On Friday, 18th October, The Night Owl in Digbeth hosted a spectacular Indie Night, showcasing some of Birmingham’s finest emerging indie talent. The night, organised by Chris Beswick and Jacob Bishop Productions, delivered a thrilling array of performances from Purple Liar, The Skeme, Gazza’s Midnight Nuns, and Mac Wood. This event was a celebration of grassroots indie rock and the thriving local music scene as well as talent from further afield.
Memorable Performances from Birmingham's Creative Quarter
Mac Wood
Opening the evening with an intimate acoustic set, Mac Wood delivered a performance that was both raw and heartfelt. As an artist who wears his emotions on his sleeve, Mac captivated the audience from the moment he started playing Bon Iver’s "Skinny Love". His ability to balance delicate guitar work with deep, emotional vocals set the tone for the evening.
Mac’s setlist didn’t stop at covers—he brought his own original material to the stage, including the introspective track "Sour". With its haunting lyrics and melodic guitar lines, the song showcased his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level. Another highlight was his acoustic take on Los Campesinos’ "Knee Deep at ATP", which revealed a gentler, more contemplative side to his sound.
Fans of Mac Wood were treated to a mix of classic indie acoustic covers as well, with his rendition of Foo Fighters’ "Everlong" offering a stripped-back, emotionally charged version of the iconic song. His performance was a perfect opener for the night, drawing people in with its intimate vibe while showcasing Mac Wood’s ability to leave a lasting impact on the audience.
Set List:
Skinny Love - Bon Iver Cover
Sea
Everlong - Foo Fighters Cover
Knee Deep at ATP
Los Campesinos
Sour
Ordinary Word - Green Day Cover
Remember the times?
You can follow them through the links below to never miss a beat
Gazza’s Midnight Nuns (now Elysium)
Bringing a shift in energy, Gazza’s Midnight Nuns—soon to rebrand as Elysium—stormed the stage with a mix of grungy indie rock covers and compelling originals. already making waves on the local circuit, the group demonstrated what they had to offer.
Their performance was a blend of nostalgia and modern indie sounds, kicking off with a cover of Nirvana’s "Heart Shaped Box", which immediately grabbed the audience’s attention. Known for their ability to seamlessly shift between genres, they followed up with a funkier vibe, delivering an infectious cover of Modjo’s "Lady". This ability to blend grunge with danceable beats makes Gazza’s Midnight Nuns stand out in the indie scene.
However, it’s their original material that really showed their potential. Tracks like "Realise" and "Factor 50" revealed their knack for writing catchy indie rock hooks, while maintaining the gritty, raw energy that defines their live performances. With tight musicianship and undeniable chemistry on stage, it’s easy to see why they’ve gained a loyal following.
Notably, their track "Chicken Little" added a unique twist to the set, bringing a heavier, more experimental edge to their sound. As the band transitions into their new identity as Elysium, they are set to build on their success, with more original music and exciting performances on the horizon.
Set List:
Realise
Chicken Little
Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana Cover
Factor 50
Lady - Modjo
Coffee Shop
You can follow them through the links below to never miss a beat
The Skeme
Banbury’s very own indie rockers, The Skeme, brought high energy to the stage with their blistering set. Formed in 2017, this four-piece outfit—featuring Ben (Vocals & Guitar), Glenn (Guitar), Jake (Drums), and Tom (Bass)—delivered a dynamic mix of covers and original material. Influenced by Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, and The Libertines, their sound channels the raw energy of early 2000s indie rock with a modern twist.
Their set included the title track from their new EP "Premonitions of Yesterday", as well as indie anthems like The Strokes’ "Juicebox" and Arctic Monkeys’ "From the Ritz to the Rubble". Confident, polished, and full of swagger, The Skeme are a band that know their sound and know how to work a crowd.
Set List:
Juicebox - The Strokes Cover
Premonitions of Yesterday
I Can’t Sleep - The Las
Untitled
X-ray (*transition*) - The Maccabees Cover
Reality Shifter
From the Ritz to the Rubble - Arctic Monkeys Cover
Dagger in your Heart
Bang Bang You’re Dead - Dirty Pretty Things Cover
Time for Heroes - The Libertines Cover
Tempting
You can follow them through the links below to never miss a beat
Purple Liar
Closing the night, Purple Liar fused indie rock with alt-pop, performing hits like Jet’s "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" and Amy Winehouse’s "Valerie". Their originals, such as "Safety Pin" and "Move", had the audience hooked, leaving a lasting impression of their infectious energy and charisma. The set ended on a high with a cover of Goo Goo Dolls’ "Iris", which had the entire crowd singing along.
Hailing from Nottingham, Purple Liar are a female-fronted indie band with an infectious sound and undeniable stage presence. Known for their funky guitar riffs and DIY ethos, they write, record, and produce all their music from bedrooms, crafting songs that are both fresh and authentic.
Their track "Bad Attention" gained notable attention after being featured on BBC Radio, even snagging Song of the Week in their local area. The band’s recent support slot for Circa Waves in Leicester has only solidified their reputation as a band to watch. If you missed them at The Night Owl, you missed out on their standout originals like "Safety Pin" and their lively cover of Jet’s "Are You Gonna Be My Girl". With more music on the way, this is just the beginning for Purple Liar.
Set List:
Safety Pin
Bad Attention
Move
Are you gonna be my girl? - Jet Cover
Valerie - Amy Winehouse Cover
Lost cause
Hot N Cold - Katy Perry Cover
Everlong - Foo Fighters Cover
(*Intro jam*)
5 Colours in her hair - McFly Cover
Iris - Goo Goo Dolls Cover
Fake It
Matador
You can follow them through the links below to never miss a beat
The Future of Birmingham’s Indie Scene
Indie Night at The Night Owl proved to be a hit—it was a celebration of the vibrant indie rock scene that’s growing in the Midlands. With Purple Liar, The Skeme, Gazza’s Midnight Nuns, and Mac Wood all delivering outstanding sets, the night was a reminder of the depth of talent in the UK’s unsigned music scene. Promoted by local champions Chris Beswick and Jacob Bishop Productions, this event showcased the best of new indie.
What’s Next?
Keep an eye on these bands—Purple Liar, The Skeme, Gazza’s Midnight Nuns, and Mac Wood—as they continue to push the boundaries of indie music in Birmingham. With events like this, it’s clear the city remains a hotbed for raw, authentic talent.