RALLY Festival 2025 Ones to Watch
RALLY 2025 Ones to Watch Our top picks from one of the best London festivals this year [Ticket Link Here] 21 August 2025 By Caitlin Taylor Last year RALLY arguably had one of the best festival lineups and this year is no different. If you’re in the know or desperately want to be, this is the festival for you. Merging alternative and electronic sounds, from indie rock veterans Porridge Radio to party-focused newcomers Bassvictim. If you studied art at Camberwell, spend nights at the Nags Head, are a regular at Ormside or just grew up watching Skins – this one’s for you. BASSVICTIM Instagram A duo who met in Berlin and formed outside of Peckham Audio, Ike and Maria have been making music since 2023. Both their EPs have been named after their self-defined invented genre Basspunk, a mix of EDM, electroclash, hyperpop and indie sleaze sounds. Cool party music. ASTRID SONNE Instagram Danish singer Astrid Sonne’s lyrics are simple but touching, raw and stripped back, paired with creative and layered instrumentation influenced by her classical training. “Do you wanna” has been stuck in my head for months. MOIN Instagram A real mish-mash of genres, MOIN are a trio made up of Tom Halstead and Joe Andrews from Raime with the added talents of Valentina Magaletti on percussion. Their most recent EP was just released in June and features an incredible spoken word opening track featuring Sophia Al-Maria’s voice. Really interesting and creative stuff. TAAHLIAH “I wanna be a star, simple as that” is how Glaswegian artist Taahliah opens her 2024 album Gramarye. She’s versatile and fun, an impressive DJ and producer who also manages to remain emotionally vulnerable within her poetic lyrics. PORRIDGE RADIO Instagram If there’s any reason to attend, you need to come in order to catch Porridge Radio at one of their last ever gigs. I am personally incredibly devastated about the whole ordeal and probably go on about it too much, but still, it’s very sad. Their 2020 album ‘Every Bad’ is one of my all time favorites and their 2024 release ‘Clouds in the Sky They Will Always Be There For Me’ is equally special. You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆
Beyond The Music 2024 Ones To Watch
Beyond The Music 2024 Ones To Watch 7 October 2024 When: Wed 9th – Fri 11th October Tickets! Words by Jessica Blissitt View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beyond The Music (@gobeyondmcr) Growing the Grassroots: How cross-industry investment can save the music ecosystem – with Andy Burnham, Atlanta Cobb, Kara Mukerjee, Sam Duckworth, Jon Collins and Jo Twist. Where: Aviva Studios, Manchester When: Thursday 10th October @ 11.45 – 13.00 The Grassroots summit, moderated by Manchester’s mayor Andy Burham, promises to explore the deeper issues into why the music education and talent pipeline has begun to break down. Burham will be joined by industry moguls Atlanta Cobb, Kara Mukerjee, Sam Duckworth, Jon Collins and Jo Twist. Beyond the Music’s website says; “Artists reveal the reality of living and creating in the grass roots and come together with executives from across the industry to formulate a plan to futureproof the industry.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beyond The Music (@gobeyondmcr) Misogyny In Music: The Truth Where: Aviva Studios, Manchester When: Thursday 10th October @ 15.15 – 16.30 Following the previous government’s Misogyny in Music report from the Women & Equalities committee, Beyond the Music is providing a platform for experts to discuss and reshape the gender boundaries of the music industry, whilst also providing a space for those who want to share the experience. This summit is in collaboration with the Musician’s Union and Shesaid.so, an independent community for women and gender nonconforming people in the music industry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Human Interest (@humaninterestband) Human Interest Where: Band on the Wall, Northern Quarter (Manchester, UK) When: Thursday @ 23:00 Led by guitarist and songwriter Cat Harrison with bassist Tyler Damara Kelly, the london-based band are known for their mix of upbeat and blended vocals that seem to hold inspiration from bands like the Kinks, with the acoustic lightness that ‘Girl in Red’ fans would appreciate. After their debut ‘Desire Paths’ landed in 2022, they released a follow up EP in 2023 which has received praise from The Sunday Times. Signed to the same label as mercury award-winner English Teacher, Human Interest have been described as a thrilling new band to watch out for. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LALA HAYDEN (@lauralalahayden) Lala Hayden Where: Soup, Northern Quarter (Manchester, UK) When: Thursday @ 20:00 After an incredibly vibrant festival season, Lala Hayden will perform in Manchester again! Laura “Lala” Hayden is a talented British-Spanish singer who began her solo career with the release of her debut EP, “Girl Becomes, after spending seven years as the frontwoman of Anteros. In a delightful blend of electric and pop accents, LaLa Hayden’s emotive lyrics combined with an incredible stage presence will make this one performance you do not want to miss this weekend. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Meduulla bby (@meduulla) Meduulla Where: Soup, Northern Quarter (Manchester, UK) When: Thursday @ 22:00 Raised in North Manchester in a Zimbabwean household, Meduulla’s rap and witty lyricism reflects her experience growing up with two contrasting cultures as a first generation immigrant to the UK. Inspired by iconic Zimbabwean musicians combined with an interest in political conflict, Meduulla’s sound takes inspiration from artists like Kendrick Lamar and Noname. Since her appearance on BBC’s The Rap Game in 2021, Medulla released her debut EP Oblongata in 2023, and has been praised on songs like ‘Limbo’ and ‘Life like a Box of Chocolates’ for her use of rhythm and word play. View this post on Instagram A post shared by congratulations (@congratulationstheband) Congratulations Where: Night & Day When: Friday @ 19:30 Congratulations combined a powerful concoction of gender-blending vocals, eccentric guitars and thunderous bass. Known for their experimentalist attitude to the craft, they will be surely loved by fans of Jockstrap and Sleigh Bells. In a frenzy of frenetic madness, you will find them at the Night and Day on Friday and their high-energy performances are bound to have you glued to the mosh pit until they finish their set. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝔔𝖚𝖊𝖊𝖓 𝕮𝖚𝖑𝖙 (@queencultband) Queen Cult Where: 33 Oldham St, Manchester When: Saturday 12th October @ 14:00 Based in Macclesfield, Queen Cult are THE queer rock band, with lead vocalist Maisie Johnson,Brodie Carson on drums, Piers Jarvis on Bass and Ruby Augar on lead guitar. Known for singles ike ‘Show & tell’, ‘A Song About Consent’ and ‘Calm’, Queen Cult’s music is often political charged and their emotive lyricism, alongside their powerful pop punk accents, have landed them some incredible collaborations with the likes of ARXX, Loose Articles and The Menstrual Cramps to name a few. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lavender Rodriguez (@ohitslavender) Lavender Rodriguez Where: Off the Square When: Saturday 12th October @ 14:00 Known for their creative mix of classical, pop and electronica experimental music, Lavender is known for their ability utilise each and every instrument – although the violin is a firm favourite for them! Since they performed in Salford earlier this year at Sounds From the Other City with a live band, Lavender released their latest single ‘Sweat’ earlier this year, and will be releasing an EP later this year. Lavender’s sound bends each and every boundary that often creates a crackling atmosphere and a wild frenzy behind in its wake. View this post on Instagram A post shared by charlieeeee (@charlieeeeesworld) Charlieeeee Where: Soup, Manchester When: Saturday 12th October @ 21:00 Having worked with the likes of Raye, FRED and James Bay, Charlieeeee is THE producer, writer and artist that’s been bouncing between festivals all summer . After releasing their debut EP ‘Dog Bowl’ earlier this year, they have been commended by critics for their playful rhythm and delicate mix of hyper-pop and jungle beats that often explodes into colourful sound in their performances. Not one to miss. You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆
Brassworks: Woolwich’s jazz festival is getting set for rhythm, roots and revolution
Brassworks: Woolwich’s jazz festival is getting set for rhythm, roots and revolution 20 September 2024 South-east London is set to come alive this Saturday, September 21st, as the Brassworks Street Carnival and Festival of Horns hits Woolwich. Nestled in the creative heart of Woolwich Works, the carnival, festival and finale concert promise a day of raw energy and ferocious talent. Evening Finale Tickets! Words by Heather Collier Woolwich has always had brass running proudly through its veins. From the regal sounds of the Royal Court in Greenwich to the thundering Artillery Bands of the Woolwich Arsenal, to the intoxicating pulse of London’s South Bank jazz scene, it has long been a hotbed of horn-driven music. With its deep-rooted musical heritage, this vibrant corner south of the river provides the ultimate backdrop for a festival brimming with life and brass-powered brilliance. This is not just any festival – it’s a moment for both seasoned jazz heads and first-time listeners to experience music together in its most explosive, joyful form. Here are our ones to watch for the 2024 lineup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht4H_eKjb0w