A Belated The Great Escape 2025 Write Up
Yeah, yeah, we know it was a couple of months ago but we did just want to note how special TGE 2025 was to us at TNAM. For the first time ever we got not one but two festival stages where we were allowed to display some of our favourite artists on the Loud LDN lineup (who we couldn’t have done it without!) as well as open the stage for anyone else out there who wanted to play but didn’t get selected through the official routes with our open mic.
Cross The Tracks 2025 Review – A Standout Summer Festival
Photo Credit: @garryjonesphotography Cross The Tracks 2025 Review – A Standout Summer Festival Love was in the air, along with some great jazz, funk and soul 8 June 2025 By Caitlin Taylor The last time I was at Cross the Tracks, I remember running towards Khruangbin just as the summer rain started. It was a top ten magical experience and this year had a lot to live up to, at least in my eyes. Last year saw Erkyah Badu controversially pull out at the last minute, and the recent drama about whether all Brockwell park festivals would be allowed to continue meant that I entered this year cautiously. Lynda Dawn was one of the first artists we encountered. She actually played last time I was here back in 2022 and it was nice to see her get a main stage upgrade. Her stage presence was incredibly impressive and she attracted a large and unexpectedly engaged crowd for such an early slot. It’s always nice to watch people who genuinely seem to be having fun while performing, and her dancing along with her backup singers put a smile on my face. We began wandering around, and were promptly pulled in by Nala Sinephro’s siren song. She and her band were a wonder to watch, her talent was completely captivating and what was meant to be a quick stop-off ended up with us staying for her whole set which involved her seamlessly moving between a harp and synthesiser. Fun fact: she also recently composed the soundtrack for the new Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson film ‘The Smashing Machine’ – definitely someone to keep on your radar. © Khali Ackford After a short group discussion about who to see next, we decided it was time to dance. Last Nubian were playing at the Funk Junction, featuring vocals from Achanté, who kept the crowd moving the entire time. It was a smaller stage but absolutely swarmed by people and we quickly became enveloped in the crowd, no complaints though! They worked perfectly together the entire time, definitely a standout. Luke Dyson @lukedyson http://www.lukedyson.com It’s undeniably amazingly curated, wherever you end up you’ll be hearing something great which is something I haven’t truly experienced at any other festival. It should also receive praise for being open to all generations, with such a variety of artists that both parents and kids will all have heard of at least someone – JGrrey to Gilles Peterson, Cymande to Jordan Rakei. It’s a festival that feels right at home on a Sunday, with the only caveat being the unfortunate fact that the grass has been stomped grey by the Dr Martens mosh pits at Wide Awake the previous Friday. The evening closed out with some mind-blowing sets from Last Nubians and Ezra Collective, two of the best performances I and the people I was with had ever seen. As the sun set and I looked back across the past few festivals I’ve attended, I couldn’t help but feel this one felt the most ‘right’. Stood in the centre of a massive group of people, spanning a large range of ages, everyone was smiling, laughing, singing along. When times are hard, this is what it feels we should hold on to, magical moments like these. Photo Credit: @garryjonesphotography 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 ⋆⭒˚.⋆
We Out Here
The Grove stage by @hirobjones_@khromacollective We Out Here: Gilles Peterson’s St Giles festival is a magical fairyland of a festival we couldn’t help but be enchanted by 24 September 2024 This was the fifth year of We Out Here and it seems to be truly finding its place as a festival that masterfully mixes what could be opposing vibes. If Leeds is a teen paradise and Boomtown is a theatrical wonder, We Out Here is a fairy garden. It’s arguably the ideal getaway with smoothies and yoga by the river in the morning and raves at night. The age range also skewed a little older than say Reading or Truck, with groups of people in their late teens seeming very rare and more young families with babies. But that didn’t mean it didn’t get wild once the sun set, with DJ sets until 4am on the Friday and Saturday full of electronic, house, and DNB hits. Words