What is 2ube Xtra?
2ube Xtra is Liverpool's biggest free music festival, held at LIPA every spring. Across a series of nights, our third year music students perform live at the Paul McCartney Auditorium, collaborating with students from different courses to create incredible high-production shows. Expect dancers, string sections, on stage sets, and most importantly great music from some of Liverpool's most exciting emerging artists.
You can explore our 2026 line-up and find out more about the artists performing by selecting their profiles with our interactive lineup tool below.
Week 1
17-23 April
Chloe Aaliyah
Friday 17 April, 6pm
IMAN
Friday 17 April, 7pm
Connie Kate
Monday 20 April, 5pm
rebexa
Monday 20 April, 6pm
Pevova
Monday 20 April, 7pm
ALBA FM
Monday 20 April, 8pm
Sophia Criddle
Tuesday 21 April, 5pm
thea
Tuesday 21 April, 6pm
Heather McCorkle
Tuesday 21 April, 7pm
ISSIE
Tuesday 21 April, 8pm
La Jiba
Wednesday 22 April, 5pm
Fifi Tal
Wednesday 22 April, 6pm
Scarlett Rosetta
Wednesday 22 April, 7pm
Ilsa
Wednesday 22 April, 8pm
Baglo
Thursday 23 April, 5pm
SpotlessMind
Thursday 23 April, 6pm
Jamie Beth
Thursday 23 April, 7pm
Lila Holler
Thursday 23 April, 8pm
ALBA FM
ALBA FM epitomises what it means to be pop. Accompanying her live performances with colourful Zines, purple bows and a mean girl's dress code, ALBA FM demands her audience to explore her world, to give into the sparkles and allow themselves to have fun. Reinventing the y2k attitude and making it her own ALBA FM reminds us of exactly what it is to be an entertainer.
Listen to their latest track Dressed for the Job here:
Baglo
Embracing the “modern vintage” and whimsical femininity, Baglo is like an 1980s grandma having a fever dream. Originally from the north of Norway, the Liverpool based artist mesmerise audiences through unique vocals and a dramatic stage presence. Influenced by artists like Kate Bush, Michael Jackson and a-ha, as well as video game music, she aspires to take Synth-Pop & Art-Pop to the next level. Performing alongside Toby James Barker (tbiius), the two of them also make up the writing & production duo Baglo/Barker.
Currently, they are preparing for Baglo’s 1st single release - out spring 2026!
Chloe Aaliyah
Chloe Aaliyah is a tenacious Pop/R&B artist and songwriter from London, known for her percussive melodies, infectious hooks and upbeat, feel-good sound. Her music blends polished Pop with latenight R&B, resulting in songs that are bold, memorable and instantly engaging. Chloe delivers crowd-engaging sets that are fun, distinctive and dynamic. Her shows encourage audience participation and create a confident, uplifting atmosphere. Recognised early on through multiple scholarships, Chloe quickly established herself as a standout songwriter, going on to write across rap, pop, indie and R&B for a diverse range of artists. Her songwriting is a key strength, combining confident lyrics with strong, memorable melodies.
Connie Kate
Connie Kate is a singer-songwriter from London, currently based in Liverpool. She captures the experience of growing up through her songs, from everyday life to love, heartbreak, and personal reflections. Her music ranges from intimate, acoustic indie-pop songs performed on guitar to fuller, band-driven tracks with an occasional soulful-pop edge. Inspired by older artists like Alanis Morissette, Carol King, Olivia Dean, Maisie Peters and Sabrina Carpenter. Connie ’s songwriting blends relatable storytelling with catchy melodies… and maybe a little oversharing!
Check out their latest release Unconfident here:
Fifi Tal
Fifi Tal is a London-born singer-songwriter based between Liverpool and London. Blending modern pop-rock with emotional depth, her sound is inspired by artists such as P!nk and Paramore, combining powerful vocals with honest, melodic songwriting. An emerging UK artist, Fifi is developing her solo project as both a recording artist and live performer. Her music is vocal-led and story-driven, exploring themes of personal growth, resilience, and self-expression.
