This iconic festival is a melting pot of fresh ideas and eclectic sounds, with rising artists from across the globe converging to make their mark. Our mission? To dig deep and uncover every UK-based female and nonbinary act that took to take the stage this year. So, let’s dive into the action.
Yazmin Lacey is taking her soulful experience on a global tour, having recently played at South by Southwest (SXSW) as part of BBC Introducing’s showcase. With a voice that’s as smoky as a late-night jazz club and lyrics that cut straight to the heart, Yazmin Lacey’s music is a soulful blend of jazz, R&B, and introspective storytelling. Her songs are a journey through the complexities of modern life, with themes that touch on love, loss, and the pursuit of self-discovery. Musically, Lacey’s sound is a delicate balance of jazzy instrumentation and understated vocals, creating an atmosphere that’s both intimate and emotionally charged. Her voice is a force of nature, imbued with a depth of feeling and a rawness that’s reminiscent of jazz legends like Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, but she also incorporates elements of more contemporary R&B and soul singers such as Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.
With roots that span across borders, Miraa May is a true embodiment of cultural fusion. Hailing from Algeria and raised amidst the vibrant streets of Tottenham, this British-Algerian songstress has dazzled the music scene with her breathtaking debut album, ‘Tales of a Miracle’ in May 2022. Seamlessly weaving elements from a range of genres, including Contemporary R&B, Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afropop, Miraa May’s music is a testament to her versatility and unique artistic vision. She draws inspiration from the rich soundscape of South Africa, a country that holds a special place in her heart. It comes as no surprise that her talent has been recognized by industry leaders, with a nomination for the coveted ‘Best Female Act’ at the 2022 MOBO Awards. Miraa May’s lyrical prowess is unparalleled, as she herself proclaims that “My talent really is my pen.”
Bellah, a local of Enfield in London, seamlessly blends nostalgic 2000s instrumentals with her distinctive high-caliber vocals. Her music effortlessly transitions from hip-hop infused beats to sensual, seductive melodies, all while infusing elements of world-class and R&B influences. Her sound has been compared to the likes of Summer Walker, Kehlani, and SZA, cementing her status as a modern artist with a fresh take on contemporary music. Bellah fearlessly embraces the challenges of adulthood and candidly expresses the highs and lows of life through her music. Her raw honesty has earned her attention from major publications, including British Vogue and BBC Radio 1Xtra, who have dubbed her a “one to watch.” Bellah’s talent has been recognized globally, with a performance at the 2021 MOBO awards and a nomination for “Best R&B/Soul Act.”
Discovering emerging artists like Edie Bens who bring a fresh perspective and an authentic sound to the music industry is always a thrilling experience. Inspired by a diverse range of female musicians, including the likes of Maggie Rogers, Holly Humberstone, and Julia Jacklin, Bens has cultivated a style that is both familiar and uniquely her own. Her gift for writing from diverse perspectives speaks volumes about her creativity and empathy, resulting in stories that touch the hearts of her listeners. With her debut single hitting the airwaves in 2019, Bens’ fusion of country storytelling and grandiose pop is a testament to her meteoric rise as a respected artist. Her subtle approach to expression is particularly noteworthy, granting her songs the space to breathe and resonate with her audience in an honest and relatable way.
Liverpool-based alternative rock band, Crawlers, have been making waves in the music industry with their unique sound and impressive chart success. With support from influential bands like My Chemical Romance, Crawlers have gained a devoted fan base and at the end of 2022 sold out their headline show at the O2 Academy. Their ‘Loud Without Noise’ mixtape reached the top spot on the Official Rock & Metal Chart, solidifying their status as one of the rising stars of the alternative rock scene. The band’s music explores the inner workings of an anxious mind, delving into the thoughts and feelings that many of us try to ignore. Their frank and open approach to song writing has brought them a fantastically devoted fan base aince their debut in 2019. According to Holly, the lead singer, alternative music fans are not casual listeners – it’s a way of life. As kids, they looked up to bands like My Chemical Romance and The 1975, who were their whole world. Now, the band finds themselves in a similar position, with fans placing them in the same category.
