The Genesis
Music has never been something Sia Raw found, it has always been part of who she is.
Growing up, music became the language she shared with her dad, a former band member himself. Their time together was spent discovering artists, swapping songs and playing music, planting the seeds for what became a lifelong obsession. At just 10 years old, Sia wrote her first original song, and from that point on she immersed herself fin music throughout both primary and secondary school, developing not only as a vocalist but as a songwriter with a distinctive voice.
Although encouraged not to pursue music academically at college, Sia chose a different route. Performing as a solo artist across pubs and venues around Manchester, she built a reputation through original material and honest, emotionally driven performances. Her first live show came at Manchester Academy, supporting a close friend of hers, Ethan Browne, marking the beginning of her journey as a performing artist.
A turning point came when family connections introduced her music to industry figure Jeff Mason (previously worked with the likes of Catfish and The Bottlemen, Hands Island, The Florentenes), who immediately recognised her potential. After heading her demos, Jeff reached out and began working closely with Sia, helping secure intimate showcases, introducing her to key people in the industry and opening doors that would shape the next chapter of her career. One standout moment at the time came after performing at a small festival at her local pub The Moss Rose alongside The Florentenes, where the response to her performance made it clear there was and audience wanting much more.
The Collaborative Sound
As her songwriting continued to evolve, Sia began recording with Seth Leppard (Black Grape guitarist) bringing several of her songs to life in the studio. While her solo performances continued to grow, it became increasingly clear that her music demanded a bigger live sound. The vision had outgrown a single performer.
In January 2025, that vision became a reality.
With Jeff bringing together the right musicians, Sia Raw officially formed as a five-piece consisting of:
- Lead Vocals: Sia Raw
- Bass: Ethan McCaffery
- Guitar: Jack Wild
- Guitar: Isaac Walbrooke
- Drums: Ben Robinson ( Formerly of Twisted Wheel)
The story of Sia Raw's formation wasn't quite as straightforward as the five-piece that exists today. The project originally began with a different line-up found through Facebook groups. However, Sia discovered Ethan through one of his guitar videos on Instagram late one evening. She messaged him asking if he'd like to join her band, with one condition, he had to play bass. Having previously attended college together, the chemistry was already there, and it quickly became the foundations of the bands sound.
After trial and error of members, Jeff reached out to both Jack and Ben, previously knowing them both, to join the band. They continued rehearsing together as the four of them, and the group developed, the search for musicians wasn't quite finished. During an open mic night hosted by the group, Ben invited Isaac down to have a jam. What started as simply brining another musician into the room quickly turned into something much more significant.
Once Isaac joined rehearsals, the chemistry between the five musicians was immediate. There was a sense that something had clicked, a combination of personalities, influences and playing styles that felt different from anything that had come before. This became THE band.
Who They Are Now
At 22, Sia leads the project not only as its front woman, but as its principal songwriter, bringing personal perspective to a sound that continues to evolve with every release.
Rather than chasing trends or fitting into a single genre, Sia Raw have developed a sound that is entirely authentic to them. At the heart of their music is a constant contrast between vulnerability and intensity. Soulful, emotionally exposed vocals sit against experimental textures, driving guitars and moments of explosive alternative rock, creating music that moves between tenderness and distortion without ever losing its identity.
Genre-defiant by nature, the band draw from a wide range of influences while remaining rooted in something entirely their own.
Soaring melodies, dynamic rhythms and deeply personal songwriting combine to create music that is not emotionally intimate and explosively anthemic.
The connection extends beyond music itself. On stage, the trust between the five members is unmistakable, creating performances that feel as genuine as they are powerful. It's this chemistry, combined with an unwavering work ethic and a shared vision, that has become the foundation of everything the band continue to build.
releases
"Pull of you", released in April 2025, marked Sia Raw's debut as a band, capturing their early identity as it began to take shape.
Written during the transition from Sia's solo work into a full band, the track reflects the emotional tension at the core of their songwriting, delivered with raw honesty and a strong melodic edge.
Recorded and produced with Seth Leppard, the band together went to his studio, this release marked the first steps in defining the bands sound.
Since their debut, Sia Raw have continued to expand their catalogue, releasing music that explores different dimensions of their sound while retaining the emotional honesty at its core.
Tracks including By Your Side and Motion demonstrate the bands willingness to experiment texture, melody and intensity, with each release marking another step in their evolution as a five-piece.
Past Gigs
From regular hometown performances at The Moss Rose, where the band first found their feet, to building loyal audiences across the North West, every stage has played a part in their story.
The band have appeared on numerous shows such as Tameside Radio, Mancunia TV, Salford FM and Bolton FM.
Their live reputation has been forged through countless club shows and independent venues, with standout performances at The Dublin Castle in Camden, Retro Bar Manchester, Night & Day Café, Mother Mary's, The Snug Atherton and The Drunken Fungus in Pontefract, alongside many more support slots and headline appearances across the region. Whether playing to packed hometown crowds or introducing themselves to new audiences further afield, the bands philosophy has remained the same: treat every stage as though it's their behest of their career.
That relentless commitment to the live circuit has steadily opened bigger doors while keeping the band grounded in the grassroots scene that first embraced them.
The big leagues
The summer of 2026 marks the bands biggest season to date, with appearances at Tramlines Festival, YNOT Festival (main stage), Victorious Festival, Neck of The Woods Festival and Cheshire Fest, sharing lineups with some of the UK's most exciting artists and reaching audiences on a scale the band have been working towrds since day one.
All of these opportunities became a reality for the band through their friends, family and community and helping push the bands votes in a competition to win a slot at YNOT 2026. Thanks to everyone who helped them, their dreams came true as they played the main stage at the festival, and given chances to play at the others.
Their festival journey has continued to create opportunities beyond the stage. Because of their success in gaining such opportunities, Sia Raw have also become one of Epiphone Guitar Artists, marking an exciting new chapter for the band and further establishing their presence within the wider guitar and music community. The association with Epiphone reflects the bands growing profile while reaming rooted in the instruments, live performances and guitar driven sound at the heart of Sia Raw.
For Sia Raw, the foundations have been laid. Now, they're building something much bigger.