Check out their latest release This Man here:
Heather McCorkle
Inspired by musicians such as Chelsea Cutler and Vance Joy, Heather McCorkle is a 22 year old singer-songwriter from Plymouth, Michigan, now based in Liverpool, UK. A lyricist at her core, she loves infusing indie folk with pop elements. McCorkle hopes to create music that is calm and meaningful, like a walk through a sun-lit forest. McCorkle’s latest project, “Happened from a Heartbreak” is a 9 track EP released in November 2025. It’s an EP about love, loss, and everything in between. This project signifies a genre shift for McCorkle into a more synth pop era. You can find McCorkle in the nearest coffeeshop, on a walk in the park, or at the local cat cafe.
Check out their debut album Happened from a Heartbreak here:
Ilsa
Funk, jazz, pop, and big-band energy collide in Ilsa’s vibrant, feel-good sound. With jazzy vocals, tight grooves, and infectious hooks, Ilsa blends modern funk with classic flair. She currently has three singles available on all streaming platforms, a summer tune called ‘Lemon-Cello’, and two jazz numbers ‘Gingerbreadman’ and ‘Partying Ain’t My Style’ from her Holiday EP Gift Wrapped. More music is on the way—this is just the beginning.
Check out their single Lemon-Cello here:
IMAN
IMAN is an aspiring singer/songwriter, originally from London, and now developing her sound in Liverpool. Inspired by a range of artists such as Lady Gaga and Mimi Webb, IMAN strives to create diverse, fun music that encourages people to get up and let loose. Her music ranges from ballads to upbeat electronic pop, and promises to be inclusive to all.
ISSIE
ISSIE is a California-born, UK-based singer-songwriter blending modern soul and jazz-inflected pop through intimate, songwriter-led performances. Hailed as “one of the most soulful new voices in the UK” (QH Magazine), her work draws comparisons to Olivia Dean, Lianne La Havas, and Joy Crookes, firmly rooted in contemporary soul/jazz. A songwriter first and foremost, ISSIE has collaborated with Jim Reilley, Alex Apolline, and Franklin Jonas, and written at Julia Michaels’ Between the Lines camp in Nashville and Zonkey Studios in Austria. Alongside her studio work, she has built a consistent live presence across the UK. With her debut project scheduled for release in 2026, ISSIE continues to establish herself as a distinctive voice defined by craft, authenticity, and cross-Atlantic industry experience.
Jamie Beth
20 year old upcoming north east artist, Jamie Beth, writes, records and performs indie pop songs; finding her genre in combining indie instrumentation with pop-princess-esque vocals and lyrical themes to create a fresh new strand of female indie pop. With plaudits from BBC Introducing, Amazing Radio, Tyneside Radio and Spark Sunderland Radio, her previous single 'Don't Change My Mind' was selected as 'Track of The Hour' on BBC Radio Newcastle and reached Number 1 in Future Hits Radio top 40. Jamie perfectly epitomises female northern grit. Jamie's next release, 'Paradise', is a demo style, poetic, love song.
Check out their latest single Credits Rolling here:
Lila Holler
Lila Holler is an indie-pop musician and songwriter who finds inspiration in her nomadic upbringing across the US. Lila's sound blends folk-pop intimacy with alternative edge. Her music is a journey through the landscapes of self-discovery, inviting listeners into a world where every song feels like the soundtrack to their own story.
Check out their latest release Monster here:
Scarlett Rosetta
Carrying the essence of the southern seaside wherever she goes, Scarlett Rosetta takes to her guitar to share the folklore behind her citrus curls and ‘60s inspiration. Performing in many of the South’s iconic music venues, Scarlett is continuing her musical journey in the city of Liverpool, where she never fails to strut the streets in need of song alongside her charming band. With a vintage feel, timeless voice, and eclectic wardrobe, Scarlett Rosetta stands out, proving that the waters of modern folk are still full of movement.