Jessica Winter is a rising star in the pop music scene, who draws inspiration from her love of musical theatre and Barbara Streisand. Her music is unashamedly pop, with razor-sharp lyrics that cut straight to the heart of her listeners. After the release of her debut EP, Sad Music, Jessica followed it up with More Sad Music, both of which were well-received by fans and critics alike. Now, in 2023, she has released her latest EP, Limerence, which offers a slightly more optimistic tone than her previous works. What sets Jessica apart from other pop artists is her lack of subtlety, and surprise; she previously toured with Death Grips! Her music speaks to her deep understanding of herself and her ability to question herself in a way that is almost otherworldly. So if you like theatre and drama, heavy one moment and lush string arrangement the next, check her out.
The Quartet From Leeds is a new up-and-coming band that was formed in the midst of 2020, rising to the top of Britain’s contemporary music scene alongside innovative acts like Sports Team, Yard Act, and The Magic Gang. They’re not ones to conform to a single genre, and instead, they’ve dubbed themselves “post-wonk” – a nod to their quirky and unconventional personalities. Despite having only dropped one EP, ‘polyawkward’, they’ve managed to attract a dedicated following of fans. Their latest single, ‘Song about Love’, which dropped in January 2023, showcases their prowess as worthy successors to early Kate Nash, boasting lyrics that are dripping with charm and metaphors that exude creativity. However, what really sets English Teacher apart is their infectious humor and their unbreakable bond of friendship.
London-based band Steam Collective is gaining a reputation for spreading positive energy and love among their audiences. The Jazz collective, led by multi-instrumentalist Ahnanse, comprises an eclectic group of artists, including writers, visual artists, dancers, and more. Their diverse talents allow them to create a unique blend of sounds and styles, showcasing their creativity and passion for freedom. In a time when Londoners need a refreshing escape from the socio-political climate, Steam Collective’s message of love and positivity is a welcome breath of fresh air. Beyond music, Steam Collective’s multi-disciplinary approach to art and creativity is a testament to their commitment to exploring new forms of expression. Their vibrant energy and unique talents make them a band that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who experiences their music. Keep an eye out for their upcoming performances – they are not to be missed!
A favourite band here at Envi, South London’s own Heartworms, created by artist Jojo Orme, is an embodiment of her identity and has been aptly described as fiercely dystopian. A challenge to the world at large, Heartworms is a post-punk product of Jojo’s passions for military history and poetry. With a full live band, Heartworms’ performances showcase impeccable poise and Jojo’s projection on stage defies the all too familiar preconceptions of female musicians as small and fragile. The band’s sound is heavily influenced by the likes of Interpol, Kraftwerk, and PJ Harvey, with uniformity being a major factor in its composition. Heartworms’ debut EP, A Comforting Notion, dropped on March 24th, 2023, via the renowned indie label Speedy Wunderground. Collaborating with the label’s founder, Dan Carey, Jojo has crafted four mesmerizing post-rock and punk tracks that truly showcase all aspects of her personality, making for a thrilling and captivating debut for Heartworms.
VLURE’s music is a force to be reckoned with, emanating from Glasgow the industrial post-punkers are on a mission to reverberate across the world. Their sound is massive and ambitious, evoking an explosive energy that’s bred in gritty, sweat-drenched venues, yet destined for the grandeur of massive arenas. Their latest single, ‘This Fantasy,’ is an impressive testament to this ethos, fusing the audacious pop sensibilities of the KLF with the pristine production quality of PC Music to create a groundbreaking and astonishing piece of music. After a whirlwind tour across the UK and an illustrious performance at Eurosonic, VLURE set their sights on Austin, Texas, propelled by their soaring success. They took the stage as headliners at the British Music Embassy for BBC Introducing and the Wide Days Scottish showcase, emerging as one of SXSW’s most talked-about breakout acts. Their performances incited chaos and frenzy, leaving a trail of awe and admiration wherever they went.