by Caitlin Taylor Mount Kimbie were truly a showstopper on the first night. The crowd were already hanging on their every word but after they announced King Krule as a surprise guest, they went wild. I feel bad for everyone who decided to come down on Friday because despite the quick downpour, it was an amazing way to start the long weekend. As the music began again midday Friday, we came to a halt after hearing the power coming from the main stage as Cassie Kinoshi’s Seed played their set. They were incredibly loud but remained smooth and we sat captivated as Kinoshi explained the meaning behind certain songs from mental health to British colonialism. Everything felt so intimate despite the very large crowd they managed to attract. Bel Cobain was on a few hours later and she was clearly popular; I even got stopped on the way there by a group of young girls who were double-checking they were going the right way. During her set she radiated warm positivity, smiling in between songs as her adoring audience. All weekend there was a really great array of female and non-binary talent given full focus on the main stage from spoken word artists Kae Tempest to R&B sweetheart Corinne Bailey Rae to the aforementioned Cassie Kinoshi. It’s great seeing so much natural diversity at a festival that can attract such big names as Andre 3000 (PS – guys give the flute a chance, it’s really great). Ego Ella May by Caitlin Taylor Ego Ella May had two slots and we managed to catch her later one at the Brawnswood stage which throughout the day doubled as a restaurant. I’m sure the intention was for the artists performing to entertain the dinner crowd, but May attracted such a large standing audience there’s no way that those sitting would have been able to catch a glimpse. Her performance was gorgeous and she had her audience spellbound. Amaliah played a set on the incredibly large Rhythm Corner Stage while it was still daylight, a difficult feat for any high energy, dance-focused DJ when most attendees were more in the mood for live music. She had a super London sound with good beats and great mixing. Honestly, she deserved a later slot or to be put on a more intimate stage as her audience remained incredibly engaged despite its small size. I’m keen to catch her next London set and have been listening to her Boiler Rooms since I’ve been back. My favourite stage by far was the Grove, a giant forest bowl where the crowd stood gazing down on whichever artist was performing. It felt so immersive and community focused, especially if you were there at the end of the night, smiling at strangers and making friends. I also loved the Tomorrow’s Warriors Big Tent, an entire decently sized covered stage with a carefully chosen selection of up and coming artists. Too often are smaller artists shoved in a corner and easy to miss, but this was the closest stage to general camping and had its own bar. It was the perfect place to hang out in between the larger artists and discover some genuine talent – a couple highlights were Victoria Jane and Maddy Coombs. We Out Here Stage by Caitlin Taylor My one main criticism was wifi and phone signal. As much as I think for some this would be the perfect excuse to log off, turn off, and focus on community, music, and nature for a few days, as someone who was trying to show off the best parts on our TNAM instagram stories, having to run back to the press area (or trying the cheeky ‘throw your phone so high in the air it maybe gets signal’ tactic) every time just to post one story was exhausting. It also made meeting up with friends horrendously difficult but that did lend to the creation of many “artistic” totems that are present in most of the photos you’ll see of the crowds. If you’re going next year, make sure you have some gaffa tape, a big stick, and an easily noticeable item (we used Dublin socks and a can of WD40 – see final note). Overall, WOH 2024 was one of the best, most community focused and impressive festivals I’ve ever had the pleasure to attend. Giles Peterson deserves a hand for being the most personable festival founder I’ve ever seen. You could catch him walking around, chatting to people and joining in on other artists’ sets. He also actively invests in new talent with his Future Bubblers program for exciting musical projects, something we’re all for here at TNAM. We can’t wait to see what next year brings and no doubt we’ll be there. Final Note – special shout out to Coex who drove us down and somehow managed to play a great set despite having to fix a synth live on stage with just a screwdriver and a bottle of WD40. View this post on Instagram A post shared by We
