Kate Nash announced as Sound City 2026 headliner

Alongside 30 other emerging and established artists, chart-topper and BRIT School graduate Kate Nash has been confirmed as the Sunday afternoon headliner at Sound City 2026, as well as taking part in a Q&A as part of the festival’s conference.

Sound City is the first event of Liverpool Music Month, taking place in May throughout Liverpool City Centre. Nash has added her name to the list of female artists featured as part of the festival for Keychange – a global movement advocating for gender equality across the music industry. Nash will not only be performing at the festival, but also a contributing guest at the Sound City+ conference to discuss her journey through music and participate in a Q&A.

The Foundations singer is known for her contributions to improving access to the arts, supporting grassroots music and advocating for marginalised artists. Nash is also known for her controversial use of OnlyFans as part of her effort to fund her own tours – she has previously stated that she was making a financial loss on her concerts.

“We are thrilled to have Kate join us at Sound City, as one of the UK’s era-defining artists as well as someone who leads from the front on issues of gender equality, diversity and making careers in music sustainable, addressing injustice at every stage of her incredible career,” said Becky Ayres, managing director at Sound City. “Being discovered at the start of a digitised music era, signing a major label deal, enjoying chart success, pursuing a successful acting career in Glow and continuing to write, record and perform, she is an inspiration.

“Her set at Sound City will be unmissable for the songs and to witness an iconic British female artist at the height of her powers.”

Nash is one of over 30 acts that have confirmed to be performing at the festival across multiple city centre venues. Neo-soul rising star Marina Josephina — one of BBC Introducing’s 2025 Ones to Watch — will also be performing at the festival, as well as notable artists Brooke Combe, social media star Michael Aldag, Sam Fender-opener Charlie Noordeweir and The Molotovs.

Chicago indie five-piece CUSP will also be performing at the festival, as will award-winning Glasgow-based band Mercy Girl. Liverpudlian band Courting will also be returning home for the festival. Westside Cowboy, Jalen Ngonda and Keo will be headlining the festival.

The Sound City+ conference will include speakers such as The K’s frontman, Bowers, Becky Ayres, Alyx Holcombe from BBC Introducing, and Conrad Murray from SJM concerts, as well as other industry professionals, who will be discussing the various forces shaping the UK’s music industry at the BPI x Bowers & Wilkins Insight sessions.