October’s Emerging Showcase features AtticOmatic and Cottons.

Brighton’s AtticOmatic resists easy definition and quite literally dances on the edge of simplicity and discord.

Each one of their five members weaves together threads of jazz, post-punk, hip-hop, folk, and electronica.

The energy of their live shows resonate with a shared understanding of the pain and beauty of this world.

Cottons is an alt-pop collective made up of frontman Charlie, bassist/vocalist Rick, guitarist/vocalist Jasper, and drummer Jack.

The band’s origins trace back to their first year at university, where two of the members crossed paths at an open mic event, sparking the formation of the band. Since then, Cottons has garnered praise from Radio X, XS Manchester, BBC Introducing, and Amazing Radio. After finishing 2025 with a huge sold out gig in Manchester, the group have focused on writing new material to release later this year.

Manchester’s By The Waves deliver a visceral blend of dark psychedelia and unforgiving dynamics.

The seasoned four-piece create music with gravity, transitioning from the known into a landscape of heavy melody and cinematic storytelling.

Their diverse live history spans from the atmospheric intimacy of Sofar Sounds to the expansive energy of outdoor festivals, commanding any room with a setlist designed to shift perspectives.