Plymouth City Centre
New Music 2026
Plymouth City Centre New Music is a new programme supporting emerging musicians aged 16–25 to perform, record, and release new music in the heart of the city.
Following a strong response to our open call earlier this year, eight outstanding acts have been selected by a panel of local music professionals to take part in the programme.
Delivered by Plymouth Culture, Plymouth City Centre Company and Plymouth Music CIC, the programme offers a development package that includes:
A paid live performance as a supporting act at the new perform spaces at the city centre
Professional recording and mixing of a single at DBS Studios
A release workshop to support artists in launching their music on streaming platforms
Mentoring and support from producer, songwriter and performer Grace Lightman
Their recorded track featured on the Plymouth City Centre New Music playlist
Meet the 2026 Artists
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Genre(s): Folk, Indie
South West England based indie folk, singer-songwriter, Bobbie Holland Theophile (known as ‘bobbieee’ online.) has an airy quality to his sound described as "relaxed but punchy." Combining the essence of Elliott Smith with the honest and relatable lyricism of other songwriters such as Phoebe Bridgers. Dashed with subtle hints of indie bands that Bobbie takes huge inspiration from, such as Radiohead, an atmosphere of pure emotion and vulnerability is worn on his sleeve with his music.
He self-released his debut album 'Dystopian Minds' in 2024, it blends the lines between indie folk and rock and dealt with themes of hope, family and change.The new era of a cleaner, refined sound is emerging with heartfelt songs such as 'Breathing' are released.
Performance: 01 August, 1pm, Old Town Square
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Genre(s): Indie, Rock, Electronic
Holloway is a shoegaze, indie rock band that is informed by a variety of influences from the different musical interests of its members. Their songs are often reflective and yearning in nature, with many stand-out tracks such as 'Sunburn', 'Plans To Make', and, most recently, the more upbeat addition of the single 'Babydarling'. Their sound is constantly evolving and experimental in its writing and production. Based in and around Plymouth, Holloway was formed at Devonport High School in 2019 when members Harry and Frankie started playing together in the music practice rooms.
Performance: 04 July, 1pm, Old Town Square
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Genre(s): Indie, Pop, Country/Americana, Upbeat, Original Music
Iris curates and creates music for those who feel deeply and often feel ‘too much’. Her music is rooted in her experiences of girlhood and transition into womanhood with themes of love, friendship and intimacy.
Her work has been compared to artists like Kate Bush, The Last Dinner Party and Mazzy Star. Daniel Pascoe, BBC Radio Devon presenter and host of BBC Introducing South West, described her first single ‘Modern Men’ as an ‘unreal introduction’ to the industry.
Performance: 08 August, 3pm, City Centre Amphitheatre
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Genre(s): Folk, Pop, Rock
My Name is Olly Skinner and I’m a folk/pop musician based in the Southwest! I started playing my own music in early 2024 and quickly became enamoured with Plymouth’s music scene. I loved how much variety there was. There was so much inspiration and available for me to now gather from each genre. I draw most of my inspiration from folk music but I often try to enhance my more abstract and somewhat solemn lyrics with a catchy and funky hook.
After playing many fantastic open mics nights, I was encouraged to start playing my own material. This enabled me to start taking my music more seriously and really push me into making a name for myself in Plymouth’s already incredible music scene.
Performance: 11 July, 3pm, City Centre Amphitheatre
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Genre(s): Folk, Pop, Upbeat/ Originmal Music
Hi I’m Ruby! I’m a singer, guitarist and songwriter at City College Plymouth. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember and playing guitar for around 18 months. I love all styles of music from Stevie Wonder to Taylor Swift but I mostly take influence from country, pop and singer-songwriters such as Lizzy McAlpine and Emily Ann Roberts.
I constantly feel inspired by watching live music and seeing how different artists can convey different styles and techniques to achieve such emotive responses from crowds. Everything from local pub performances up to stadium/festival level shows are influential to me. My goal in life is to deliver music that means something to someone and translates into something inspiring for them too!
Performance: 12 September, 3pm, City Centre Amphitheatre
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Genre(s): Indie, Pop, Rock, Upbeat / Original Music
Colour TV began in Cornwall, by accident. Jack Yeo’s melodic guitar work and Sam Durneen’s wistful storytelling present a rare and unmistakable marriage; James Elliott and Sean Goldsmith propel the sound with a vivid rhythm. Underpinning all of Colour TV’s music is a note of grief. But that’s life.
Singles including “Billy Pilgrim”, “Pavlova” and “You Treat This Place Like A Hotel” were championed by DJ heroes Steve Lamacq, Gary Crowley and John Kennedy. Colour TV are proud to have opened for Mystery Jets, Hamish Hawk and Mike Joyce of The Smiths, and in 2023 performed at the Isle of Wight Festival in the wake of their first national tour.
Performance: 09 May, 4pm, City Centre Amphitheatre
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Genre(s): Folk, Indie, Pop
The Other Woman are an all female, three piece dream pop band from Cornwall, UK, whose influences include The Cranberries, The Sundays, Cocteau Twins and Big Thief. The band has been riding the wave of their first album, “Eternally…”, released in February 2024, whilst performing at festivals such as Boardmasters from 2023-2025, alongside local festivals in Devon and Cornwall. Their much anticipated second album “All I’ve Ever Known” is set to release on the 27th March 2026, with singles “Do It Again”, “You’ll Break Her Heart” and “Let Me Go” gaining a great deal of traction on social media. Between carefully constructed drums, involved basslines, beautiful vocals & lyricism and ethereal yet raw guitar, The Other Woman are a breath of fresh air into modern music.
Performance: 05 September, 1pm, Old Town Square
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Genre(s): Indie
‘Sometimes you have to tell the story that wants to be told, instead of the one you want to tell’
Evelyn Shaw is a 17 year old A-level student living in Plymouth. Music has been a large part of her life for as long as she can remember. She uses it as a way to emotionally express herself and tell the stories that can’t be told with words.
This led to her start writing music just under a year ago. Evelyn is most inspired by her personal experiences, such as relationships and her Christian beliefs. Her style of music is mostly inspired by indie folk music, such as that of Amélie Farron. She writes songs as they come to her, as an expression of inner thoughts and feelings.
Evelyn has been performing since she was old enough to take part in the annual family talent show. Alongside singing in school choirs, she started learning trumpet in year 7 and has since taught herself guitar and piano. She also regularly performs in school musicals and is a member of a local youth theatre company.
Evelyn was delighted to be selected and is very excited to be part of this experience!
Performance: 13 June, 3pm, City Centre Amphitheatre
Live Music in the City Centre
Get ready for a summer of new sounds in the heart of Plymouth. From May to September 2026, these exciting emerging artists will take to the stage for a series of Saturday live performances in Plymouth City Centre.
Each act will perform a 30-minute supporting set followed by other performers you can check here.
Mark the dates in your diary and come along to support the next generation of Plymouth musicians as they bring fresh energy, original music and unforgettable live performances to the city centre all summer long.
This programme is supported by:
