edge.

In recent years, Charlotte has performed all over the UK and across the Atlantic, including in North Carolina and Nashville. Her writing style is deeply inspired by the storytelling of Bruce Springsteen and the powerful vocals of Shania Twain. Her authentic lyrics and catchy melodies continue to connect with listeners, establishing her as a rising presence in the UK country music scene.