Dea Matrona, the Belfast-based rock duo, draws inspiration from the divine mother goddess of Celtic mythology, infusing their music with an otherworldly energy. With Orlaith Forsythe and Mollie McGinn at the helm, the band unleashes an electrifying mix of retro-inspired riffs and modern rock stylings, showcasing their exceptional skills on guitar, bass, and vocals. From busking on Belfast’s bustling streets to amassing a staggering 57,000 subscribers and eight million views on YouTube, these young musicians have earned their stripes as rising stars in the rock music scene. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like Led Zeppelin and Fleetwood Mac, the duo has carved a niche for themselves with catchy, guitar-heavy singles like “Stamp On It,” “Glory Glory (I Am Free),” and “Red Button.” Don Felder, the former lead guitarist for The Eagles, has already given them his stamp of approval, and with their unparalleled talent and magnetic stage presence, Dea Matrona seems poised to conquer the world of rock music.
GHUM’s story is one of fate and creativity. It all started with an ad placed by Marina MJ for bandmates on Gumtree. She met Laura Guerrero Lora, Jojo Khor, and Vicki Ann. Together, they formed GHUM, a band that has taken the music world by storm. Bringing together a mix of post-punk and grunge, influenced by bands like The Cure, Soft Kill and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. In 2017, they released their first EP, Ghum, which was followed by The Coldest Fire in 2019. The latter album brought them to the attention of the national media, with their lead track “Saturn” being playlisted by BBC Radio 6 Music. GHUM has shared the stage with renowned bands like Dream Wife and L.A. Witch. In March 2022, GHUM released “Some People,” the lead single from their debut album, Bitter, which was described by Line of Best Fit as “a taut nine-song masterclass.” GHUM toured Europe with Soft Kill and Choir Boy in June 2022 and was announced as tour support for Big Joanie’s UK tour in 2023. Their tremendous performance at SBSW was their first North American appearance, we cant wait to see the next.
Queen Millz is a Singer/Songwriter/MC hailing from Leicestershire, East Midlands, who draws inspiration from renowned artists such as Chris Brown and UK grime artist Chip. With her unique blend of musical talents and innate confidence, she has garnered a solid fanbase in recent years, thanks to hits like ‘Body & Shape’ and ‘Little Things’. Queen Millz’s music is an expression of the diverse range of emotions that life has to offer, and her natural lyrical ability allows her to pen whole tracks in as little as an hour. Her recent performance at SBSW was a huge success, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement. Despite having a stockpile of demos, Queen Millz remains tight-lipped about the release of her highly anticipated album. Her artistic prowess and dedication to her craft have made her one to watch in the music industry.
Picture this: a trio of young, music-obsessed friends from Halifax, England, bond over ’90s rock and cinema and decide to start a band. They call themselves The Orielles and start churning out catchy tunes that blend indie pop, disco-funk, Madchester and Afro-pop. They release singles, play shows and go to school, all while dreaming of making it big. Their big break comes when they catch the attention of Heavenly Records, who sign them up and take them into the studio with producer Marta Salogni. The result is their debut album, Silver Dollar Moment, a collection of upbeat, danceable tracks that captures the trio’s youthful exuberance. It’s a hit, and the band embarks on a sold-out tour of the UK. But The Orielles aren’t content to rest on their laurels. They keep experimenting with new sounds and techniques, bringing in influences as diverse as Turkish psych, Korean electro and Italian film scores. Their latest album, Tableau, is a testament to their growth as musicians, featuring sparse and powerful songs that showcase their artistic complexity. The Orielles may have started out as teenagers with a dream, but they’ve grown into a formidable force in the indie music scene.
