Cross The Tracks Festival 2024
⋆⭒ Review ˚｡ Cross The Tracks Festival 2024 The fifth edition of Cross The Tracks touched down at Brockwell Park just over a week ago, the south-London festival celebrated another glorious (albeit rainy) day of jazz, funk and soul. 05.06.24 Words by Gabi Machen For many, it’s the annual signifier that summer is almost here and a sun-soaked season filled with live music is just around the corner. The festival featured a varied line-up spanning decades, showcasing an eclectic mix of up-and-coming UK artists, heritage names and global icons to draw a devoted crowd of music lovers. That familiar buzz of excitement felt like an old friend as festival-goers gathered at the Brixton site in anticipation. Shortly after the gates opened, an announcement rippled through the crowd: the beloved queen of neo-soul herself, Erykah Badu, would not be appearing. Despite the setback, Cross The Tracks emphasised that the festival ‘isn’t just about one act, it’s about 70 incredible acts, shaping and defining the genres we love globally’. While disappointment was felt among fans, the overwhelming spirit of community prevailed. Before long, attendees were navigating between stages, ready to sample everything the festival had to offer. A last-minute adjustment to the set times brought hip-hop legend Freddie Gibbs alongside Madlib for a spontaneous mainstage performance, while US girl group En Vogue rose to headliner status with an electrifying medley of their greatest hits. Amongst the 70+ acts were some fantastic emerging female artists. Arriving early for these slots is always worthwhile, offering a valuable chance to discover new music and explore the stages up close. Ella More opened the Caboose with a powerhouse performance. As the audience steadily trickled in, the singer-songwriter commanded the stage with stunning vocals and a natural confidence. Joined by her band, she treated the crowd to a live set of R&B-tinged alternative love songs, including the stand-out ‘You Know’, before wrapping up with her latest single ‘Balance’, a track that demonstrates her newly refined sound and ample potential. If you’re eager to support an artist at the beginning of their career and witness their growth, Ella More is one to watch. Meanwhile, at the D-Railed stage, The Blues Project curated a sensational line-up of artists, each bringing their unique flavour of R&B. Highlights included performances by London-based Natanya and Jamilah Barry. With a minimal setup and stripped-back arrangement, all attention was on Jamilah’s dazzling voice, accompanied only by a guitarist. She delivered a heartfelt dedication to those ‘facing unspeakable, unimaginable atrocities’, captivating the audience completely. During the rest of the set, fans grooved along to notable tracks like ‘Merlot’, ‘Uber Ride’ and ‘Woman’s Touch’, a song she collaborated on with Cross The Tracks alumnus Yussef Dayes. At one point, the crowd sang in unison under Jamilah’s direction, creating a magical moment within a wonderfully vulnerable performance. For a fix of jazz music, oreglo’s high-energy set had the crowd jumping, while Ife Ogunjobi gave a truly special performance. The trumpeter and composer, who previously played Cross The Tracks as a member of Ezra Collective, effortlessly took to the spotlight to showcase his exceptional musicianship following the release of his first solo EP last year. The atmosphere inside the tent was palpable from the start, it was evident everyone sensed they were watching something remarkable. Finally, Girls Love Soul expertly took over the booth, supplying a soulful soundtrack to the day and championing a selection of talented female and non-binary DJs. Overall, this year felt like a triumph for the underdogs, as the smaller stages shone through and delivered. With the departure of Erykah Badu and a lack of sound at the two larger stages, festival-goers were particularly inclined to embrace emerging artists. One of the great strengths of Cross The Tracks is the diversity embedded within its lineup. This day festival presents a fantastic opportunity to witness rare performances and serves as a springboard for discovering contemporary artists on the rise. Click here to get email updates for 2025 Tickets! You Might Also Like
★⋆ Interview . ✦ Iyamah @ Cross The Tracks Festival
