“A new chapter” – In Conversation with Dustbunny
“A NEW CHAPTER” – IN CONVERSATION WITH DUSTBUNNY INTERVIEW By Caitlin Taylor 26 April 2026 Dustbunny were a band from Portland. Their excellent second album ‘Offerings for Weary Dogs’ will be the last output of the band as they’ve existed for the past couple years due to frontwoman Chloe Flores’s move to Minneapolis. “It has been a huge shift”, she told us over email. During a break from unpacking boxes, she spoke to us about who Dustbunny were, are, and will be going forward. Why the name Dustbunny? I came up with the band name Dustbunny in the shower; where I assume most like-minded individuals also do their best thinking. This was during a time where my music endeavors were entirely solo but I had hopes of bringing a full band into fruition. How did you guys come together to form a band? I had been making music solo for a while, releasing songs under a different name. I had recorded all of those songs on my iPhone’s GarageBand app and later, Logic and an audio interface. After doing that in Portland for my first few years living there, I met Shanea while we were both working for Sofar Sounds. Shanea would come to be bassist on the first two albums (Machinery and Offerings for Weary Dogs). But first I asked them to play bass for me on the first single I released under the new name. After that worked out, I did what any other 26 year old would do and posted on Instagram to gauge interest. Delaney (Walatka) was the only one to respond. And thank god she did because she filled the spot of lead guitar. Finally, a mutual friend put me in touch with Evan (Mason-White) who was enough of an early appreciator of the music I was releasing solo to play drums. Dan (Peterson) later came aboard to play second lead and he is present on the second album. It feels like a lot of thought goes into your visual art style, can you talk a little about your cover art and the thoughts behind it? The cover art is mostly just inspired by individual artists’ styles, if that makes sense. I never really have gone into an album with a clear vision of what specific imagery I want. The Machinery cover was done by Lydia Slocum of the band Feeble Little Horse. She used to have an art page (@the_asheley_catacombs) that I really liked and I reached out to her to do the cover as a commission. I gave her a few examples of what pieces she had done that I liked most and she gave me a few different iterations until we came to one that worked. Similarly, for Offerings for Weary Dogs, I had my friend Anthony Clementi (@anthony__clementi) brainstorm after hearing the album title. He listened to some of the unreleased songs for inspiration and painted the piece that would come to be the album art. The actual painting is massive and now hangs in my home. I prefer to give the visual artists mostly free reign, it’s cool to see what people come up with to coincide with the music. Photos by KC Jonze (@thelonius_punk) Was there a story you wanted to tell with Offerings for Weary Dogs? Did you go into the album with a particular intention? The intention behind Offerings was primarily to release one more album in Portland with the same band lineup. Dan (2nd lead guitarist) is my partner and we had decided the previous year that we would move to Minneapolis in early 2026. With that in mind and a bunch of songs in my back-pocket, it just made sense that we would try and get one more out together. Bryan Olson (@realmseeker) recorded both albums in his home studio and we had such a good time working with him for Machinery too, so it really was like a last hoorah and an accomplishment I really wanted to make with the band before starting a new chapter. How was crafting this album different from your first album Machinery? Is there anything you learned that you’ll take with you for future releases? I think we learned a lot in between Machinery and Offerings, both as a live band and in the studio. Bryan had not yet recorded any other bands in his studio when we did Machinery and we had only been playing shows for about 8 months, so it was a learning process for all of us. By the time we came back for round two, we were way more confident but also had bigger ideas and a pretty strict timeline. I think I’d have the same thought process going into a future release, which is to really just do it for the love of the game and to have fun, but I think I’d allow myself some more space so as to not feel rushed and really just take my time. As someone who lives miles away and has never been, describe the Portland music scene. How do you feel you fit into it? The Portland music scene is incredibly welcoming and supportive and fun. Or at least that was my experience with it. I am sad to leave it but find comfort in knowing the space where Dustbunny was will be filled and that my friends will still be at all the shows. When Dustbunny started, I was totally new on the scene and inexperienced and I only have fond memories of the acceptance that was shown to us. Of course, there are many different niches there, some of which I likely never witnessed. But our corner of the world was totally lush with opportunities and friendship. It was awesome. What’s a song you wish you’d written? I am going to forgo the super niche answer and go with the obvious which is that I wish I’d written Farewell Transmission. There was undeniable magic in that room when they recorded this song.