Check out their debut EP High Tide here:
Sophia Criddle
Sophia Criddle is a Pop Soul singer-songwriter based in Liverpool. Sophia blends elements from many different musical styles into one, creating a unique fusion of musical ideas and draws inspiration from many influences, such as Olivia Dean, Sammy Rae and Couch. Her music ranges from fun, playful lyrics to deep and personal messages conveyed through catchy hooks and intricate melodies.
Check out their latest release here:
SpotlessMind
SpotlessMind is an emerging 5 piece dreampop/shoegaze band based in Liverpool, England. Specialising in creating a dreamy, immersive atmosphere, their music is the original work of guitarist and singer Dylan Powell who began creating music in 2021 by channeling painful feelings and emotions into songs. Other members Linus Westwood, Jasper Melville, Max Ng and Robert Nesbit have enhanced the live sound and helped to steer the project in the direction of shoegaze. Influenced by alternative rock and bands like Slowdive, Lush and Current Joys, a mix of live drums, drum machine samples and reverb drenched guitar loops help create the nostalgia and atmosphere that defines his sound.
Check out their latest EP Forever Dreaming here:
thea
thea is a 22-year-old artist and songwriter from Norway, currently based in Liverpool, where she studies Songwriting and Performance at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). Her debut single “Somewhere to Land”, released on August 15th, 2025, quickly made waves—landing on major Spotify editorial playlists. That same day, she performed her original songs live for the first time at her debut concert in Norway.
Just a couple months later, thea followed up with her second single “The Woman I Am” on October 3rd, which earned her first radio play on BBC Introducing, and her first feature in the Scandinavian music magazine Puls. Influenced by artists like Adele, Sigrid, Griff, and Gracie Abrams, thea creates a sound that blends Nordic influences, rich melodies, and layered harmonies, moving between intimate acoustic ballads and uplifting pop anthems. With her honest songwriting and heartfelt vocals, thea continues to carve out her sound and story—one song at a time.
Check out their recent release here:
Pevova
La Jiba
rebexa
Week 2
24-30 April
Owen Doherty
Friday 24 April, 5pm
Spaghetti Westerns
Friday 24 April, 6pm
Frida Solveig
Friday 24 April, 7pm
Roscoe Street
Friday 24 April, 8pm
Maggie Storm
Saturday 25 April, 3pm
Sofía Hidalgo
Saturday 25 April, 4pm
Domestic Partners
Saturday 25 April, 4pm
Milhouse
Saturday 25 April, 5pm
The Tusks
Saturday 25 April, 6pm
TERE!
Saturday 25 April, 7pm
Mariona Mir
Saturday 25 April, 8pm
Andrea Bye
Monday 27 APril, 5pm
On_Poem
Monday 27 April, 6pm
Maya McConnell
Monday 27 April, 7pm
Heather Dolly Jones
Monday 27 April, 8pm
Joseph O'Brien
Tuesday 28 April, 5pm
Rachel Dawson
Tuesday 28 April, 6pm
Kit Coldstream
Tuesday 28 April, 7pm
Dan Napper
Tuesday 28 April, 8pm
Emily
Wednesday 29 April, 5pm
MAGGIE MAE
Wednesday 29 April, 6pm
Emily Rhodes
Wednesday 29 April, 7pm
Millie Ady
Wednesday 29 April, 8pm
YÒSÓLÁ
Thursday 30 April, 5pm
FATBABY
Thursday 30 April, 6pm
Shooting Silver
Thursday 30 April, 7pm
Laventum
Thursday 30 April, 8pm
Heather Dolly Jones
Heather Dolly Jones is a 20-year-old singer/songwriter from South Wales. Dolly pairs warm, theatrical melodies with intimate lyrics to craft sweet folk-pop songs. Her inspirations include artists such as Laufey and The Beatles.
