Existing in a city rich in culture and arts, ALTESCAPE thrives off Birmingham’s healthy and thriving alternative music scene. As the birthplace of heavy metal, music has and continues to be the city’s underacknowledged lifeline. This is not only a guide to our favourite local artists, bands and venues, but also a deep dive into the hidden pockets of alternative talent in the city, and of course, why you need ALTESCAPE.
Picture this:
A thick layer of frost coats the city of Birmingham, biting cold air envelopes the city, you’re heading to your manufacturing job in the dark and smoggy depths of Digbeth. It’s the 13th of February 1970, a day expected to be the same as any other, the eve of Valentine’s Day, and yet the world of music is about to change forever. You head to the local pub after work, and everyone’s talking about it. Those four brummie boys, local kids you grew up with, have released an album ‘Black Sabbath’ by Black Sabbath. Rich in darkness and evil depth, the self-titled album is about to start a revolutionary shift in music.
The first of its kind, spewing out a twisted sound with an enthralling satanic edge. Black Sabbath crawled out of the industrial smog of Birmingham, bringing their rough and tinged edges with them. Clawing in listeners with their hopelessly honest and pessimistic sound, Black Sabbath quickly landed themselves at the height of popularity, all the while pulling Birmingham onto the map as the birthplace of heavy metal.
Since that dreary day at the start of February 1970, the landscape of music changed forever, and finally, the outcasts, neglected and weird have a place to call their own.
The realm of the alternative encompasses a beautiful and vast selection of cultures and genres. Tainted from trying to fit in, people run the other way into the cherishing and welcoming arms of the alternative scenes. From pop-punk to grunge, from emo to heavy metal, the alternative blanket is a sanctuary for those evading the torturous mainstream.
As one of those people seeking refuge from the monotonous noise of mainstream pop, I found myself finding contentment in the sounds of My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and The Pretty Reckless. From that point onwards I have been on a journey of discovering and embracing alternative sounds, listening to and celebrating up and coming bands and artists, whilst attending more live shows than I could have ever imagined. ALTESCAPE is a tale of my journey, and along the way I have picked up like-minded individuals, my writers, all who find safety in the sounds of the alternative. Together ALTESCAPE is a platform for self-expression, and creative exploration. Meeting and connecting with growing musicians and music fans, ALTESCAPE shares opinions, and reviews; spotlighting new releases, live shows, and interviews.
This is why you need ALTESCAPE:
In the age of streaming, it’s easy to find new music, right? The algorithm does the hard work for you. But do you ever just want to find local bands, bands that you can go and see live at your favourite local pubs and venues. Those bands aren’t so easy to find via that nifty Spotify algorithm. ALTESCAPE should be your first port of call when you're craving some local alternative goodness. We make it our mission to find and spotlight some of Birmingham’s best upcoming musicians and artists. Through gig reviews, record reviews and interviews, ALTESCAPE values and showcases some of your newest favourite bands.
With that said, here are some of our Birmingham based/local favourites:
Heriot is one of the biggest and most exciting bands to come out of Birmingham in a very long time. Dragging themselves out of Birmingham’s local scene, Heriot are now signed to Century Media Records and find themselves touring with major metal acts such as Architects. Not only this, but Heriot have performed at major festivals including the likes of Download Fest and Hell Fest. A deviously dark, and hellishly intoxicating sound is birthed from this Brummie outfit. Following the footsteps of Sabbath, Heriot are carrying the city’s metal legacy onto bigger and better places. In fact, Heriot’s very own vocalist and guitarist, Debbie Gough has recently featured on American supergroup End’s latest album ‘Splinters from an Ever-Changing Face’.
Pip is a local favourite of ours; they toy with the expectations and constraints of set genres, with their music exhibiting genre-bending, and captivating sounds. Having released their debut EP ‘Are We There Yet?’ in early 2023, Pip is climbing the ladder of popularity, and it’s refreshing to see such a unique band being celebrated for their distinct and remarkable sound. Lucky for Birmingham music fanatics, Pip is constantly playing live shows in the area, whether that be at Deadwax in Digbeth, Muthers Studios or The Flapper.
Jazzcat is one of the freshest bands that we like to spotlight at ALTESCAPE. Having followed them since the start of their musical journey, it has been both exciting and emotional seeing them grow as musicians. Playing copious live shows in the city, gathering fans and friends at the hands of their beautiful indie sound and cheery personalities, Jazzcat are slowly but surely becoming one of Birmingham’s most exciting indie acts. In August 2023, Jazzcat finally released their highly anticipated debut single ‘Robyn’. With the track being a splendid introduction for the band, fans are now devouring the band’s newest single ‘Tea & Coffee’.
These are just a select few of Birmingham’s ever-growing and expanding music outfits. From hardcore metal to experimental indie, ALTESCAPE is here to spotlight and showcase Birmingham’s alternative talent- helping you find your next favourite band.
Not only is ALTESCAPE a space to find new music, but it is also a space to read about and reflect on some of your favourite live shows. Whether that be shows that you have missed and are desperate to hear about or shows that you attended and are just desperate to re-live.
Fans of bands, friends of bands, family of bands, the bands themselves, ALTESCAPE is the place to be for all things alternative.
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