Chineke! Orchestra Once the street carnival has quietened to a dull roar, Chineke! Orchestra will set the tone for the rest of the day at 1:30 PM with a traditional yet transformative performance. As Europe’s first major ethnically diverse orchestra, Chineke! have always set out to challenge the status quo of classical music and the outdated ideas that often come with it. Bollywood Brass Band By 2:30 PM, the Bollywood Brass Band will guide festivalgoers on a whirlwind journey from India to Woolwich with a hypnotic blend of trumpets, saxophones, dhol drums, and colossal sousaphone. The group have metamorphosised the traditional brass ensemble into a dancing, breathing embodiment of Indian cinema at its finest. View this post on Instagram A post shared by She’s Got Brass… 🍑 (@shesgotbrasslondon) She’s Got Brass At 3:45 PM, prepare for a colossal shift in the festival’s vibe as She’s Got Brass takes to the stage. This 10-piece, all-female-fronted brass band aren’t just going through the motions – they’re completely rewriting the rules of the game. In a genre that continues to be dominated by men, She’s Got Brass are expected to arrive with an electric stage presence. The band features some of the most accomplished female musicians on London’s jazz scene who have brought an extraordinary level of mastery to their instrument, with members having played alongside respected acts like Seed Ensemble, Colectiva, and the New Regency Orchestra. Camilla George Visionary saxophonist Camilla George promises to kick the party up a notch as the first headliner of the finale concert. Her sound is rich and layered, drawing listeners into a beautiful concoction where Afrofuturism, hip hop, and jazz have a musical meet-cute. Her playing is more than just technical brilliance – it’s a personal form of storytelling. The politically-charged undercurrent in George’s work is impossible to ignore – this is jazz as activism, a form of cultural reclamation where every composition becomes a way of voicing the things that truly matter. Having jammed with the likes of Nubya Garcia and Shabaka Hutchings, George is undeniably the embodiment of everything modern jazz is striving to become: a fusion of sounds and styles that nod to the past but move boldly toward the future. Ife Ogunjobi, Theon Cross and Steam Down Jazz lovers are in for an even bigger treat as the night goes on, with the remaining three headline acts boasting some of the brightest talent in UK jazz today. Expect to see Ezra Collective’s Ife Ogunjobi, whose trumpet cuts through with razor-sharp precision, the unstoppable Theon Cross, whose mastery of the tuba has redefined what the instrument can do, as well as the Deptford-based powerhouse and artist collective Steam Down. Add them all into the mix, and you have a night that’s simply unmissable. Woolwich remains a beloved, eclectic tapestry. The festival isn’t just a celebration of sound, it’s a celebration of ancestry, of stories and romance passed down through music. It’s a reminder that every beat is tied to something much deeper, something that speaks to where we’ve come from and where we’re going. Each note carries the weight of generations. At Brassworks, the music never stops, because the past and future are always playing in harmony. Brassworks Street Carnival and Festival of Horns takes place on Saturday 21 September. You can grab tickets here. You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆
Get To Know: Mercury Prize 2024
Get To Know Mercury Prize 2024 26.08.24 The TNAM team break down the eight gender inclusive artists nominated for the Mercury Prize. The ‘Mercury Prize 2024: Album of the Year’ TV programme will be filmed and broadcast live from Abbey Road Studios on Thursday, 5 September 2024. The programme will be shown on BBC Four (8pm-9.15pm). Charlie XCX – ‘brat’ Words by Heather Rose By now, you’re likely well acquainted with the phrase “brat summer,” a viral pop moment that’s yet to reach its peak after the release of ‘360’ earlier this year. Its infamous music video stars fashion icons Julia Fox, Chloe Sevigny, and vampire priestess Gabriette, earning Essex native Charli xcx recognition well beyond her usual cult status.Then came ‘365’, ‘360’’s evil twin, an even bigger hit that explores darker themes while still indulging in the glittery pink fever dream of Myspace nudes and rhinestone-encrusted flip phones. Charli embraces the party girl persona with a dance album that doesn’t shy away from hard drugs and even harder beats. Its sticky, skin-on-skin basslines and thumping rhythms transport you to sultry summer evenings that quickly turn into greasy, neon mornings.The pop powerhouse has consistently delivered hit after hit for twenty-somethings yearning to relive 2000s rebellion, a time many of us were too young to fully experience. BRAT offers a shared nostalgia of a bygone era, one