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 ⋆⭒˚.⋆
Manchester Psych Fest 2024: A day of raw, hypnotic, guitar-led energy
MANCHESTER PSYCH FEST 2024: A DAY OF RAW, HYPNOTIC, GUITAR-LED ENERGY 19 September 2024 As the Autumnal clouds firmly make their mark and restore Manchester’s infamous dull tones, Manchester Psych Fest saw a glimmer of sunshine as TNAM.UK bid farewell to the whirlwind of Summer festivals once more. Words by Kyle Roczniak Kicking things off in a stylish fasion, the beautiful ballroom of the O2 Ritz saw Parisian collective Juniore make their much-anticipated return to Manchester soil, carrying with them a wide array of surf-rock inspired melodies and sunsoaked grooves, encapsulating a certain ‘60s French noir. Their big hits such as ‘Ah bah d’accord’ are welcomed with rapturous energy from the packed-out room, as vocalist Anna Jean’s elegant tones set the city up for a day of weird and wonderful music. TTSSFU Kyle Roczniak TTSSFU by Kyle Roczniak It’s not long until we’re back in the smallest, sweatiest rooms though, as a mad dash across the road following Juniore’s hour-long epic means I can catch Duvet’s guitarist Tasmin Stephens open the 500 capacity Gorilla, under her solo project name TTSSFU. Wielding her signature heart-shaped guitar and flanked by her consummate band, her soaring indie-pop tunes translate perfectly to a live setting, received by a refreshingly respectful crowd of all demographics. Psych Fest sees Tasmin take on two must-see sets, delivering driving post-punk goodness with Duvet a mere 3 hours later. A highlight of MPF is always the eclectic atmosphere provided by the utilisation of different event spaces. Between catching Goat Girl at the historical Albert Hall, and dashing back to the Ritz for NewDad, the afternoon is filled with a rare sense of urgency as I dash between Manchester’s staple ‘sweaty venue’ YES, and the makeshift outdoor stage at Projekts, an urban skatepark nestled comfortably under Manchester’s inner ring road, the Mancunian Way. My trip there was an excitement-filled one, finally catching Heartworms live, the London-based solo project of guitar and theremin witch Jojo Ormes. Her ability to create such a wide soundscape is something to be noted, as she effortlessly belts atop a mix of heavy guitars and boomy, driving drums, creating an electronic sound with a post-punk-esque lineup. Closing on ‘Retributions Of An Awful Life’, Heartworms must surely feel a sense of belonging in front of the rapturous festivalgoers, as they dance and sing the afternoon away, and do their best at catching the T-shirts thrown into the crowd by the band. Heartworms by Kyle Roczniak Heartworms by Kyle Roczniak Heartworms by Kyle Roczniak The rest of the day sees me waiting around for my real heroes HotWax – the MUST-SEE grunge rock trio from Hastings, with the loudest and most prominent set that undeniably leaves the biggest mark and is aching to be showcased on bigger and better stages around the world. Aside from some technical difficulties that involved bassist and vocalist Lola having to forcibly hammer against the switches on her instrument, and press down on guitarist and lead vocalist Tallulah’s pedal board like her life depended on it, the set was the perfect late-evening farewell to the group, with their raucous antics pleasing a mix of devoted fans and converts. With the rapid drum rhythms (courtesy of Alfie Sayers) and angular guitar lines of ‘Phone Machine’ to the unforgettable earworm bass in tracks such as ‘Rip It Out’ and ‘High Tea’, we can be sure that the band’s onstage teaser of an upcoming debut album means that any future Manchester shows will only progress to be bigger and more exciting for everyone. Hotwax by Kyle Roczniak Hotwax by Kyle Roczniak Hotwax by Kyle Roczniak Hotwax by Kyle Roczniak You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆
RALLY Festival Review