Hailing from Brighton, Lime Garden is an unconventional and stylish band that has burst onto the alternative music scene. Their music flows seamlessly between different genres, from indie to surf to disco, and they are unafraid to experiment with sound, reflecting the wild energy of their tight-knit group. NME listed Lime Garden as one of the top 100 artists of 2022. In an interview, the band discussed their shared love for Talking Heads and the influence it had on their musical roots. Their hit single “Pulp” has a sleek and edgy leather-clad music video, which encapsulates the band’s aesthetic. Their songs convey a sense of teenage angst and dread, and the band has big plans to conquer the world. Lime Garden’s fearless and youthful approach to music sets them apart in the alternative music scene and makes them an act to watch out for.
Hailing from Cardiff, the Welsh trio known as CHROMA has made a significant impact on the alternative rock scene with their energetic live performances. Over the past few years, the band has built a strong following, selling out shows in their hometown and receiving strong radio support from BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru. CHROMA’s music features thumping riffs, high-energy beats, and powerhouse vocals that channel the spirits of Beth Ditto and Kathleen Hanna. They draw inspiration from bands such as Marmozets, Biffy Clyro, and Reuben, resulting in tracks that pack a punch and were well received at Reading and Leeds Festival. Currently in the process of recording a new single and adding final touches to their next EP, CHROMA is preparing for a summer of festival performances, where their lively and dynamic stage presence is sure to captivate audiences.
Sports Team is a six-piece indie band based in Camberwell, London. The band consists of Alex Rice, Oli Dewdney, Al Greenwood, Rob Knaggs, Ben Mack, and Henry Young. Formed while studying at Cambridge University, they released their debut EP in 2018, playing gigs and gaining a highly engaged fanbase. Their debut album, Deep Down Happy, entered the charts at No. 2, with physical sales and vinyl sales that outperformed any other British artist in 2020. The album also achieved the highest first-week sales for a debut album by a British band in four years. Sports Team’s guitar-driven indie-rock, soaring and ebullient, is complemented by Rice’s observational lyrics, which poke fun at quintessential Britishness and small-town life. They have played numerous gigs and festivals, honing their skills on the live circuit, and are known for their deeply impassioned and highly engaged fanbase.
The Heavy Heavy is a Brighton-based band that is spearheaded by lifelong musicians Will Turner and Georgie Fuller. They create unfettered rock-and-roll that transports audiences into a euphoric state with their own sun-soaked atmosphere. Their sound is a reverb-drenched collision of psychedelia and blues, acid rock, and sunshine pop. Their debut EP, Life and Life Only, taps into many musical touchstones deeply entrenched in their psyche, such as Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac, the Rolling Stones, and British Invasion pop acts. The band’s full-length debut is expected next year, and they recently expanded their lineup to five members. They have written and recorded hundreds of songs in the last two years alone, aiming to make music that provides a rarefied pleasure. The Heavy Heavy has toured relentlessly in the United States and Europe, earning numerous accolades from fans and critics. They have made appearances on CBS Saturday Morning, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Their single “Miles & Miles” reached the top 5 of the Billboard AAA and Americana Radio Charts, and they landed high-profile placements, such as Netflix’s popular series Outer Banks.
Dream Wife, the punk-pop trio, continue the empowering lineage of feminist music icons like the Slits, Debbie Harry, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Le Tigre. Their clever songwriting and abundant hooks, combined with Rakel Mjöll’s ability to shift from a coo to a howl in an instant, makes their manifestos about gender roles, body image, and identity feel thrilling and powerful. Dream Wife’s commitment to women and non-binary people never wavers as they support charities such as Girls Rock London and work with all-female creative teams. The band formed in 2014 when Mjöll, guitarist Alice Go, and bassist Bella Podpadec, all students at art school in Brighton, came together. Inspired by musical icons like David Bowie, Madonna, Le Tigre, and Sleigh Bells, they moved to London and began playing live shows, including a 2015 D.I.Y. tour of Canada with a drum machine. Their debut EP, Fire, arrived in 2016 on Cannibal Hymns, followed by the Fire EP in 2017, and their self-titled debut album in 2018. Dream Wife continued to tour extensively for over a year with drummer Alex Paveley, performing gigs with Sunflower Bean, the Kills, and Garbage and embarking on their first U.S. tour. In 2020, their second album, So When You Gonna…, arrived, balancing their punk brashness with reflective ballads and touching on rarely mentioned topics such as miscarriages.
