Spencer Hughes
Spencer Hughes is a freelance writer specialising in indie, punk and folk music. He has contributed to NME since 2019, with bylines also appearing in the Guardian, Pitchfork, Billboard, NPR, Stereogum, Bandcamp and more.
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Sister Ray: Canadian star reimagining traditional folk music for today
By paying tribute to their Métis background, this boundary-breaking artist is carving out a unique place in contemporary indie-folk

Mandy, Indiana are the beating heart of Manchester’s DIY scene
The band's upcoming debut album glows with experimental, urgent post-punk that champions resistance and chaos

Babyfang: Brooklyn indie-punks finding joy in the midst of the apocalypse
The trio discuss what it means to make their fierce ambition a reality, and the sense of community that powers their profound debut album

Meet Me @ The Altar – ‘Past // Present // Future’ review: imaginative pop-rockers stake a place in the scene’s future
Previously associated with pop-punk, the trio turn their sights to another much maligned genre, treating it with a curiosity that creates pure magic

Wednesday: fearless gang behind one of the year’s defining rock albums
On 'Rat Saw God', the North Carolina band capture being young in all its wild excitement and challenges

Scowl: hardcore’s hottest breakout band reflect on their whirlwind year
With fans in Hayley Williams and Post Malone, the Santa Cruz rockers have blazed a defiant trail through West Coast hardcore

De’Wayne – ‘My Favourite Blue Jeans’ review: say hello to a new rock’n’roll powerhouse
The LA-based rocker's vibrant personality – and sheer willpower – makes for a new nuanced, thrilling character on the scene

Pinkshift: Baltimore trio on the verge of becoming pop-punk’s next big stars
After their single ‘I’m Gonna Tell My Therapist On You’ unexpectedly blew up in 2020, the three-piece ditched med school to pursue their dreams — and their debut album proves they made the right choice

Miloe: Minnesota-based indie-pop star paying tribute to his Congolese heritage – and Coldplay
The DR Congo-born, Minneapolis-based artist is hoping to inspire his listeners after delving deeper into his cultural heritage on his new EP 'Gaps'

Soccer Mommy – ‘Sometimes, Forever’ review: nuanced and purposeful songwriting
Sophie Allison combines intensely confessional lyrics with her pop-minded melodies

Porridge Radio – ‘Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder To The Sky’ review: a bittersweet sequel
The Brighton band continue to prove themselves uniquely compelling

Warpaint – ‘Radiate Like This’ review: 2010s titans mark their return with joy and playfulness
This comeback is a tribute to what you can accomplish when creating with people you love