Heard It Here First

This week, Keira sits down with rising UK indie band Televised. From their formation to the stories behind their latest releases, the band open up about building momentum, navigating today’s music industry, and what’s next.

Sharp guitars, big ambition, and a real look at the grind behind the buzz, this is one for anyone watching the future of British indie.

You heard it here first.

They’ve built a fanbase without releasing a single song. Is this the new blueprint for breaking a band in 2026?

XL Poncho join Heard It Here First to discuss building an audience through viral covers, stepping into live gigs, and preparing to release their first original music.

We talk TikTok growth strategy, online buzz vs real-life crowds, and what it takes to break through as a new UK band in 2026.

If you’re interested in emerging artists, indie music, and the future of music discovery, this episode is for you.

This week on Heard It Here First, Keira sits down with Liverpool indie band The Balla to talk about their latest single “Paris” and their rise within the UK grassroots music scene.

We dive into the story behind Paris, their songwriting process, building momentum on the Liverpool live circuit, and what it takes to stand out as an emerging UK indie band in 2026.

From British guitar music influences to the realities of breaking through as an independent artist, this episode is a must-listen for fans of new UK indie music and rising alternative bands.

If you’re looking to discover the next wave of Liverpool talent, you heard it here first.

What does it really take to run an independent music magazine in 2026?

In this episode of Heard It Here First, I’m joined by Darci Jackson (co-owner of Dizzy Magazine and music journalist) to talk about the current state of music journalism and the role independent media plays in shaping the industry.

We discuss:

• How Dizzy Magazine was built

• How journalists discover emerging artists

• TikTok vs traditional music press

• Whether streaming numbers actually matter

• The sustainability of independent publications

• What makes an artist stand out long-term

If you’re an indie artist, aspiring music journalist, or interested in how the music industry really works behind the scenes, this episode gives honest insight into modern music media.

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This week, Keira sits down with rising UK indie band Chest ahead of their new EP never really here (out February 27th).

The band unpack the real-world moments that inspired their latest single, from the LA wildfires to the aftermath of the Trump assassination attempt in 2024, and why they pair high-energy, almost euphoric instrumentals with lyrics rooted in unease.

We talk Radio 1 & 6 Music support, festival stages like Latitude and Wild Paths, headline shows in London and Norwich, and whether something is building again in UK indie right now.

A conversation about chaos, culture, and a band on the rise.

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This week on Heard It Here First, Keira sits down with rising UK band Roulette to talk about being personally picked by Only The Poets for Battle of the Bands — and what that co-sign meant at this stage of their career.

The band also dive into their latest single “Out of Luck”, sharing the story behind the track, how it came together, and the reaction since release.

From industry backing to building momentum as an independent band, this episode gives an honest insight into what it really takes to level up in the indie scene.

🎧 Stream “Out of Luck” now

🔔 Follow Heard It Here First to discover the next wave of indie artists before they blow

“Live music shouldn’t be a luxury” — Only The Poets join Keira for Episode 25, diving into their mission to champion grassroots venues and uplift unsigned artists.

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Heard It Here First is back for 2026! We’re joined by Shannon Gillespie for one of our most chaotic (and fun) episodes yet. No rules, no script — just great energy, big laughs and a conversation that went completely off the rails 🎧✨

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It's release day for 'Big Light' and we've got the incredible Pippa Crossland with us for episode 23! She chats about her song writing journey, the stories that inspire her, and her ultimate dream dinner party lineup.

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We’re back and buzzing! This episode features one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands, Arkayla. Join Keira as she dives into fresh music, massive shows, and the band’s vision of their dream festival.

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