July 19th & 20th 2024, Chester, England
The New Rock City International Music Festival is a 100% fully independent, self-funded, grassroots festival that was started in 2022 by me, Stephen Moss. The goal I had when creating New Rock City was to create an annual platform for new and local bands worldwide. Here bands of any size can have the opportunity to travel to England and play in front of a new fanbase, regardless of their streaming numbers, etc. There are hundreds of festivals trying to book the same bands we all grew up listening to. New Rock City is different. Together, we are building a community that’s accessible for bands of any size to travel the world and share their music.
Written by Stephen Moss
This year was the third annual festival. I had 15 bands from three countries. The Lousekateers traveled the farthest, from New York City. They played an incredible set! In fact, one of my longest and most dedicated fans came up to me and said, “They were my favorite band you have ever booked!” The Lousekateers are along the lines of Ramones core / Oi Punk. They have a very infectious energy and even though this was their first time playing in England, the crowd was dancing along as if it was their 100th time seeing them live. This is certainly a band to check out.
The Lousekateers were one of 15 bands that played the festival this year. Other stand out bands included: Honeytalks, Homecoming, Hometruths, Call of the Void, Raging Clue, Death Trails, and Save Our Ships.
The bands that played were Punk, Pop Punk, Hardcore, Alternative, Emo, and things that fall under that umbrella. When booking bands, I try to get a variety. I never want the festival to be monotonous, with a slew of bands playing the same sound over the course of the weekend. There is something for anyone and everyone who loves discovering punk in all its glory!
In addition to England, I plan on bringing New Rock City back to the United States and I even have Canada, Scotland, and Germany in my sights.
This year I started a “street team” in the UK and I’m looking for likeminded individuals in other countries as well. The future is very bright for New Rock City. To keep up with all the latest news, bands, and even to get involved, follow along with all things New Rock City here: https://linktr.ee/NewRockCity
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