Liverpool Sound City 2016

Moving from debut single to Maccabees support-slot to major label record deal in little more than a year, The Big Moon are definitely one of the most hyped guitar bands in the UK right now. Deservedly so: the quartet’s output to date has showcased an innate gift for balancing melody and muscle, and they’re an absolute riot live to boot. Catch them tearing up the North Stage on Sunday.

If hearing one of the finest albums of 2015 recreated by a mini-orchestra sounds tempting – and, frankly, why wouldn’t it – head to Sam Shepherd’s set at The Baltic Warehouse on Saturday. On the same bill as the equally excellent Mount Kimbie and DJ Koze, the sometime-neuroscientist promises to send shivers up spines with exquisite live renderings of his classical and jazz-infused electronic suites.

Listening to him confidently trading verses with Skepta, it’s easy to forget that Novelist is still only 19. A Rinse FM regular since 2014, the Lewisham-born, MOBO-approved grime star was nominated for the BBC’s Sound Of poll in 2015, and has gone on to release strong collaborations with Chase & Status and Mumdance. Don’t miss his set on the North Stage on Saturday – he’s on before Young Fathers.