Listen to their latest track My Love
Andrea Bye
Andrea Bye is a 21-year-old Norwegian singer/songwriter based in Liverpool who makes music for those who like a sprinkle of jazz in their pop. Her music blends infectious pop melodies with a wide rage of genres like R&B/Jazz and funk, creating a sound that is both unique and compelling. Writing and performing her own songs, she brings a fresh and eclectic perspective to the music scene. Her talented band brings depth and energy to every live performance. Andrea is currently playing gigs around Liverpool and is working towards releasing music in the new year
Domestic Partners
Domestic Partners is an experimental musical trio consisting of a pianist/singer, a synth player/saxophonist, and a drummer. Known for loud, chaotic, highly unpredictable shows, taking influence from post punk, death metal, avant-jazz, classical and everything in between, there is no one genre or scene they can be pinned to. The abrasive, chaotic sounds of the synth and vocals combined with the sweeping “obscene jazz piano chops” and drum parts all work together to make an unforgettable, extremely energetic live experience. They’ve become one of Liverpool’s most intriguing new acts - strange, frantic, and brilliant in equal measure.
Check out their debut single here:
Emily
Emily are a Liverpool based band that are inspired by singer-songwriters like Gracie Abrams, Adele and Florence and the Machine. Bringing storytelling to life through music, the band create a pop/pop soft rock vibe.
Check out their latest release Blame Game here:
Emily Rhodes
Emily Rhodes is an emerging singer-songwriter from Lancashire. She is currently based in Liverpool, in her final year at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Her music has been described as “infectious, heartfelt, country-pop” with “catchy lyrical hooks, delivered with a warmth that welcomes the listener into her world”. With the release of 'Weirdos' in 2020, Rhodes’ music featured regularly on BBC Introducing, and she was shortlisted for Radio 1’s Live Lounge Introducing competition. Most recently Rhodes has performed at Liverpool’s Jacaranda and The Ferret in Preston. Working with a four-piece band, Rhodes is looking forward to releasing her next single 'Red Button' on 25th February. Similar artists include Jade Bird and CMAT.
Check out their latest release Red Button here:
FATBABY
Deployed worldwide to spread the fat riffs, fat beats and fat bars, FATBABY secure the tuneage through their intense blend of UK garage, grime and hardcore punk. Forged out of a Liverpool/Manchester music scene coalition, their vast crossing of boundaries geographically has inspired a stereo mix like no other group of 5 guys could probably do, cus when it’s Defcon 1 at FATBABY HQ you know D-SWRV and the crew are ready for anything.
Frida Solveig
Messy, beautiful and bursting with emotion, Frida Solveig ain’t nobody’s role model. Instead, she is one of Liverpool’s most fiery and passionate singers. The physical embodiment of “oomph!”, Frida encapsulates the life of a teenage woman as she sings her way through a world of obstacles and heartbreak. She started her journey in the Southeast of England, where she was first inspired to play piano by Elton John. As time went, she focused on vocal training and regular live performances to become the powerhouse singer she is today. She is currently a student at the world-renowned LIPA, with an upcoming EP soon to release. Frida seeks to create ‘over emotional’ songs, with a focus on lyrics that go from the thought provoking to the funny, from the interesting to the relatable. Watch out, if you’ve heard her voice then it’s already too late...
Check out their latest release What Am I To Do? here:
Joseph O'Brien
Joseph O’Brien is performing at the 2ube Xtra festival Tuesday April 28 th in LIPA’s own Paul McCartney Auditorium. His style of music is best described as singer / songwriter infused with the lyrical, structural and harmonic essence of the 1960s, taking inspiration from musical giants of the era such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones while portraying a much more mellow, easy listening vibe similar to the heartfelt works of Nick Drake and early Bob Dylan. While he takes up keys and lead vocal duties, his band features drummer Tom Marrow, bassist Charlie Holden, rhythm guitarist Max Robinson, lead guitarist George Baldwin and backing vocalist and percussionist Emily Witham.