Cherym is a punk-pop trio hailing from Derry, Ireland. The band is made up of guitarist and vocalist Hannah Richardson, bassist Nyree Porter, and drummer Alannagh Doherty. Growing up within minutes of each other, they bonded over their shared love of music, which eventually led to the formation of Cherym. Their energetic and enthusiastic personalities are reflected in their music, which draws influences from a range of genres, including punk, pop, and heavy metal. Their early singles, such as ‘Kisses on My Cards’ and ‘Listening to My Head,’ showcase their ability to create snarling, anthemic tracks.
Cherym’s sound is a result of their eclectic tastes and influences, with Doherty bringing in heavy elements, Richardson adding off-kilter melodic rock, and Porter bringing in a wildcard element with her love for country music. Their lyrics are honest and straightforward, with tracks like ‘Abigail’ discussing lost romances and their personal experiences. Despite their diverse influences, Cherym’s sound is confident and coherent, reflecting their passion for making noise and having fun.
GIRLI, born Milly Toomey, is a North London-based singer, rapper, and producer who made her solo debut in 2014 with a unique blend of pop, electronic, and punk influences. During high school, she was part of the indie rock band Ask Martin, but decided to carve out her own path after her bandmates went to college. GIRLI’s stage name is inspired by Blondie, and her aesthetic is a mix of cyberpunk and J-Pop. She started performing at local open mic nights, which caught the attention of BBC Radio 1, leading to the release of her first single “So You Think You Can Fuck with Me” b/w “ASBOys” in 2015. A year later, she released “Girls Get Angry Too.” GIRLI’s sound is inventive and futuristic, drawing comparisons to Charli XCX, Lily Allen, M.I.A., and Grimes. Her lyrics tackle societal pressures, gender, critics, bad boys, and mean girls, delivered with a confident brand of girl power reminiscent of the Spice Girls.
Bridie Monds-Watson, known by their stage name SOAK, is an Irish singer/songwriter who combines elements of soul, folk, and indie rock in their music. SOAK’s emotionally revealing songs and evocative performing style draw on their parents’ love of Joni Mitchell, ABBA, and Pink Floyd, as well as their own influences like the 1975 and Foals. After forming a band with friends at 14, SOAK began performing solo shows and released their debut EP, Trains, in 2012. The EP was followed by Sea Creatures and Blud, which was released by Chvrches’ Goodbye Records label. In 2015, SOAK signed with Rough Trade and released their debut album, Before We Forgot How to Dream, which was nominated for a Mercury Prize. SOAK’s second album, Grim Town, examined the struggles of young adulthood and was released in 2019. In 2022, SOAK released their third album, If I Never Know You Like This Again, which was inspired by their recent announcement of their non-binary identity and featured a mid-’90s-inspired sound with electric guitars and effects pedals.
ALASKALASKA, the London-based band led by writers and producers Fraser Rieley and Lucinda Duarte-Holman, retreated to the countryside to record their second album, “Still Life”. In a cow shed turned recording studio, surrounded by fruit trees and analogue synths, the duo captured a uniquely personal sound. Tame Impala, Hot Chip, Porridge Radio, and Nilüfer Yanya have supported the band on tour, and their 2019 debut album was a hit with critics. Now, ALASKALASKA are embracing their foundational ideas and exploring new sounds. Duarte-Holman explains that the pandemic’s restrictions led the band to try new ways of working, leading to a more electronic soundscape that they’re excited to express live. After a long wait they released their second album ‘Still Life’ in 2022.
