daydreamers (Deaf Institute Manchester)
by Ross Keegan
The first time I walked into Deaf Institute was back in October, during NBHD Festival, to see a band I'd be following for a long time: Daydreamers. That wasn’t the first time I’d seen them. After Reading Festival and supporting Sea Girls on tour, it was far from the last. They embarked on their first headline UK tour, just 12 months after releasing their first single ‘Call Me Up’. The venue? None other than The Deaf Institute again!
Discovering Daydreamers was the first time I’d ever got into an artist before they’d released a single song — a discovery that opened up a whole world of discovering hidden gem artists and eventually led to the creation of The Music Guyde. I honestly owe a lot to Daydreamers. It’s artists like them that keep my passion for this alive.
This show ended up being a solo mission after a last-minute dropout, but there was no chance I was missing it. I arrived in time to catch the support act, and I’m so glad I did. Elle Coves completely blew me away — soulful vocals, addictive rhythms, and undeniable personality on stage. With the right production behind her, she’s going to be a name you hear a lot more of in years to come.
Then came Daydreamers. Opening with the shimmering, swirling Beach House — a classic move for them — they had the room in the palm of their hand from the first note. The set was packed with unreleased tracks, and even as someone who’s heard all of what they’ve put out, I was caught off guard in the best way. A special shoutout to Good Intentions — I’ve been listening to the 15-second TikTok clip on repeat all morning. We need it on streaming. Urgently.
Manchester showed up for this gig — the crowd energy was on another level. The whole room was jumping, sidestepping, and fully surrendering to the music during All I Ever Dream About. At one point, people were even getting on their knees for the band… for a song you rude humans. Get your head out the clouds — or don’t, it’s Daydreamers after all.👀.
There’s something so special about watching a band rise in real time, and Daydreamers are on that exact trajectory. With a summer stacked with festivals (including Truck Festival, where I’ll be lucky enough to catch them again), and an album on the horizon full of those unreleased bangers, this is a band you need on your radar.
Their first ever show? Not even 18 months ago. Trust me — if you’re into dreamy, summery soundscapes, heart-wrenching lyrics, and losing yourself in a room of people sidestepping in sync — grab a ticket and go and see Daydreamers. This ride is just getting started.