His band (including Joseph himself) is comprised of several members of Beatles Complete, one of the UK’s most successful and well-known Beatles tribute bands, their sixties style of playing lending itself perfectly to Joseph’s vintage approach to both songwriting and arrangement, aided only further by his backing vocalist Emily being an artist in her own right, releasing music which also captures the zeitgeist of the 1960s. Four tracks that feature in Joseph’s varied 2ube Xtra setlist are set to be released in the form of a four-track EP in the summer of ‘26.
Kit Coldstream
If you're missing those 70s rock bands and romantic love ballads, then Kit Coldstream is the new artist for you! With a style reminiscent of the piano rock sound that resembles artists like Billy Joel, Queen and The Beatles, his sound fills any stage, any room, anytime and anywhere! Be sure not to miss him!
Laventum
Laventum is an emerging 4-piece alternative rock band from Liverpool. Through carefully crafted lyrics, riffs, and melodies, they capture the sound of the late 90s and early 00s, all the while with an air of existentialism and cynicism. Laventum formed while at university and between the members draw from various backgrounds of music, with key inspiration for frontman David C Foster being Radiohead and Muse, naturally driving the sound towards these styles. A Laventum set traverses through various styles within the genre of rock as the band often fleets from confining to one specific subgenre, creating a set full of energy as well as emotion.
Check out their latest release Regressor here:
MAGGIE MAE
MAGGIE MAE is an alternative-pop artist who has been writing and gigging as an independent artist for over five years. Her career spans from intimate, acoustic settings to stand-out, electrifying performances with her songwriting always at the forefront. Maggie’s lyrics focus on raw emotion and vulnerability, and she showcases these with powerful vocals and electric arrangements, a dark and edgy undertone.
Mariona Mir
Mariona Mir is a 21-year-old soft-pop singer-songwriter from Barcelona, now based in Liverpool. She crafts her sound through catchy, melodic hooks and intimate, vulnerable lyrics, carried by the warm, expressive presence of her guitar. Writing about relationships, nostalgia, joy and the search for meaning in everyday life, Mariona creates emotionally honest songs that feel both personal and relatable.
Drawing inspiration from artists such as Ashe, Shawn Mendes, Oques Grasses and Julia Michaels, Mariona Mir continues to shape a contemporary pop sound rooted in authenticity. While grounded in vulnerability, her music remains colourful, optimistic and empathetic. With new releases on the horizon, an exciting year lies ahead, and her purpose remains simple and powerful: to carry love to listeners around the world through her music.
Check out their debut release Ets Tu here:
Milhouse
Fronted by Rob Clewer, Milhouse bridge the gap between the British Invasion of the 60s and bands of the modern day, drawing on every band on the way, from The Kinks, The Cure, Blur and beyond – to name a few. The band describe their sound as “Northern Grit”. Alongside Rob, Milhouse features Dave Briscoe (lead guitar), Richard Ford (bass), Tony Ballantyne (keyboards), and Aaron Jones (drums). Together they bring a new energy to the idea of a rock band, with pianos, organ solos and thunderous guitar solos, right down to delicate acoustic moments – as heard in the most recent single “This Night”.
Check out their recent releases here:
Millie Ady
Millie Ady is a vibrant singer songwriter whose signature sound is a fusion of folk and rock. Her unguarded lyricism makes for gut-wrenching honesty and her melodies are floaty but hard hitting. Her talent lies in writing rousing anthems oozing with passion and punch, as well as charming acoustic tunes. Taking inspiration from Lorde and Paolo Nutini, Ady merges edgy mod-pop writing with the warm character of folk to make for a set packed with nostalgia.
Check out their latest release Lean In here:
On_Poem
On_poem is a singer-songwriter drifting between South Korea and UK,writing her music the way one keeps a diary. In Liverpool, she learned the rough, breathing pulse of a live band sound, and from it draws music shaped by raw feeling and many wandering genres. Rooted in the spirit of indie bands, her songs do not hurry to explain. Instead, they ask, linger, and leave behind a small, open space where listeners can sit with their own thoughts.