Meet Gen and the Degenerates – the alternative punk rock band that knows how to start a party and cause some chaos. Their latest single, “My Perfect,” is just the beginning of their big year. Gen and the Degenerates have been on fire, with an unforgettable support slot on the legendary Skunk Anansie’s UK tour in 2022 and the release of their debut EP, “Only Alive When In Motion.” With a growing number of equally chaotic and wild fans, Gen and the Degenerates are not just here to prove the rumors of their success but to exceed all expectations placed upon them. Their anthemic rock and aggressive sound bring a charismatic presence to the stage, making them one of the most unforgettable emerging live bands on the British rock scene. Their feminist rock hit, “Girl God Gun,” is just a taste of what’s to come, and we can’t wait to see what else they have in store.
Led by saxophonist and producer Pete Cunningham, Ishmael Ensemble burst onto the UK jazz scene in 2019 with their innovative debut album, A State Of Flow. The album’s lush cinematic compositions infused with left-field dub and electronic influences were a testament to the musical landscape of Bristol. The album was hailed by The Guardian as ‘Contemporary Album Of The Month’ and MOJO as ‘Jazz Album of The Month’. The group was invited to perform Maida Vale sessions for both Gilles Peterson and Tom Ravenscroft and featured on Brownswood Recordings and Soul Jazz Records compilations. Cunningham’s success as a producer led to remixes for techno giant Carl Craig and legendary jazz label Blue Note Records, alongside some of the UK’s most talented musicians on Blue Note Re:Imagined. Since then, Ishmael Ensemble has become a platform for Cunningham to challenge traditional notions of producer/artist relationships, break genre boundaries, and push the boundaries of UK jazz.
Prima Queen’s story is a love story between female friendship and the power of music. Louise Macphail and Kristin McFadden almost didn’t meet, but a chance encounter in London led to an instant musical connection. Along with bassist Kitty Drummond and drummer Heledd Owen, the band began playing gigs around South London, honing their sound and testing out their songs. Their debut single “Milk Teeth” showcased their intimate, diaristic lyrics and mellow grooves. After supporting bands like The Big Moon, Dream Wife, and Wet Leg, Prima Queen’s sound evolved with the help of friends and fellow musicians Juliette “Jules” Jackson and Fern Ford. Their upcoming singles, “Eclipse” and “Butter Knife,” demonstrate the band’s willingness to explore new emotional and musical heights through experimentation. Prima Queen strives to create moments of shared intimacy with their audience, where their songs can resonate deeply with listeners.
Jaz Karis, a South London native and graduate of the prestigious Brit School, is a rising star with a mesmerizing voice that glides seamlessly through the realms of soul, jazz, and hip hop. Her debut EP, Into The Wilderness, was released on Salute The Sun Records, an independent label run entirely by women, and features collaborations with a range of talented artists including Sillkey, Blue Lab Beats, Mike Musiq, Tinyman, and Zulu.
Inspired by the likes of Erykah Badu, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and Miguel, Jaz emphasizes the importance of creating music that is authentic and true to oneself rather than conforming to current trends. As she explains, “It’s not about being inspired by their fame or recognition – I respect these artists who make music on their own terms & have their own authentic sound – I don’t want to just follow a trend and do what’s popular right now just for the sake of it.”
Tamzene, hailing from the small Scottish town of Cromarty, is an artist whose talent is truly special. Her soulful voice, influenced by legendary musicians like Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin, pairs perfectly with her urge to express herself through music. Her latest EP, ‘Details’, was crafted during walks along the harbour where she would watch the waves lapping against the pier as she gazed out at the firth. The result is a stunning, emotional, and polished work of art that showcases her songwriting prowess.
Tamzene’s love for music began in childhood thanks to her stepfather, a musician who played salsa music. She started recording covers of songs using Audacity and her laptop microphone at the age of 12 and began writing her own music just a few years later. She takes her art seriously and has always been driven to succeed, even as a young artist.