★⋆ Interview . ✦ Iyamah @ Cross The Tracks Festival “The name stands for ‘I am’ and it’s to remind people that you are whoever you want to be; we don’t have to be defined by any one thing”, Brighton-hailing musician Iyamah (pronounced eye-yam-ah) tells me during our interview at Cross the Tracks. 03.06.24 Words by Amalia Castle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RS_a_8M1hw “Iyamah is open, as you can choose who you want to be at any point, any time, any day, you’re not tied down to one thing, you are not restricted”. When digging through to her catalogue, this candid illustration of her artist name rings true. Iyamah’s music seems to serve a greater purpose than just a great listen. It’s about community, transformation and self-enlightenment, all qualities I detect in full effect when sitting down for our chat. Having just settled down after an extensive UK tour, Iyamah set the jazz and soul lovers of this year’s Cross the Tracks festival alight. In a beautiful showcase of her instinctual bond with music, the Brighton-born songstress took her tour energy straight to the Caboose stage to put on an electrifying, powerful – at points stripped back – and vocally immaculate performance. Iyamah’s catalogue of celestial, neo soul melodies chronicle her vibrant upbringing in Brighton. She illustrates her colourful environments surrounded by world sounds, dance and the vivacity of the festivals she frequented on weekends, all through her conceptual works. Her vocals dance across jazz-injected production with dustings of reggae, hip hop and latin sounds. “My auntie was a dancer, she would do west african dance. It was very raw and organic with sounds of drumming, lots of rhythm, a heartbeat.” she tells me. Digging as far back to her first releases, Iyamah’s relationship with movement, this heartbeat she describes, is painted in vivid technicolor through her music. This same love of rhythm, bass and movement saw Iyamah forge a love for dance music from a young age. “I’ve always felt like beats are very important to me, so when I started clubbing, (way under age)” she adds laughing “me and my mates just loved drum and bass. It’s a similar feeling when it comes to community, when you’re listening to drum and bass”. This early pull to the genre led the Brighton songstress to start writing to these heavier, fast-paced productions, leading to releases with veteran producers like Pola & Bryson, Holy Goof and My Nu Leng. Though neo soul and jazz stands strong throughout her own releases, Iyamah pulls together an eclectic mix of influences through her collaborations, from Dance Music to Hip Hop and R&B. “Being a mixed race girl growing up in quite a white area I was drawn to a lot of R&B and soul singers, I felt a connection to that as well.” From the moment I sat down with Iyamah, I instantly eased into my seat as we laughed about the impromptu nature of our chat and the potential mishaps she might experience with her gorgeous patterned two piece – which of course stayed put during her performance. Iyamah radiates an inescapable lightness, and instantly the radiant qualities of her music come to life. “I feel like they’ve given me such a great tent”, she exclaims, gearing up to her set a few hours from our chat. “We’ve just come off the back of a tour. So me and the band are in the zone right now”. During her performance we saw Iyamah bounce effortlessly off her accomplished band, with moments of calm for her power-house vocals and even a stripped back ukulele solo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by I Y A M A H (@iyamah_artist) Preceding her recent tour and her set at Cross the Tracks, Iyamah dropped an extended project titled ‘In Two Worlds’, which she co-produced. The production process was a luminary one, she tells me, that challenged her in a way she’s never been challenged before. “It’s all about someone trying to get their dreams,” she begins telling me, “trying to change their reality into what they see in their imagination and all the obstacles that they see along the way”. Iyamah’s storytelling throughout the project is often conceptual, painting pictures of her inner monologue and childlike daydreams. “It’s tapping into my inner child in a way, this little girl who had such a big dream, but with all these things that I felt were blocking me from being able to get there.” As she describes, ‘In Two Worlds’ depicts the journey one undertakes to achieve their dreams and pursuit of fulfillment. There’s a beauty in this journey which Iyamah paints in tracks like ‘ladybird’ and ‘ruler’. Yet