Top 7 'Show-Stealing' Support Acts to listen to for discovering the next big thing on a budget this month. - Goh Ling Yong
We’ve all been there. The lights dim, a roar erupts from the crowd, and your favourite band walks on stage. It’s a magical moment, the culmination of weeks of anticipation and a significant investment in that precious ticket. But let’s be honest, in today's world, catching a big headliner can feel more like a financial decision than a fun night out. Ticket prices are soaring, and by the time you add in service fees, a couple of drinks, and that must-have tour t-shirt, you’ve spent a small fortune.
What if I told you there’s a secret to discovering the next big thing, seeing incredible live music, and getting way more bang for your buck? The answer is hiding in plain sight, printed in the smallest font on the ticket: the support act. These are the hungry, passionate, and often brilliant artists who play their hearts out to a half-empty room of people still queuing for beer. They are the future headliners, the next artists to dominate your playlists, and you get to see them for the price of a single ticket. It’s a strategy my friends and I, including Goh Ling Yong, have sworn by for years for finding fresh sounds without breaking the bank.
So, this month, I challenge you to change your concert-going habits. Arrive when the doors open. Grab a spot up front. Give that opening band your full attention. To help you on your quest, I’ve curated a list of seven absolute show-stealing support acts currently on the road. These are the bands you’ll be bragging about seeing in a tiny club "before they were huge."
1. The Velvet Daze
If you've been chasing the ethereal, sun-drenched vibes of Tame Impala but crave the driving, road-trip-ready pulse of The War on Drugs, then you need to experience The Velvet Daze. This four-piece from Manchester has mastered the art of creating lush, psychedelic soundscapes that feel both timeless and refreshingly modern. Their sound is built on layers of shimmering, delay-soaked guitars, a groovy and melodic bassline that does half the storytelling, and a drummer who knows exactly when to hold back and when to let loose.
On stage, they are a hypnotic force. Lead singer Julian Croft has a dreamy, reverb-drenched voice that floats effortlessly over the intricate instrumentation. They often perform against a backdrop of swirling, oil-drip light projections, turning their 30-minute set into a fully immersive audio-visual experience. It’s the kind of music that encourages you to close your eyes and just get lost in the sound. They’re not an aggressive, in-your-face band; their power is in their subtlety and their ability to build a powerful atmosphere from the very first note.
Currently opening for: Indie-rock giants Solar Echoes.
Pro Tip: Make sure you’re in the room for their standout track, "Mirage City." It starts with a simple, looping guitar riff and builds into a magnificent, sprawling anthem. Don't just hear this band; find a good spot where you can see the whole stage and watch how they weave their sonic tapestries together.
2. Chloë Astra
In an era of overproduced pop, Chloë Astra is a breath of fresh air. Armed with a synth, a loop pedal, and a voice that can shift from a vulnerable whisper to a powerful belt in a heartbeat, she is the quintessential modern solo artist. Her music falls somewhere between the melancholic introspection of Billie Eilish and the infectious, cathartic energy of Maggie Rogers. She builds entire worlds of sound live on stage, looping beats, harmonies, and synth lines into complex, danceable tracks.
What makes her a "show-stealer" is her incredible stage presence. It can be tough for a solo act to command a large stage, but Chloë does it with an understated confidence that is utterly captivating. Her lyrics are sharp, relatable, and often tinged with a digital-age sadness, covering everything from online dating to mental health. Seeing her construct a song like "Ghost in My Wi-Fi" from a single vocal line into a full-blown electro-pop banger is a masterclass in musicality and technology.
Currently opening for: Synth-pop darlings Neon Bloom.
Pro Tip: Many people first discover her on TikTok, but her live show is where the magic truly happens. Pay close attention to her footwork on the loop station—it’s like watching a musician and a dancer at the same time. You’ll leave with a newfound respect for the art of the solo performer.
3. Junkyard Sons
If you believe rock and roll needs to be loud, sweaty, and a little bit dangerous, then Junkyard Sons are your new favourite band. This no-frills power trio from Detroit plays a raw and gritty brand of blues-rock infused with the confrontational energy of punk. Think of the fuzzy, thunderous riffs of The Black Keys being channelled through the righteous anger of IDLES. There are no gimmicks here—just two guitars, a thundering drum kit, and a whole lot of soul.
Their live show is an explosion of pure, unadulterated energy. The chemistry between the members is palpable as they tear through songs about urban decay, working-class struggles, and finding beauty in the grit. The lead singer’s voice is a raspy howl, and the drummer plays with a ferocity that makes you fear for the safety of his kit. In a world of polished, pre-programmed performances, the Junkyard Sons are a thrilling reminder of what happens when three people get in a room and just make a glorious racket.
Currently opening for: Established rockers The Rusted Saints.
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy shoes. Even if you’re not a mosher, the sheer force of their sound will make you want to move. Listen for their signature track "Asphalt & Bone" and don't be shy—get closer to the stage to truly feel the raw power of their performance.