Mandy, Indiana’s debut album ‘i’ve seen a way’ is a product of their unique and diverse recording process, with tracks recorded in unconventional locations such as caves, crypts, and shopping centers. The band began recording in 2019 and released a few singles before culminating in the 2021 ‘…’ EP, which received critical acclaim and early cosigns from Daniel Avery and support slots from Squid and Gilla Band. The album was mixed by Daniel Fox and Robin Stewart, with mastering by Heba Kedry, known for her work with Ryuichi Sakamoto and Bjork.
Mandy, Indiana’s sound is a result of their experimental approach to music-making, with inspiration drawn from film soundtracks and experimental video games. Their music features found sound samples, sprawling percussive experiments, and oblique references to disrupt the language of cinema. The band’s focus is on altering textures, creating clashes, and subverting expectations to keep their audience on its toes. While the album was painstakingly crafted, Mandy, Indiana’s strength lies in their unexpected approach, resulting in a sound that is entirely unique and unlike anything heard before.
Wynona Bleach is an Irish rock band formed in January 2018, comprising Melyssa Shannon on vocals, Jonny Woods on guitar and vocals, Aaron Black on guitar, Matt Killen on drums, and Carl Gilmore on bass. Prior to forming as Wynona Bleach, the band performed under the name R51 and played in various music festivals and events, including the BBC Introducing stages at Reading and Leeds festivals, supporting Feeder, and performing on a televised anniversary of the BBC’s Introducing music show in Northern Ireland with other bands such as Therapy?, SOAK, Villagers, and The Divine Comedy. In 2018, Wynona Bleach released their debut single “Eyes Burning” followed by an EP called “Sugar” later that year. In 2019, they supported Alice in Chains on their Irish leg of the World Tour before recording their debut album “Moonsoake” with Bill Ryder-Jones in an abandoned warehouse in central Portugal in 2019/early 2020. In August 2021, the band signed a record deal with Fierce Panda Records before releasing two singles from their upcoming album, “Glimmer” and “Drag”. “Drag” was playlisted on BBC radio Ulster and charted in the top 40 of Amazing Radio while being featured on several Spotify editorial playlists.
Redolent, an experimental five-piece band hailing from Edinburgh, have made their debut with “make big money fast online now,” an EP released through Columbia Records. Composed of Danny and Robin Herbert, Andrew Turnbull, Robbie White, and Alice Hancock on live samplers, the band’s live set-up is a standout feature, with a scaffold pole-created cube shape that holds a neon strip light, displaying the lyrics while the band occupies the center surrounded by the audience. Their sound is hard to pin down but is a blend of electronic and indie music. The title track, “make big money fast online now,” is an introduction to their unique sound, with its ambient loops and drums, and Robin’s hypnotic vocals pulling you into the storytelling. Meanwhile, their latest single, “Death in the Family,” is a bouncy and catchy song that tackles the subject of grief through the metaphor of Scottish weather. Redolent’s music is something that will leave you wanting more.
Sans Soucis is a solo artist with a distinctive sound that blends pop, jazz, soul, and folk. Her music draws inspiration from a range of genre-defying artists, such as Laura Mvula, St. Vincent, and Lianne La Havas. Her Italian and Congolese heritage adds to the richness of her music, reminiscent of the haunting compositions of Fabio Concato and the groove of Congolese rumba.
In 2018, Sans Soucis launched her solo career and released her debut EP, “The Lover,” in May 2019, which received critical acclaim from industry veterans like Tom Robinson (BBC 6) and Chris Douridas (KCRW). Her subsequent singles, including “Visible,” “Mercy,” and “Human,” were also well-received by tastemakers and publications like Earmilk and The Independent.
Sans Soucis has performed at several notable live events, including the 2019 Innervisions Festival, the Babylon festival, the EFG London Jazz Festival, and The Jazz Cafe. Her music, infused with both melancholy and hope, transcends boundaries and genres, creating a sound that is truly unique.