“We’ve got a **** tonne of music that we need to get out” – Acetate talk new music and festival slots.
Upcoming Leeds stars Acetate give us a fresh insight into the music world as they give us exclusive news on new music and festival slots as we discover what’s in store for the four piece indie band.
By James Spencer – 27th April 2026
The Leeds music scene has blown up over the past few years, providing some of the most exciting upcoming indie/rock acts who are starting to get the attention they deserve. Yard Act, The North and Gravy are fine examples of Leeds bands who are having major success across the UK.
With a “Furious blast of indie punk power”, Acetate appears to be no different, with surely a matter of time until the four pieces hit the next level of stardom. With influences ranging from the gritty Britpop culture of the ’90s to the anthemic indie rock of the 2000s, Acetate’s music is a passionate mix of driving rhythms, soaring guitars, and introspective lyrics.
“I think it was a drunk message… I’m trying to start a band; I’m going to take over the world” Acetate’s Oscar Biggar tells NME, as he takes us back to where it all began. “It started with my ex-misses, so she knew Ryan… He said I’m starting a band as well. And we need a guitarist and obviously that was my trade”
After 5 months of writing songs, jamming together and playing some covers, Acetate took the first big step, with their debut gig at The Key Club. Oscar reminisces on the gig saying, “I’ll never forget. It was on the day after my dad’s birthday, so I was absolutely hanging”. Acetate supported Gravy, who has had big success in recent years, supporting both The Pigeon Detectives and The North.
“It was literally a sellout. Everyone from Leeds, all your mates come down and we were like, F****ng hell, if this is what it’s going to be like every week, I’m doing this for my entire life”. Acetate kicked off their careers with a bang, filled with music lovers and the anticipation at an all-time high for the band’s friends and families. Oscar joked about the sell out, “it’s obviously been a decline since then.”
The work of promoters in Leeds has helped Acetate when it comes to live show opportunities; Oscar spoke a bit about one of their first support shows. “Yeah, that was a while. That was about a year and a bit ago. That was at the wardrobe, that was a nice little gig”. Acetate have moved on to work predominantly with This Feeling, having the huge honor of being a part of their Big In 2026 Album.
“They put you on like a showcase… whoever shifts the most tickets can headline”. Oscar speaks about their first shows with The Feeling, as they went on to headline Lending Room. “We managed to headline it, so we were buzzing with that… you’d start off supporting someone at, let’s say, Royal Park, which is 100 cap, and then you go and headline Royal Park, and then you go to support someone somewhere else, and it’s more like a ladder.”
Acetate has built great relationships with some top indie bands through this feeling, and the ladder system well put by Oscar. “The Cases, they did a gig in Leeds, and they literally messaged me saying, Like, obviously, now you part of this feeling. Can we stay at your house?” “We went on a little night out, had a couple of beers with them, they’re lovely lads and that, and then they come back to mine and stay at the house”
Despite the backlash promoters who have received over the past few years, This Feeling seems to be one of the few who really have the artists first. “I feel like you don’t really get that with other promoters. You get a proper sense of community at this feeling. They look after you”
When asked about their dreams and future with This Feeling, Oscar gave some exclusive news about a festival slot in the summer. “I don’t know if I can even tell you. We’ve got the offer through for Isle Of White”. This puts them in the footsteps of huge acts such as The K’s and Catfish And The Bottlemen.
“We’ve got a **** tonne of music that we need to get out… then we’re doing Chronicles of the Weekend, which is going to be another EP and then another EP after that.” Acetate looks ahead for what seems is going to be a huge year for the lads, with new music and huge festival slots.
They are a band you need to make sure you look for in 2026, there newest single “Back Of The Line” is out now on all streaming platforms.
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