4. River & Rain
Sometimes, the most powerful performance is the quietest one. River & Rain, an Americana duo from the Appalachian Mountains, can silence a noisy, restless room with nothing more than an acoustic guitar, a mandolin, and their two voices. Their music is a masterclass in harmony and storytelling, evoking the haunting intimacy of The Civil Wars and the sparse, atmospheric beauty of early Bon Iver.
Their strength lies in their songwriting and their almost supernatural vocal chemistry. When Caleb and Jenna sing together, their voices intertwine to create a sound that is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Their songs are poignant vignettes of love, loss, and life in small-town America, delivered with a sincerity that feels incredibly rare. In their set, they create a bubble of quiet intensity that draws you in completely, making a massive concert hall feel like a cozy living room.
Currently opening for: Folk-rock institution Holloway Pines.
Pro Tip: This is the perfect "grab a beer and find a spot to lean" opener. Let their stories wash over you. Their ballad "Embers of July" is an absolute showstopper that will give you goosebumps. It’s a powerful reminder that you don’t need volume to have a massive impact.
5. Synthwave Samurai
Prepare for a journey back to the future. Synthwave Samurai isn't a band, but the pseudonym of a solo producer who creates immersive, cinematic electronic music. His work is a love letter to the 1980s, filled with pulsating arpeggiators, neon-soaked synth pads, and driving electronic drum beats. If you're a fan of the soundtracks from Stranger Things, Drive, or Blade Runner, you will be in absolute heaven.
What elevates Synthwave Samurai from a studio project to a must-see live act is the sheer spectacle of his performance. He’s surrounded by a fortress of vintage and modern synthesizers, and his entire set is synchronized to a stunning visual show of retro-futuristic animations and laser grids projected behind him. It’s a completely instrumental set, but it’s so engrossing and atmospheric that it tells a story without a single word. He is the perfect act to set the mood for a larger electronic headliner.
Currently opening for: Electronic duo Laser grids.
Pro Tip: Don't try to record the whole thing on your phone. This is an experience to be absorbed. Find a spot with a clear view of the screen and just let the audio-visual experience transport you. It’s the closest you’ll get to time-travelling to a sci-fi blockbuster from 1984.
6. Amara Soul
Get ready to groove. Fronted by the effortlessly charismatic Amara, this seven-piece neo-soul and R&B collective is the tightest band you’ll see all year. Their sound is a rich tapestry of influences, blending the silky-smooth vocals of Jorja Smith with the undeniable funk and swagger of an Anderson .Paak record. With a rock-solid rhythm section, a slick three-piece horn section, and Amara’s phenomenal voice, their music is pure, sophisticated joy.
On stage, they are polished, professional, and ridiculously cool. Every member is a master of their instrument, but they play with a sense of fun and interplay that is infectious. The grooves are deep and undeniable, making it impossible not to nod your head or start dancing. Amara herself is a captivating frontwoman, commanding the stage with a smile and a voice that can handle soaring ballads and funky jams with equal prowess.
Currently opening for: The legendary Groove Collective.
Pro Tip: Watch the bassist and the drummer. They are the engine of the entire band, locked into a telepathic partnership that forms the foundation for everything else. Their track "Golden Hour Haze" is the perfect introduction to their vibe—smooth, warm, and utterly irresistible.
7. Paper Tigers
Sometimes you just need to jump around and shout along to some catchy, high-energy tunes. Paper Tigers are here to provide that service. This band is at the forefront of the pop-punk and emo revival, delivering a sound that’s packed with the massive, distorted guitar hooks of Blink-182 and the earnest, heartfelt lyrics of The Story So Far. Their music is a potent cocktail of youthful angst, infectious energy, and undeniable fun.
Their live sets are short, sharp, and explosive. From the moment they hit the stage, the energy is at a ten and it never dips. They are experts at engaging a crowd, even one that has never heard of them, with calls for circle pits and singalongs. The band members themselves are a whirlwind of motion, spinning and jumping across the stage with infectious enthusiasm. They may write songs about being sad, but their performances are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Currently opening for: Pop-punk mainstays Summer's End.
Pro Tip: Arrive on time! Pop-punk openers often have very short sets (25-30 minutes), and you don’t want to miss a second. Their song "Basement Daze" is a perfect slice of nostalgic, anthemic pop-punk that will have you singing along by the second chorus.
Your Next Favourite Band is Waiting
The headliner is who you paid to see, but the support act is the bonus prize, the unexpected discovery that makes a good night great. By simply showing up an hour earlier, you open yourself up to a world of new music and get to witness the raw hunger of an artist on the rise. At the Goh Ling Yong blog, we're all about smart discovery, and there is no smarter or more rewarding way to find new music than this.
So, next time you go to a show, beat the queues, get in early, and give that first band a chance. You might just find your next obsession.
Who are the best support acts you’ve stumbled upon at a concert? Share your incredible finds in the comments below and let's build the ultimate new music watchlist together!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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