RALLY Festival Review 18 September 2024 RALLY is the festival for Goldsmiths and UAL students/graduates, or those who wish they were. It’s exactly what you’d imagine they’d dream up if asked to organise one. This is a crowd that frequents the Nags Head in Peckham and who knew about Ormside Projects and Venue MOT before they were cool. It’s GALA’s edgy younger sibling, and undeniably it looked great, especially as it grew darker. The Agnes stage was the glowing centre point of the festival with its silver scaffolding and multicoloured plastic panels coming together to resemble something from the original Blade Runner (it’s actually inspired by the painter Agnes Martin and beautifully designed by CAKE Architecture). Most of the festival’s drawing names were here, or at the more traditional main stage. Words by Caitlin Taylor The bad weather was on and off throughout the day unfortunately, as it was the year before. But unlike other festivals, RALLY benefits from being a small, one day affair meaning the mud never became too treacherous – and luckily rain jackets and hoods are staples of the gorp-core fashion most of the crowd adopted: here you were more likely to see Arc’teryx and neutral tones than glitter eyeshadow and crochet bralettes. Debby Friday completely packed out the Millhouse tent, a smaller stage towards the back curated by RALLY’s sister festival GALA. Friday gave a high energy, electric performance dancing around her adoring crowd, even twirling some enthusiastic fans. She managed to keep her vocals strong despite her moves and there was a constant smile on her face. She proved herself as a brilliant performer and I feel lucky that we could see her in such an intimate setting rather than on the large stage she will likely soon be on. The day before, we’d actually seen Fabiana Palladino as part of Jai Paul’s band at All Points East but today she was given her own solo time on the main stage. I wish there’d been more of a focus on visuals for her set; RALLY had organised films to play in-between sets on the main stage but as they were tending to run late, sometimes the films ran into the artists sets which, in my opinion, worked a lot better than just having their name behind them. The focus on local artists was brilliant – maybe next year that could be extended into getting local artists to do visuals? Palladino’s smooth eighties pop inspired style would benefit from some related visuals, something that would attract the crowd her voice deserves. Bar Italia were late on due to technical difficulties which you could tell frustrated the band. The crowd swarmed the Agnes stage, we were packed in like sardines near the front as everyone waited pretty patiently for them to start. Nevertheless, they gave a pretty flawless performance, covering all their most popular songs. Part way through the set we felt ourselves being shoved aggressively further forwards and turned around to see a mosh pit had formed behind us. The energy here was different to how some of the bands previous London shows had been (their Village Underground show last year was much more relaxed), and so were they. They’ve recently made it clear they aren’t fond of the “mysterious” label they’ve been given and they definitely had personality in this performance. Nina’s voice is truly captivating and as they went on they become more and more playful – Nina and Jezmi in particular starting dancing and spinning around, grinning at each other. (Note – we actually sat next to the band in the smoking area at the Avalon Cafe afterparty and gave them some tobacco. It’s crazy how without Nina present and despite being potentially the stars of the festival, they sat quietly on the curb going almost completely undetected.) We missed the end of their set as we had to run across to see Sorry on the main stage which was a puzzling choice by the organisers as there’s a large amount of crossover in those fanbases. Luckily due to the festival’s smaller size, it was just a quick couple minute walk so definitely not a large issue. It’s a known fact that Sorry like to improvise with their pre-existing material when playing live, adding intros, samples, and distortions to all of their fan favourites. You probably wouldn’t expect to hear Megan Thee Stallion’s voice calling out “real hot girl shit” during their indie rock/pop/alternative (what genre even are they?) set but if you’ve been following them for a while you’ll know they wear their hop-hop influence on their sleeve. They gave an energetic performance of ‘Screaming in the Rain’ although ironically they marked the turn in weather for this previously soggy day. They’re undeniably one of the best bands going at the moment, constantly managing to feel fresh and interesting. Nilüfer Yanya took to the main stage as darkness set out over the park. It fit her set beautifully, allowing all attention to both her and her band. She’s incredibly expressive when she sings, her face fully a part of her storytelling. With the release of her new album soon approaching it seems inevitable that she’s about to truly blow up. Overall, RALLY is a festival that is truly finding its feet – in a good way. Great art takes time and by looking at GALA, it’s clear to see hypothetically where RALLY could be in a few years. I personally hope it gets there, its focus on supporting local artists, musicians, and venues is something that other festivals should definitely take note of. If anything, next year I hope they experiment even more, have even more unknown local artists playing and you can guarantee we’ll be there to support it. You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆
Thursday Diary Boomtown 2024
Thursday Diary Boomtown 2024 26.08.24 Words by Isla Mcrobbie It’s been 15 years since the launch of the party city, skies blanketed in blue and cast with fire, confetti, and painted smoke. Boomtown breathes to the sign of the times. Twice closed due to the pandemic, we had to say goodbye to the world crafted up to 2019 and, true to their ethos, rebuild. Quite literally starting with a new chapter in 2022, the festival, situated in the bowl of South Downs National Park, has since prevailed and celebrated a remarkable third birthday titled Revolution of Imagination. Showcasing new district designs, story missions, and both rising and established talent, TNAM was invited to take a cake slice. Through light showers, our time at the 5-day event started on Thursday, just moments before the gates to the interactive city opened. Admittedly, I was moping—not because of the wet marks splotching my glasses, but because I had to miss the Wednesday forest sets from the likes of Mother Dubber, Mia Koden, and JayaHadADream. But it was time to toughen up because I was now at the Botanica Street party, standing on a picnic bench trying to get a view of the 400-strong early bird audience here to see Bristol-based DJ Salt. Seasoning the crowd with UK funk, house, and a sprinkle of afrobeat, no foot missed a beat as everyone two-stepped their way through the early afternoon. For Salt (real name Solly Halt), her timing and positioning for the set were perfect. The sun peeked through the clouds, enriching the Aztec-painted blue stage as her beats dropped and built up again. We were all excited and rearing to go. Once the city gates opened, the day moved quickly. A strict schedule left me brushing through performances from Genie Tunes and Chinese Daughter while also allowing time to explore the set designs of this year’s world. I’ve always struggled to paint a picture of what lies inside Boomtown’s walls for those who haven’t attended. This year, eight city districts came to life, each with its own elected leader. We watched theatrics, trials, and tribulations as each district presented its vision for building a new, perfect world. Within these wildly unique and meticulously crafted districts are characters to meet, causes to join, and secrets to uncover around every corner. You can play the game as deeply as you want—interactivity is key—but you can also just pop in for a light laugh with friends. “The aim of the game, if you choose to play, is to discover the stories unfolding all over the city and uncover the collective wisdom teaching us all how to transform our world. Join us… start anywhere, follow everywhere.” We ja lot about the sensory overload from actor’s quests and bass thuds coming from all horizons. Even with the event’s new structure of a condensed city, I still can’t comprehend how Boomtown’s most dedicated civilians manage to complete the back-alley storylines while also finding time to listen to the music. Mollie Rush and Chicha Morada set the tone for my early evening, warming things up before our big stay at Hidden Woods, where we were in for a treat from international concrete junglist and DNB adrenaline shot, Natty Lou. Hidden Woods is a Boomtown staple—a stage nestled in a forest adorned with crochet lamps and structural treehouses. Natty, who is also a professional dancer, led her sea of thousands into a rave that became the peak of the evening for most. Her presence shone as she defied predictability, dropping the bass a beat later than expected, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Bodies jumped rapidly, caught up in the excitement and disbelief of where the next wave would take them. A last-minute switch brought MC Tiny K to the mic, and together with Natty, they bounced off each other like best friends from different cities meeting for the first time. Despite the distance between the stage and the crowd, Natty and Tiny K made everyone feel included, as if they were part of the same close-knit circle, even from hundreds of people away. And in typical Boomtown fashion, when you think the night will end, it doesn’t. More incoming What do you think? You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆
TNAM’S Ones to Watch at RALLY Festival 2024
