Inavision
Origin: Bath/Somerset
For fans of: Tom Misch, Anderson Paak, Mac DeMarco, Jamiroquai, Ezra Collective
Recently spotlighted on the Involving Music website, Inavision are quickly becoming an intriguing musical sway in the South West. Formed by Exeter musicians Jack Larkins and James Uzzell, the duo met while working at a music school and the project has been DIY to its core ever since.
Their sound blends R&B, soul, funk, jazz, rock and groove-based production into something warm, textured and rhythmically addictive. “Castles in the Sky,” played on BBC Introducing South West, earned praise for its Mac DeMarco energy and spacey palette and we agree.
Their debut EP Underground Session is packed with strong basslines and vocals, along with musicianship that’s both mature and experimental. Expect to see them stepping into the live scene soon and expect dancing.
Silk Cuts
Origin: Exeter, Devon
For fans of: Old-school indie, Indie pop, C86, Twee
Debut album: Tell Me It’s Not True (Nov 2025) – Freakscene Records
Exeter’s Silk Cuts are Exeter’s own awesome indie pop bands. Their debut album Tell Me It’s Not True dropped this month on Freakscene Records, pulling from C86 influences, indie charm and the warm yet engaging spirit of bands like The Pastels and Razorcuts.
They’ve been busy too, playing various launch shows and hosting a packed hometown launch show at Exeter Cavern on 8th November.
Their new album has already had fantastic support and positive feedback. Better yet, people can pick up their record in several beloved indie stores, including Drift (Totnes), Banquet (Kingston), Specialist Subject (Bristol), 12 Bar, and the Cavern Club in Exeter.
Butane Skies
Origin: Frome, Somerset
Latest release: “Wither” (Aug 2025)
On our radar: Featured in our November South West Sounds Spotify playlist
Blending 2000s emo, post-hardcore and symphonic rock, Butane Skies are carving out a heavy yet melodic niche in the South West. Their debut single “Wither” turned our heads with its piano-driven atmosphere, and emotional grit earning its well-deserved spot on our November Southwest Sounds Spotify playlist.
Formed at Frome College in late 2022, the band continues to grow, gigging across Somerset and Wiltshire, organising their own shows and building a scene for young artists who often struggle to find opportunities.
They’ve recently wrapped a double-weekender at The Tunnels (Frome), and next up is a show in Chippenham on Friday 28th November.
With a debut EP in the works and a loyal following forming, Butane Skies are on the rise!
Samantics
Origin: Exeter
For fans of: spoken-word energy, punk spirit, loop-based storytelling
Trying to describe Samantics is nearly impossible. The only real solution is to see him live. A one-man eruption of loop-pedals, ukuleles, bass, beats, piano, harmonies and rapid-fire poetry, Samantics pulls you head-first into his world of ADHD-charged, sharp storytelling.
Now in his 10th year as Samantics, he’s performed at Glastonbury, Boomtown, Beautiful Days and Bearded Theory, sharing stages with Frank Turner, The Sugarhill Gang and Goldie Lookin’ Chain.
We were lucky to see him live at the Devon Music Awards in January this year, and we were quite frankly, blown away.
His Cavern show this December promises sweat, chaos, poetry, humour and heart. Don’t miss it. We repeat: Don’t miss it.
Ollie Dixon
Origin: Exeter, Devon
Latest release: Rebirth EP
Recent highlights: Top 40 on Future Hits Radio, 10k spotify streams on “Oceans,” BBC Introducing SW support
Few South West artists are creating soundscapes as immersive as Ollie Dixon. His new EP Rebirth is a stunning step forward, merging acoustic intricacy, cinematic strings and ocean-like-moving songwriting inspired by the coastline he calls home.
Tracks like Solace and Oceans feel like stepping into another world, with Dixon’s unmistakable vocals sitting somewhere between Jose González, coastal folk and atmospheric indie.
What sets him apart is the storytelling: introspective, elemental and beautifully produced, with layers that reward repeat listening.
Recognised by BBC Introducing South West, celebrated on Future Hits Radio, and commanding impressive streaming momentum, Ollie Dixon continues to be one of the region’s most captivating artists.