of indie sleaze, Instagram-less club nights and barely-there miniskirts, an aesthetic we would shamelessly doomscroll through with retroactive jealousy, now all lost in a Tumblr account graveyard. Logging on used to mean choosing the internet over reality, but now reality has become an escape from the internet’s constant noise.The brativerse also boasts LA beatmaker The Dare on the album’s tongue-and-cheek follow up, solidifying the substitute-teacher-turned-musician as the figurehead for debaucherous underground NYC nightlife. Surprise collaborations with artists like Lorde and Billie Eilish also add a whole other layer to the BRAT lore, capturing girlhood in all its messy wonder.BRAT’s impact is undeniable, and it’s safe to say that lime green will never be the same again. It isn’t just an album, it’s a cultural reset – celebrating an era and ethos that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Beth Gibbons – ‘Lives Outgrown’ Words by Ricky Labrada Beth Gibbons needs no introduction in the music world as the singer and lyricist for acclaimed trio Portishead. Everything she touches turns to gold quite literally with 3 acclaimed albums under the Portishead name. Despite her long 3 decade career, “Lives Outgrown” is Gibbons debut album and continues her streak of critical acclaim. It is an album that is aided by how sparingly she releases music, allowing one to delve deeper and appreciate her work especially when comparing to the trip hop sound her band bursted on the scene with. Sonically it is a completely different pallet than what we are used to. The grim sound is a a slow burner and took a few songs to really stand out, however when it does it is amazing (Lost Changes and For Sale are tracks that particularly stand out). Not every track is perfect but in the context of the album and its themes of mortality and time they fit well. Rather simply Gibbons took her time and delivered a project that will last. It is also be a testament to Gibbons musical ability and longevity to potentially win the Mercury Prize 29 years after Portishead own win. Cat Burns – ‘early twenties’ Words by Sankavi Naresh Cat Burns is a strong contender for this year’s Mercury Prize with her debut studio album, “early twenties”. Hailing from South London, Burns is on the rise with her powerful vocals and poignant lyrics, there’s something deeply human about her approach to songwriting. Burns often weaves the uncertainty of adulthood into her music, making it a recurring theme that resonates with many listeners. At the age of sixteen, whilst studying at The BRIT school, Burns recorded her debut EP, ‘Adolescent”. She collaborated with another student who had a recording studio in their garden shed, which was the birthplace of the songs that became the foundation of her EP. Burns self-released “Adolescent” on the 1st of October 2016 however her efforts to secure a record deal were unsuccessful as the music industry seemed unsure on how to market her distinctive style as an artist. Burns meditates on love, heartbreak and growing pains in the aptly named “early twenties”; the album perfectly captures the turbulent ebb and flow of adulthood, starting off with a powerful “alone”. She grew up listening to gospel music and the choral beginning of the song reflects this, it lets way into her all-too-relatable lyrics about the struggles of being single and finding love in the 21st century. The catchy ‘boy crazy’ seamlessly transitions into the bedroom pop-esque ‘this is what happens’ chronicling Burns’ battle with anxiety. “go (goddard. Remix)” is a popular favourite; amid the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, she gained attention by sharing covers and original songs on TikTok. “go” went viral which led to her securing a record deal with Since 93, a subsidiary of RCA Records. Cmat – ‘Crazymad, For Me’ Words by Kyle Roczniak Following the highly-praised release of her Choice Music Prize-winning debut album ‘If My Wife New I’d Be Dead’, CMAT’s 2023 Mercury-shortlisted follow-up ‘Crazymad, For Me’ arguably changed the trajectory of the Irish country-pop legend’s career. A concept album themed around a malfunctioning time machine that explores CMAT’s fascination with 1980s Paris, ‘Crazymad, For Me’ tackles the story of a breakup through CMAT’s unmistakably unique instrumental sound and Kate Bush-esque vocals. The project (described by CMAT as ‘like Bat Out Of Hell but for the girls’) also spawned the most iconic pop culture moments for CMAT, real name Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, too. Whether it be the stunning crack-revealing BRIT Awards dress (dubbed ‘CMARSE’), or countless primetime TV appearances (Jools Holland, Graham Norton, Lorraine) and unlikely collaborations with legends such as Lorraine Bowen or Miriam Margolyes, ‘Crazymad, For Me’ propelled Ireland’s hidden gem into an