Social Room is a six-piece indie rock band from Sunderland, England, known for their anthemic sound, charismatic live performances and strong local following. Formed in the mid-2010s, the band includes Matty Smith (vocals), Adam Potts (guitar), Chris Leonard (keys), Alex Gunn (bass), Tim Harker (drums) and Simon Bewick (guitar). Their music draws inspiration from classic British rock and ’90s indie, with comparisons to acts like The Stone Roses and Oasis, though the band themselves resist being labelled as a throwback.
Their early EPs Let Me See You Work It (2015) and Be Forever Mine (2016) helped establish their presence in the North East music scene, but it was the 2018 release of Brightstar that marked a turning point. Produced by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics fame, the EP showcased a more polished and expansive sound, with the title track earning “Single of the Week” on Gordon Smart’s Radio X show. Stewart also invited frontman Matty Smith to perform “Old Habits Die Hard” with him on stage at the Sunderland Empire, further cementing the band’s reputation.
Social Room have supported major acts including Happy Mondays, Kaiser Chiefs and The Sherlocks, and have played sold-out hometown shows at venues like Independent and The Point. Their music combines punchy riffs, brass flourishes and emotionally charged lyrics, often reflecting the working-class spirit of Sunderland. With continued support from tastemakers like John Kennedy and inclusion in the “This Feeling” roster, Social Room remain one of the North East’s most promising indie rock exports.