Check out their latest single Love Is here:
Rachel Dawson
Rachel Dawson is a country-pop, singer-songwriter and guitarist from Guernsey, with influences such as: Taylor Swift, The Shires, Ward Thomas and Carrie Underwood. She has been performing live for almost a decade now and has just released her 9th song on streaming platforms, ‘What a Shame', with more releases to come! Her transparent and thought-provoking lyrics take the listener on a personal journey along with some fun lyrics and melodies to dance along to. She has a pure voice and focuses on being natural and true to herself.
Check out their recent release Nashville Guy here:
Roscoe Street
Roscoe Street have quickly become the noisy, "good-time" soundtrack of the North-West. Formed in late 2023 the six-piece bring a funk-rock flavour to the indie space. Their electric live shows quickly led to sell-out success in Liverpool and Manchester, culminating in a Wychwood Festival Mainstage Slot in June 2025. Keen to bring the party to new audiences, in September 2025 Roscoe Street embarked on an entirely independent UK tour, bringing their live set to student houses. The "Houseparty" tour was widely regarded as the most fun anyone could remember, and really sweaty. Sonically, the band balance high-octane performance with genuine musical craft, combining punchy energy with well-honed musicianship.
They take inspiration from modern funk icons such as Tom Misch and Parcels and bring it into a Saturday Night context. If the grooves haven't got every pair of feet moving, half saxophonist, half hype man Felix Wood makes a bouncing crowd non-negotionable. Their fourth single, "Sunbleached" was released in September of 2025 and was embraced as another student anthem, described as "real mastery of conveying the reckless abandon of youth; the love, the chaos, and the pure, celebratory hopefulness is captured perfectly. It’s the antidote to the aching knees of adulthood."
Listen to Sunbleached here:
Shooting Silver
Bringing an eclectic sound that blends 90s Alternative Hip-Hop and upper East-Side grit (despite them all being middle-class white boys from the middle of nowhere, at least they’re self-aware). Shooting Silver get you dancing. Their lyricism comes from a genuine place of distaste for the current global state of affairs, they're angry and you should be too! They’ve got high-energy, old-school scratching, off kilter samples and fast paced rap that channels anger into some childlike joy that we all deserve. These dozy bozos will jump about for half an hour and sing their little songs whether you like it or not. Buy a ticket, they're free.
Sofía Hidalgo
ECHOES is a performance that comes from nostalgia, love, wonder, and serenity. It consists of 30 minutes of emotional and cinematic music composed and performed by Sofía Hidalgo. With Sofía on piano, alongside a violinist, harpist, cellist, and surprise guests, this all-female band is ready to connect with the audience and make you feel part of a movie. With inspirations such as Hans Zimmer, Ludovico Einaudi, and Tony Ann, the music of ECHOES will transport you to a different world. A world of reflections, memories, and stories. Are you ready to hear the ECHOES?
Check out their latest release here:
Spaghetti Westerns
Spaghetti Westerns are a Liverpool based pop act formed in 2025. Paolo Del Castillo (Main Vocals & rhythm guitar) & Colin Griffis (Main Vocals & lead guitar) met in late 2023 and instantly started writing and working together. Later down the line Teresa Castrillo, Aaron Dallat and Patrick Selway-Morrison joined the band, and with that, they completed the look and sound of the group (Teresa - Main Vocals & Keys, Aaron - Bass, Patrick - Drums).
Although Spaghetti Westerns make modern pop music, their music often draws inspiration from older rock and funk acts, such as Prince, Nile Rodgers and Fleetwood Mac. Their music is fun, upbeat and ideal for parties. Their style draws on the classic Spaghetti Western film look embodying it throughout their visuals, cover arts, outfits and stage design.
