In the world of live music, the headliners are always the stars. They’re the ones who sell out arenas, top the charts, and dominate the airwaves. Their names are synonymous with success, and their shows are the ones that make the front page. But behind every major concert, festival, or tour, there’s another group of artists that deserve your attention—the undercard acts. These are the rising stars, the hidden gems, and the raw talents that may not yet have the global recognition of their headlining counterparts, but whose performances are every bit as electrifying.

Undercard artists are often where the true spirit of live music lives. They bring passion, creativity, and a level of vulnerability that headliners sometimes can’t afford. For concertgoers who take the time to explore the bill beyond the main act, these performances can be eye-opening, offering a refreshing break from the mainstream and an introduction to the next big thing in music.

In this essay, we explore why undercard artists are so crucial to the live music experience, highlight some incredible talent that you should see live, and discuss how catching these artists early can enhance your concert-going adventures.

What Makes Undercard Artists Special?
Undercard artists, by definition, perform before the headliner. These acts are often in the spotlight for a fraction of the time and don’t necessarily have the same resources or exposure as their more famous counterparts. However, it’s this very position that allows them to be some of the most exciting performers at any given show.

One of the primary reasons undercard artists are so special is their hunger. Without the comfort of fame or recognition, these artists give everything in their performance. Every song is an opportunity to prove themselves, every lyric an invitation for the audience to connect with them on a deeper level. They often experiment with their sound, trying to push boundaries and engage their audiences in new ways. This fearlessness in performance can create some of the most memorable moments of any live event.

Moreover, many undercard artists play with a raw energy and authenticity that is often absent from the bigger, more polished acts. While headliners may have a setlist they’ve rehearsed to perfection, undercard artists have the freedom to surprise the crowd, improvise, and engage in moments of real connection. It’s in these smaller sets that you may witness a truly unforgettable performance that stays with you long after the show is over.

Undercard Acts: The Launching Pads for Future Stars
Attending an undercard artist’s performance is like discovering a secret. Often, the undercard acts of today are the headliners of tomorrow. Many of today’s biggest stars—whether in rock, pop, hip-hop, or indie music—once had to fight for attention on the smaller stages. It’s easy to forget that names like Billie Eilish, Chance the Rapper, and The Weeknd all started in relatively modest venues before finding mainstream success.

The beauty of seeing these acts before they “make it big” is that you get to experience them in their purest form. When they step onto that stage, they aren’t constrained by the weight of expectations or fame. They can perform freely, unburdened by the pressures that often come with success. This authenticity can be rare to witness once an artist reaches the spotlight, and it’s precisely this unfiltered performance that makes undercard shows so special.

Artists You Should See Now: A Few Standout Undercard Acts
While the beauty of discovering an undercard artist can be a personal experience, there are some acts that have been gaining traction and are well worth catching before they become household names. Below are a few undercard artists you should make an effort to see live:

1. Phoebe Bridgers
   Phoebe Bridgers has quietly built a dedicated fanbase over the past few years. Known for her hauntingly introspective lyrics and folk-inspired sound, Phoebe is someone who pours her soul into every performance. What makes her stand out is the raw vulnerability she brings to her live shows, with every note resonating with the deep emotion behind her songs. Before her meteoric rise, she was a staple on the indie scene, and now, she’s gaining the recognition she deserves. Seeing Phoebe live in a smaller venue will allow you to connect with her music in a way that feels intimate and special.
2. Arlo Parks
   Arlo Parks has become one of the most promising new voices in indie and alternative R&B. Her soothing vocals, paired with her poetic and relatable lyrics, have struck a chord with fans around the world. As an undercard artist, Arlo’s performances have been lauded for their emotionally moving delivery and the space she creates for her audience to feel understood. Her live sets are intimate and powerful, and witnessing her before she takes over the charts is something every music lover should prioritize.
3. IDLES
   If you haven’t heard of IDLES, it’s time to change that. This British punk rock band has been making waves with their ferocious live shows that combine political commentary with cathartic music. They’ve built a reputation for putting on some of the most exhilarating and energetic performances in rock today. While their status is growing, they’re still finding their way into the undercard slots of major festivals and tours, and catching them live in these settings allows you to experience their unrelenting passion firsthand.
4. Smino
   Smino’s blend of alternative hip-hop, funk, and R&B has made him one of the most exciting underground artists in the rap scene today. His live shows are an embodiment of his creativity, with a mix of vibrant energy and intricate, smooth flows. For fans of music that pushes the boundaries of genre, Smino’s performances are an immersive experience. Catching him early, before he’s selling out arenas, will give you a chance to see one of hip-hop’s rising stars at the peak of his talent.
5. Tame Impala (Early Days)
   Before Tame Impala became the global headliner known for their psychedelic, synth-driven pop hits, they were an undercard act in the festival circuit. Today, it might be impossible to see them in a small venue, but for those who were lucky enough to catch them before their rise, it was a truly unforgettable experience. Their early performances were full of discovery, blending rock with electronic elements in ways that hadn’t been done before. This is the magic of undercard artists: they have the potential to redefine genres, and seeing them live in their formative years offers fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Why Seeing Undercard Artists is Worth the Investment
So, why should you spend your time attending a smaller act’s set when the headliners are the ones everyone’s talking about? There are a few compelling reasons:

1. Discovery
   As we’ve seen, undercard artists are the breeding ground for the superstars of tomorrow. Being an early fan of an artist before they break through the mainstream can give you a sense of ownership in their success. It’s a thrill to say, “I saw them before they were big!”
2. Fresh Experience
   While headliners play the hits, undercard artists are often more experimental and willing to take risks. They’ll debut new songs, try new arrangements, and perform with a sense of freedom that makes the show unpredictable and unique.
3. Intimacy
   Undercard performances are often smaller, allowing you to experience the artist up close. This intimacy makes the connection between the performer and the audience feel more personal. There’s a level of trust and energy exchange that can’t be replicated in larger venues.
4. The Thrill of Being Part of a Movement
   When you discover an artist on the rise, there’s a special feeling that comes with being part of their journey. The experience of seeing them perform before their global domination feels like a secret you’re in on, and that camaraderie with fellow fans is something that’s hard to match.