Manchester rock band Westside Cowboy are positioning themselves as an antidote to constant digital connection, with only one member owning a smartphone and a stated wish to perform to audiences without phones in view. Their approach matters because the fast-rising group see imperfect, energetic live music and direct human contact as a response to what they regard as an overly online, AI-driven culture.

Formed around friendships at the Royal Northern College of Music and Manchester’s local gig scene, the four-piece have quickly built momentum since releasing their debut EP last year. They have won Glastonbury’s emerging talent competition, supported Geese in Europe and appeared on Later… with Jools Holland; their debut album, *It Goes On*, is due on Island Records on 21 August. The band favour stripped-back rock instrumentation, avoiding synths, click tracks and AI, and argue that audiences increasingly value genuine, fallible performance.