Check out their debut release here:
TERE!
Carrying the essence of alternative rock wherever she goes, TERE! is a Spanish 20-year-old queer singer-songwriter based in Liverpool. Suffocated by female rage, her immense stage presence and edgy flamboyant style is shaped by artists such as Joan Jett, Olivia Rodrigo and Hayley Williams. After her success on social media with her single 'Ojalá Te Acerques Tú' , the artist holds over 5,5 million streams on digital platforms and over a million followers. Following her first independent national tour in Spain this year and a career with more than 5 years of experience, the artist prepares for the release of her debut album 'NO MORE MANNERS' , out in 2026
Check out their recent releases here:
The Tusks
The Tusks are a 4-piece rock band based in the Liverpool area. They blend sounds from the 90’s and 00’s rock and indie scenes and perform electric and high energy live performances. Their music references a range of different artists, such as Kings of Leon, Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, and The Strokes. Their music has a vintage feel but incorporates a modern twist, keeping their songs fresh and exciting, yet still familiar.
YÒSÓLÁ
London based singer-songwriter YÒSÓLÁ blends soulful R&B music with the vibrant rhythms of afrobeat to create her own unique sound. Her powerful vocals and emotionally resonant lyrics are enough to draw you in as she explores themes of heartbreak, betrayal and empowerment. A graduate of The Brit School, she uses her training and experience to connect with the audience. Influenced by artists like Tems, Qing Madi and Lauren Hill, Yosola fuses genres and cultures that are both personal and universally relatable. As a rising artist she continues to learn and push boundaries so she can better inspire and connect with people worldwide.
Owen Doherty
Maggie Storm
Dan Napper
Maya McConnell
Week 3
1-8 May
Amelia Lummis
Amelia Lummis is a London-born, Liverpool based alt-rock/alternative/emo singer-songwriter. She writes songs about mental health, love and heartbreak with meaningful yet sardonic lyrics full of angst. She is releasing a demo concept album this Spring called If Looks Can Kill, which explores her experience with an eating disorder. Her music takes inspiration from noughties emo bands including Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and Panic at the Disco.
Check out their original track Die Inside here:
Blue Like Violet
Blue Like Violet are a Liverpool-based group taking inspiration from 1970s classic rock bands such as Aerosmith, CCR and Foghat to recreate a nostalgia that reignites the past. Bringing elements of bluesy guitar, organ, and powerhouse vocals, Blue Like Violet creates a heavy sound with a whole lotta soul.
Check out their song Second Best here:
Broadsheet Speak
‘Broadsheet Speak’ is an alternative 5-piece outfit from Liverpool. Formed in 2023, the group combines unconventional song structures with the idiosyncratic, intimate lyricism of Lewis Gray and Sean Doody. Their carefully-crafted rock pieces weave between tense instrumental builds and crashing textural climaxes, culminating in a dramatic and dynamic sound. Inspired by anti-folk, indie and the London Windmill scene, their live shows and EPs have gathered them a cult following for their stylistic intensity.
Their performances have been described as: “...a dizzying display of musicianship that offers an insight into a band that blindingly radiates potential, and could very well prove to be the next critical darlings of the indie scene.” -Vinyl fantasy reviews 2025
Check out their live EP You Beat Me Up here:
Colin Griffis
Colin Griffis is a singer-songwriter/guitarist/producer from Tucson, Arizona. In October he released his debut album ‘Boy’ where he pulls from the abrasive guitars of pop punk, the sentimental bearings of folk, and the poppy punchy chorus’ of the 80’s. He is currently continuing the cultivation of his sound into the genre he is coining as “Southwest Emo,” where he continues to push himself artistically.
Check out their debut album Boy here:
SPLINT-R
Hyperpop-punk trio SPLINT-R fuse distorted riffs with glitch-driven, experimental production. Their sound bridges the raw immediacy of pop-punk with the futuristic edge of electronic pop, channeling the chaos of 21st-century adolescence into sharp, high-energy anthems. In 2026, SPLINT-R will release two more singles and a spring EP, aiming to expand their audience across the UK through live shows and online growth.