._.)/ RALLY (._. TNAM’S Ones to Watch at RALLY Festival 2024 Words by Caitlin Taylor 12 August 2024 You may not have heard of RALLY yet, considering it only debuted last year, but it’s the sister festival to the Peckham favourite GALA. It’s a festival with a goal close to our own hearts: beating the algorithm and discovering new talent. We’re buzzing for the return of Mount Kimbie who will be playing their first London festival in seven years after recently expanding to become a quartet. This is a festival that, despite multiple dropouts and heaving rain, managed to be a hit in its first year. We’re ridiculously excited to see what this next edition brings, but first here’s some of our favourites from 2024’s insane lineup. It really is crazy they’ve managed to get all this talent in one place. Sorry For fans of: Bar Italia Genres: Trip-Hop, Alt Rock SORRY are both a London and TNAM favourite, with a totally unskippable discography. They’re great live, with a grungy sound that serves as a clear influence to many of the smaller indie bands coming up recently. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to catch them at one of their local haunts (their set at MOTH earlier this year was beautiful), then this will be the perfect introduction. Must Listen: Swans, Cigarette Packet, Screaming in the Rain bar italia For fans of: Genres: Post-Punk, Alt Rock, Grunge bar italia have never been a band that shouts about how great they are, but trust us, they are great. Surprisingly, despite being a London based band, they perform higher in the USA so this is your chance to catch them before their shows sell out here as fast as they do there. They’re a jumble of genres, a truly exciting guitar-rock band. Must Listen: my little tony, Split Ends, Nurse! Montañera For fans of: Genres: Ambient, Electronic, Folk Montañera’s music is enchanting. Her vocals are delicate and graceful, the harmonies she creates are beautiful. She’s originally from Columbia and her sound is clearly influenced by it’s folk music, but with modern electronic twists. A summer day in Southwark park seems like the perfect place to see her live. Must Listen: Como Una Rama, Santa Mar, Me Suelto al Riesgo Fabiana Palladino For fans of: Genres: Synth-pop If you know (or you are) one of those people who claims music just isn’t as good as it used to be, then Fabiana Palladino is a must-see at RALLY. She wears her eighties influence on her sleeve, making pop that’s both deeper and smoother than most of the charts at the moment. She also has the backing of Jai Paul, which to put it lightly, is a massive brag. Must Listen: Stay With Me Through the Night, Forever, I Care Debby Friday For fans of: Genres: Synth-pop, Experimental, House We usually only feature artists from the UK & Ireland but Debby Friday is so good I’m breaking the rules for her, something she’s not a stranger to doing. Her music is all over the place in a really great way. She plays around with genre, language, and style to create something truly exciting. Super high energy, catchy lyrics and lots of experimentation. Must Listen: let u in, What A Man, I Got It You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆
BOOMTOWN 2024: Top 5 Ones to Watch
✿ ⋆｡ Boomtown ☁︎｡⋆ BOOMTOWN 2024: Top 5 Ones to Watch Words by Isla Mcrobbie 6 August 2024 It’s one of the most hotly-anticipated line-up drops of the summer. The full bill for Boomtown 2024 – Chapter 3: Revolution of Imagination is finally here, and it’s a sprawling mix of over 450 names heading to Winchester’s Matterley Bowl between 7th-11th August. This year’s lineup isn’t just about sheer volume; it’s a vibrant showcase of incredible female and gender minority-inclusive artists that really has me buzzing. Boomtown is sticking to its roots of merging music, culture, entertainment, and activism, but this time with a lineup that reflects a broader spectrum of voices and perspectives. Alongside the immersive storytelling, modern circus acts, and jaw-dropping set designs, the diverse roster is a testament to the festival’s commitment to inclusivity. With such a dynamic range of talent, this is definitely one of my top 5 ones to watch! Jayahadadream For fans of: RUBII, Bel Cobain Genres: GRIME, RAP, HIPHOP The Glastonbury 2024 Emerging Talent Competition winner Jayahadadream has firmly landed on the scene with her praised debut EP ‘Redemption Songs.’ The 24-year-old independent artist brings narrative flow back to UK rap, offering versatile critical commentary on subjects such as youth culture and self-identity. “Ego needs to stay on the stage / the bars are the proof,” states Jaya Gordon-Moore. Her music, edged in deliberate lyricism and grounded strength, is nestled in a soundscape of sunset textures. TNAM.UK fully supports her commentary on the fluidity of female rappers and the damage done by archetyping them into being roadman, sexy, or conscious – declaring, “I want to be all of those things.” Jayahadadream keeps her audience engaged by teasing freestyles and singles from her catalogue, often performing tracks in her bedroom adorned with a Jamaican flag and posters of artists like Bob Marley. Meanwhile, she’s also been gracing summer stages with performances, the Cambridge-born Jamaican-Irish artist now illuminated on LED screens. This is undoubtedly the time to catch Jayahadadream as she takes her first steps into the spotlight. Jaya will be performing on the Wednesday 18:30 – 19:30 on the Tangled Roots stage. Talk Show For fans of: Nightbus, DEADLETTER Genres: Post-Punk, Dance, Dark Wave Remember the “You wouldn’t steal a car” advert that threatened the lives of late 90s early 2000s kids if they ever watched a knockoff DVD? That matrix-fused trip-hop dark-wave post-punk audio that I can hear so well while writing this is what I am certain the South East London four-piece were inspired by. The last time we spoke with Talk Show was back in November 2023 to chat about their album release, Effigy. Since then, they’ve been hitting the stage hard with a slew of gigs. The album was met with roaring acclaim from publications including DORK and The Line of Best Fit, propelling the outfit into an extensive tour across the UK and EU in March, followed by a festival circuit in July and August. Fans attending this one can expect to be thrust into the mosh pit. Over the past five years, the band has evolved their sound into a fresh dance take on the legacies of The Chemical Brothers and, hopefully, Sunday’s secret headliners, The Prodigy. If it’s not clear yet – you need to see this band live. Talk Show is committed to reviving the mid-80s DIY ‘in the moment’ performance, and I’d bet frontman Harrison will be as much a part of the crowd as he is on stage, swanning through the chaos with matched crowd energy. Gen and the Degenerates For fans of: SPRINTS, Coach Party Genres: Rock, Punk Rock Calling Liverpool home, it is hard to not envy such a vibrant five-piece revelling in fun and theatrics arguably imprinted from their musically rich city landscape including local predecessors Space. Gen and the Degenerates could quite literally summon a storm of thunder triumphant in its drama as they bare their souls on stage, nothing with this band ever appears half arsed. I was first introduced the band after their 2022 breakout sharp playful seductive single ‘Girl God Gun’, which sits comfortably on my greatest 30 singles of all time. Since then, they have gone on to hit bullseye on underground old-school rock with aggravated, sure, confident and firm red-carpet bitch behaviour. Mix greater world liberal commentary using humour and colour to blur the line of darkness and political and self-despair they are genius in their collective character. They are a band that will dominate both loud rock and quiet acoustic spaces, and the perfect fit to round off the weekend. Catch Gen and the Degenerates at Hanger 161 on Sunday at 18:30 Nubiyan Twist For fans of: Yazmin Lacey, Azamiah Genres: Jazz, Rhythmic Soul, Big Band If I were granted three wishes for this weekend, they’d be for big bands, brass textures, and no hangovers. Nubiyan Twist can make two of these come true, though they might challenge the third. This tight-knit, talented 9-piece ensemble is based in London and brings to life vibrant scenes reminiscent of Archibald Motley through their fusion of jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat, Latin, soul, reggae, and dance music. It’s a dazzling experience that I anticipated enjoying in the daylight, but instead, it’s set to unfold in a special hour-long performance starting at 11:00 PM. This set will bid farewell to Friday with the rich texture and rhythmic reverence it deserves. Fronted by Tom Excell, 2024 also welcomed a new voice, Aziza Jaye, who debuted with the eclectic group on their album Find Your Flame. This is a thrilling moment to experience the big band’s latest formation, showcasing their soul, spirit, and passion for music. Nubiyan Twist will be performing at 11pm on the Nexus stage. Natty Lou For fans of: Oppidan, Meg Ward Genres: DnB, Jungle, Liquid International nomad Natty Lou is the Drum and Bass DJ and Producer known for her stage performance in both decks and dancing. Having first been introduced DnB mixing through a friend while