W: William Jackson
Manchester has always been a city built on musical legacies, but for Alternative Rock outfit ‘What Will Be’, the future isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about embracing the elemental forces of sound.
Since their formation in 2019, the quartet—comprised of Bram (vocals/guitar), James (bass), JK (drums), and Chris (keys)—has been carving out a niche that feels both comfortingly nostalgic and vibrantly modern. Drawing deep from the well of early 2000s titans like Incubus, Deftones, and Alter Bridge, the band weaves anthemic rock riffs with the atmospheric textures of modern synths and piano.
"We’re an older bunch, nearing our 40s. We like to take the era where bands were massive 25 years ago and bring that into today’s modern sound."
The road to their current sound hasn't been without its hurdles. After their 2022 self-titled debut EP earned them slots on BBC Radio and a landmark headline show at Manchester’s legendary Night & Day Café, the band faced a major setback: the loss of their rehearsal space.
Rather than letting the momentum stall, they took the "last roll of the dice" mentality that inspired their name and built their own studio from the ground up. This DIY sanctuary has allowed the band to move away from their indie roots toward a heavier, more anthemic sound, all while maintaining total creative control.
"Our 'diva demands' are usually made to the sound engineer. We care a lot about how the music comes out on stage—it has to be right."
On February 6th, 2026, the band will unveil their most ambitious project yet: the ‘Primordial’ EP. A conceptual four-track journey, the record is inspired by the ancient elements of Wind, Water, Fire, and Earth.
Each track serves as a thematic pillar, ranging from the crashing resilience found in last September’s single ‘Tides’ to more tender, introspective moments. The creative process remains organic; Bram brings the spark of an acoustic melody to the group, and the band builds the fire together in their private studio.
"‘What Will Be’ are doubling down on their 'music-first' philosophy. With a 2026 UK tour on the horizon and a third EP already hitting the writing desk, the band is demonstrating that seasoned perspective beats viral trends every time."
Their greatest strength? A foundation of honesty and trust that only decades of friendship can forge. As they look toward the rest of the year, the mission remains simple: if they aren't on stage, they’re in the studio. For this Manchester four-piece, the name says it all—they’ve left it to fate, and fate is sounding louder than ever.