there’s the risk of getting lost in this pursuit, she reflects, “what if you’re already living your dream, but you can’t see it, because you’re so focussed on trying to get something, that you can’t see what you already have”. These moments of realisation she mentions are seen unraveling as early as the album opening ‘Chasing Dreams’, and the soulful and minimal ‘8 Of Swords’ where she sings ‘sometimes we lose our insight / blindly alive, out of line’. The process of creating the album took on a similar and lengthy odyssey to the pursuit of ‘dreams’ that Iyamah narrates in ‘In Two Worlds’ – which feels symbolic. Having embarked on a two year process of creating the project, I was keen to ask her about this undertaking. Instantly, she let out a brief laugh, “I think the most incredible thing was releasing it, it was starting to become never-ending. Creativity is very close to insanity, they say it’s a very fine line, and I definitely felt like I was crossing that”. There’s a sense of relief, and then excitement, as her focus shifts on bringing the album to life through performance and “falling back in love” with every track. It’s clear that ‘In Two Worlds’ was an enlightening process, that Iyamah wanted to showcase to the listener, as both
･ﾟ✧ Review ✧*: Sounds From The Other City Festival 2024
･ﾟ✧ Review ✧*: Sounds From The Other City Festival 2024 With summer around the corner, Sounds From The Other City Festival brought the sunshine early to Salford with a day of brilliant live music, DJS and performances that brought the city to life. 01.06.24 Words by Jessica Draper-Mann https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PI4Fv7S5A0 Taking place across a total of 17 venues and spaces in the city including St Phillips Church, Bexley Square and Salford Museum and Art Gallery, audiences were spoilt for choice on who to watch, from the dreamy otherworldliness of TTSSFU and Halo Maud to the high energy fun and vibrance of Lavender Rodriguez (who we previously caught solo at Fair Play festival 2024), and Amaka. the sun brought warmth and the artists created live magic with their sets, much fun was to be had. Here are just some of our lineup highlights. ISHA Isha kicked off Sounds From The Other City at Salford’s Peel Hall with vibrance and an atmosphere of fun from the get-go. From electronic funk and jazz beats that made you want to dance to sweet vocals that brightened the venue and showed a clear love for performing, this set perfectly set up the festival and the fun that was to be had by all. Isha highlighted musical skill and exciting promise throughout the set, which certainly deserved to be noticed, as shown by the packed crowd of the Peel Hall stage who were sure to show their appreciation at the end of the set with a chorus of applause. A brilliant opening set that brilliantly set up a day of fantastic live music and performance. Track to listen to: Wherever You Go – Isha ft Alfie Neale AMAKA For those looking for a set to get up and groove to, Amaka had audiences covered in Salford’s Bexley Square with vibrant high-energy tracks and beats that brought people out of their seats and up on their feet from the get-go. Passersby couldn’t help but be intrigued by the set and were immediately drawn into the fun and liveliness. Amaka ‘s love for the music she was playing was clear in the way she engaged with both those grooving along and her own mixing, which made Bexley Square shine bright and truly brought it to life. Track to listen to: Cruisin’ – AMAKA Bella Chen Bella Chen performed at Salford Museum and Art Gallery which had much variety to offer during this year’s Sounds From The Other City, from electronic synths to experimental acoustics and heartfelt ballads. One of the key highlights was Bella Chen, a pianist who combined traditional classical piano musicality with melodic synth to create a passionate and breathtaking set that whisked the audience off to another world. From the get-go, there was a sense that this set was something special when entering the venue, a venue that was completely enchanted by the comforting silence and the distinct sense of adoration and appreciation which occupied the space as Bella played. This was An absolutely breathtaking set from a brilliant talent. Track to listen to: Passages Of Time-Bella Chen Lavender Rodriguez Lavender Rodriguez isn’t new to The New Age Magazine (see Fair play Festival review 2024) however, their Sounds From The Other City