Check out their latest release Late To Class here:
The Double Nines
The Double Nines are a high-energy Metamodern Indie Rock band with a global edge, featuring members from the USA, South America, Europe, and Asia—all converging in Liverpool, UK. Their sound fuses poetic lyricism, theatrical performances, and electrifying melodies, delivering synth-driven soundscapes like The 1975 with the anthemic hooks of The Killers and The Smiths. Recently featured on BBC Introducing Live at the legendary Cavern Club, as well as Liverpool Noise and Bolton FM’s “Foster the Music,” the band has been making waves in the indie scene.
Check out their recent release here:
The Nocturnal
The Nocturnal is an emerging post-punk/goth rock band based in Liverpool. They are known for a dark wave sound reminiscent of The Cure and Joy Division. The band features Izzy Watkins Thomas on vocals, Adam Stowell on Guitar, Bea Lloyd on Bass, Isabella de Kock on Drums and Taylor Belinski on Keys
Check out their recent single release Girl Blend here:
Colourwash
Alice Jacobsen
2ube Xtra 2026 Playlist
Looking to discover exciting new artists to see live at the festival? Or simply need a soundtrack to get you in the mood?
Our official 2ube Xtra 2026 playlist features a selection of music from some of the artists who are performing at this year's festival. It's got everything from pop bangers to groovy jazz, to dreamy shoegaze to high-octane punk, so whatever your vibe, you'll discover something that finds a permanent spot in your daily listening.
2ube Xtra Second Stage
Alongside the main festival, LIPA Management students are hosting our official 'Second Stage' in the LIPA Canteen. There will be live music from first and second year music-student artists, and a brand new music industry conference, featuring speakers from Sound City, Music Futures, Scruff of the Neck and many more.
Tickets to these events are free, and can be booked via the same website by selecting the relevant dates and times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, although 2ube Xtra is free, you do need a ticket to get in. You need to book a ticket for each individual day that you want to attend the festival, this is so that we can manage capacity and make sure that everyone is safe. To do this, go to the ticket page here, click the 'Check availability' button, and select the date and time you would like to book for. This includes tickets for the 2ube Xtra Conference.
There will be some tickets reserved for the day of the show to allow people to attend without booking in advance, but please note that if you don't book in advance, your entrance can't be guaranteed, and you may have to leave the venue and re-queue in between the acts to prioritise advance bookers, so we highly recommend booking in advance.
Book tickets here2ube Xtra is held here on the LIPA campus, with most events taking place in the Paul McCartney Auditorium. For all events, the entrance is on Mount Street, through the doors with the big archway that reads 'Liverpool Institute and School of Art' and pillars on either side.

As you enter the doors into the Paul McCartney Auditorium will be directly in front of you. For the events in the Bar or Atrium area, turn right before the PMA entrance and go down the stairs (this will be clearly signposted).
Yes! The LIPA Bar will be open throughout the festival, and will serve a range of beers, wines and soft drinks. Please note that neither the LIPA Bar or LIPA Canteen will be serving food, and that food and drink can't be brought in to the Paul McCartney Auditorium.
Large items, including instruments and cases, or bags and suitcases above A4 size will not be allowed into the venue. Please leave these at home, or check them at the cloakroom.
Eating and drinking is not permitted inside the venue, but you can do so in the bar area downstairs (this will be clearly signposted).
Please keep your personal belonging with you at all time. Unattended items may be treated as suspicious and could be removed or disposed of by our security staff or authorities.
The Paul McCartney auditorium, atrium, and canteen are also all wheel chair accessible with a wide lift up to the second floor and no ledges or steps for wheels to get over.
Throughout the performances there will be flashing lights and loud music. Ear plugs or headphones are recommended to people who might be sensitive to loud noise.
