Manilla Times

Manilla Times – as heard on BBC Radio 1 – are rising indie rockers known for their infectious anthems and high-octane live shows. Originating from small towns in Ireland and Wales, the band now calls Manchester home, with Jack McKelvey (vocals), Jase Watkins (guitar), Ollie Neave (bass), and Sean Wheldon (drums) at the helm. After a breakout 2024, including their Glastonbury debut and slots at The Great Escape and FOCUS Wales, Manilla Times sold out headline shows at London’s O2 Academy Islington, Paris’ Supersonic, and Belfast’s Ulster Sports Club. They kick off 2025 with their biggest headline show yet at Manchester Academy 3 on February 8. Recent singles including Mona Lisa and Third Time Lucky have earned spots on major Spotify playlists like Proper Belters and Fresh Finds UK & IE, as well as heavy rotation on BBC Radio 1’s Future Alternative, BBC Radio Wales A-List, RTE Radio One, XS Manchester, and Amazing Radio’s A-List. “You Down For It?”, the new single, released January 24th, is the first of many for 2025, marking a new direction for the band.