set was, with a new side to Lavender shown through the debut of a new full band, and a fantastic, reworked set that brought fun and a brilliant sense of community to Salford’s Peel Hall, as well as the classic Lavender Rodriguez alt-pop and experimental soul musicality. Confidence was abundant during this set, as well as a musical fullness that made this set one of an unforgettable nature. A hidden gem that everyone should be watching right now. Track to listen to: Sunrise-Lavender Rodriguez TTSFU With a hypnotic stage presence that hooked you in instantly and a dreamy shoegaze musicality, TTSFU transported Maxwell Hall to another dimension during this year’s SFTOC festival and proved exactly why they should be the name on everyone’s lips. From the get-go, you couldn’t help but be drawn into their orbit, mesmerised by atmospheric reverb guitars and passionate, sonic youth-esque vocals that comforted and wrapped around your soul like it was meant to be there. If there was any set to get utterly lost in, then TTSFU was it. Track to Listen to: Wait It Out-TTSFU Halo Maud As the festival began to draw to a close, St Phillips Church had a treat up its sleeve in the form of headliner Halo Maud, who graced the historic church with an air of mystery and dreamy electronic magic that captivated and hypnotised an audience of new and familiar fans. Throughout this set, it was hard not to feel moved by the performance as passionate trance pop occupied St Phillips from ceiling to floor, and the crowd watched with anticipation and awe as songs of French and English settled in their hearts and created an enchanted atmosphere like no other. A truly magical experience. Track to listen to: My Desire Is Pure-Halo Maud Laura J Martin Sunset was upon Salford as Laura J Martin took her place on stage at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, and the timing couldn’t have been better. From the get-go, Laura J Martin bewitched the venue with a combination of keyboard lines, synth, flute and dreamy vocals that drew you in and held you close as if telling you the most brilliant secret of all. This set was so intimate and beautifully intrigued all those present, whether they were fans of experimental music or not, this was a musical experience to be shared beyond just the performance on stage, one that would stick with the audience long after the festival had finished. Track to listen to: Living On The Wall-Laura J Martin As the festival began to draw to a close, St Phillips Church had a treat up its sleeve in the form of headliner Halo Maud, who graced the historic church with an air of mystery and dreamy electronic
₊ ⊹˚ Ones To Watch 𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ Cross The Tracks 2024
₊ ⊹˚ Ones To Watch 𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪ Cross The Tracks 2024 Back for its 5th addition is London’s #1 jazz, funk, and soul festival is set to sweeten the spirit of Brixton on May 26th. 16.04.24 Edited by Isla Mcrobbie Featuring global female talent such as killer headliner Erykah Badu, En Vogue (who need no introduction given their long-time chart and Grammy success) and Billboard chart-topping American rapper – Eve, we are…what should I say? GASSED to be invited down to celebrate yet another year of Cross The Tracks dedication to celebrating the best and up and coming female and non-binary names in the world of soul, jazz, hip-hop, R&B and more. So, for those counting down the days, get ready to blanket the grass, crack open a tinny and catch the unmissable celebration of music, culture and community, Cross The Tracks will return to Brockwell Park, London on Sunday 26th May, 2024. TICKETS ON SALE HERE ✶⋆.˚ Faye Meana single artwork “No Need To Be Shy” Faye Meana When the sun begins to shine, taking hold of the classically dreary UK, it’s artists like soul songstress and producer Faye Meana that provide the ultimate colourful soundtrack to accompany those moments basking in the sun. Finding perfect synergy between soul, R&B, disco, electronic and even a dusting of 80s sounds, Faye Meana has showcased her raw talent and eclectic musical upbringing through a trail of singles and EPs spanning back to 2016. In many ways, birthed from her childhood die-hard’ appreciation for Areatha Franklin, Faye’s intricate vocals shine bright with a joyous, warm energy inspired by the 60s “Queen of soul” and other legendary neo soul singers such as Erykah Badu. Faye melts her listeners with soothing vocals that tell stories of life’s nuanced complexities, searching for love and following dreams; whether it’s with her 5-piece band or atop a subtle guitar riff. With jazz, colour and soul being at the heart of Cross the Tracks, Faye Meana is a must watch on the 26th of May. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cross The Tracks (@xthetracks) Words by Amalia Castle ⋆⭒˚｡⋆ Summer Pearl Album Artowrk “outmysystem” Summer Pearl London-hailing and Jamaica/Grenadian-rooted artist Summer Pearl brings a soul soothing prowess to genre-fluidity, with her collected jazz, soul, hip hop and dub cuts, illuminated with vibrant live instrumentation and inspired by the sounds of her Caribbean culture. Summer’s tracks envelop you in warm, sun-kissed jazz, and her sure hip hop flow leaves an impulsive head bop in its place. The London-based artist also ensures to weave in deep emotional understanding and perceptive storytelling with her sparkling creations. She tells of love, loss and ever-important political messages exploring black and female history that add sumptuous layers to every one of her tracks. Summer Pearl is perfect for fans of Greentea Peng, Muva of Earth, IAMDDB, Eliza and Erykah Badu – who Summer accompanies on the lineup for Cross the Tracks. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SUMMER PEARL (@iamsummerpearl) Words by Amalia Castle ₊˚.⋆☾ Natanya’s Debut EP “Sorrow At Sunrise” Natanya A multi-talented artist from North London, Natanya is making a name for herself as a singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and producer following a number of impressive singles and her debut EP ‘Sorrow at Sunrise’. Her distinctive sound perfectly captures the essence of contemporary R&B, characterised by experimental production, neo-soul melodies and expansive vocals akin to the genre-fluid musical style of Hiatus Kayote. In 2023, Natanya won Guap Gala’s 2023 Music Artist To Watch award, sold out a headline show and supported FLO on their UK tour, further cementing her status as a seriously exciting artist and performer. Natanya’s Cross The Tracks set will without a doubt be a special one! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Natanya ✰ (@n4t4nya) Words by Gabi Machen ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ Jamilah Barry Single Artwork “COMING THRU” Jamilah Barry London-based artist Jamilah Barry has been steadily establishing her presence in the UK R&B scene since she first released back in 2015. The success of her single ‘Coming Thru’ garnered many fans and later that year, she gave her first of two COLORS appearances. If you are yet to watch her performance of ‘If The Loves Goes’, it’s a must. Following several collaborations with other artists and producers, last year Jamilah featured on Yussef Dayes acclaimed debut solo album with the stunning ‘Woman’s Touch’. Raised on an eclectic mix of genres, Jamilah is inclined to explore beyond the conventions of soul and R&B, her music reflects her family’s Guinean heritage as well as jazz, alternative R&B and hip-hop influences. Jamilah’s silky smooth yet powerful vocals are not to be missed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jamilah Barry (@jamilahbarry) Words by Gabi Machen .𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝ Maya Delilah single artwork for “Actress” Maya Delilah From the age of 15 Maya Delilah has been publicly displaying her effortlessly dreamy vocals and knack for endearing lyricism. In 2014 she was a finalist in The Mayor of London’s Gigs Big Busk, the UK’s biggest annual street music competition. She continued to perfect her craft at London’s prestigious Brit School and has been steadily releasing singles and EP’s since 2020 to an audience of over 300,000 monthly Spotify listeners. Her early 2020 single ‘Tangerine Dream’ remains a firm fan-favourite, a hazily-produced R&B love song with a hypnotic swing and groove, warm splashes of synths and a slick guitar solo closer comparable to that of a Tom Misch track. However, her latest collection of songs feel like a step into a new era with a lean towards more organic methods of instrumentation, ‘Necklace’ brings folk and acoustic elements into Maya’s signature blend of airy R&B and pop, the stunning final product has an expansive sound, with meandering washed guitar that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Khruangbin track. ‘Silver Lining’ goes a step further; the rolling