High Hopes: The Arena-Ready Anthem Makers of Modern Rock

High Hopes is a British rock band known for crafting anthemic, guitar-driven music that blends classic rock energy with modern production. Formed in Manchester in 2012, the group achieved mainstream success with their 2018 debut album, which charted in the UK Top 20 and spawned several certified singles.

Early career

The band's founding members, vocalist/guitarist Liam Vance and drummer Owen Clarke, began writing songs together while studying in Manchester. After solidifying their lineup with bassist Maya Reed, High Hopes self-released their first EP, Signal Fires, in 2014, which garnered attention on local alternative rock radio stations.

This early buzz led to a support slot on a UK tour for a major label act in 2015. Their growing reputation for powerful live performances resulted in a recording contract with independent label Fervor Records in late 2016.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the release of the single Bright Lights. The track received heavy rotation on national rock radio, propelling it to number 15 on the UK Rock Chart. This momentum set the stage for their debut album, The Distance Between, released in June 2018 on Fervor Records.

The Distance Between entered the UK Albums Chart at number 18 and was later certified Silver for sales exceeding 60,000 copies. The album's success was sustained by follow-up singles Carry the Fire and Horizons, both of which also achieved Silver certification in the UK.

Key tracks

Bright Lights — This 2017 single served as the band's commercial breakthrough, defining their anthemic sound and earning their first major radio play.

Carry the Fire — The lead single from their debut album became a live staple and their first track to be certified Silver, cementing their chart presence.

The Distance Between — The title track from their debut album showcased the band's ability to blend soaring melodies with substantive lyrical themes.

Echoes — A later single featuring a collaboration with producer Catherine Lowe, it demonstrated the band's evolving, more textured studio approach.

We Are the Brave — This track from their 2021 sophomore album became a fan favorite for its unifying chorus and driving rhythm section.

Following their debut's success, High Hopes embarked on extensive touring across Europe and supported The Killers on their 2019 UK arena dates. Their second album, Resilient Hearts, arrived in 2021 and debuted at number 22 on the UK chart, praised for its matured songwriting and broader sonic palette.

Fans of High Hopes often appreciate the work of similar British rock acts. Nothing But Thieves shares a command of powerful vocals and dynamic rock arrangements. Royal Blood operates with a similar raw, riff-centric energy within the modern rock scene. The Kooks represents an earlier wave of catchy, UK guitar-pop that influenced High Hopes' melodic sensibilities. You Me At Six parallels their journey from club circuits to arena-ready anthems in the British rock landscape.

The music of High Hopes maintains a strong presence on radio, featured regularly on national classic rock FM stations and dedicated alternative rock radio stations. Their anthemic singles are staples on online rock radio streams that champion guitar-based music, ensuring their songs reach both long-time fans and new listeners across the airwaves.

Listeners can discover the powerful anthems of High Hopes by tuning into the rock radio stations featured on our website. The band's catalog, from breakthrough hits to newer material, is played on various independent music radio stations available on onairium.com.