Artist Playlist: Dustbunny
Artist Playlist : Dustbunny A playlist featuring music made or selected by the band Dustbunny, plus some related suggestions from the TNAM team. TNAM.UK Playlist {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }} {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }} {{ options.labels.newReviewButton }} {{ userData.canReview.message }} You Might Also Like Recent Posts
So Wide Awake’s Off… Where Should You Go Instead?
So Wide Awake’s Off… Where Should You Go Instead? Our fave London festivals having a break in 2026, hopefully these others fill that hole in your heart By Caitlin Taylor 8 March 2026 So Wide Awake is officially not happening… Luckily it’s just a one off for 2026, but it still leaves a gaping hole in the UK market. The festival, founded and curated by Keith Miller and LNZRT, is THE London day event for alternative, underground music. Since 2021, they’ve provided stages for some of our favourites; The New Eves, The Itch, Shygirl, Mary in the Junkyard, Hannah Diamond, Jasmine.4.T, Acopia, and many, many more. It will be sorely missed this summer, but here’s a selection of other events that can maybe help you stave off the WA cravings. RALLY We’ve been big fans of RALLY since its inception. A decently new entry to the scene, the 2025 installment was one of our favourite festivals of that year with captivating performances from Moin, MIKE and Bassvictim, all while managing to have a decent Guinness on tap in the middle of Southwark park. This year, the lineup has been curated by Dev Hynes (Blood Orange himself) leading to some incredibly fun bookings. Top Picks – YHWH Nailgun, spirit blue and Smerz View this post on Instagram A post shared by RALLY (@rally.rally.rally) DOT TO DOT Hitting 2026 with a killer lineup is Dot to Dot (or D2D), a festival with a strong focus on new music. Whether you’re in Bristol or Nottingham, you’ll have the chance to catch some of the best rising artists. Top Picks – Fcukers, Lucia & the Best Boys, Middleman and Sarah Meth View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dot To Dot Festival (@d2dfest) END OF THE ROAD An institution of the British festival scene, this year’s lineup features some Wide Awake alumni including CMAT, Fat Dog and Working Men’s Club. It’s a nature focused event, located in Dorset full of great music and is more family focused than others on this list. Many of their standout bookings likely would’ve been on the WA lineup this year if it wasn’t off. Top Picks – RIP Magic, Prewn, Silver Gore and Little Grandad View this post on Instagram A post shared by End Of The Road (@endoftheroad) LIDO Kicking things off last year, LIDO joined the London scene as the younger sibling of the very well established All Points East. In 2026, the standout day to us is Friday June 12th with everyone’s favourite new popstar CMAT as the headliner. Even more artists are soon to be announced. Top Picks – Katy J Pearson, Getdown Services and Junior Brother View this post on Instagram A post shared by cmat (@cmatbaby) CROSS THE TRACKS If you go to Wide Awake for the atmosphere as much as the music, then its sister festival Cross The Tracks is a must-visit. With more of a focus on genres like jazz, funk and soul, it’s lineups are always impressive and this year is no different. Top Picks – Joy Crookes, Bel Cobain, Obongjayar, and Lizzie Berchie View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cross The Tracks (@xthetracks) Find our review of the previous Wide Awake here
The Best of Jan & Feb 2026
The Best of Jan & Feb 2026 Staff picks of the best music released so far in 2026. People’s Playlist by Caitlin Taylor Add Your Heading Text Here You Might Also Like Recent Posts
Our Mutual Friend, Suggestions 27/11/25
Our Mutual Friend, Suggestions 27/11/25 A regular night of the best new alternative music in the whole damn land. Get Tickets Here Partner playlists by: Our Mutual Friend Instagram Alt Rock,Alternative,Indie,Indie Rock 15 December 2025 {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }} {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }} {{ options.labels.newReviewButton }} {{ userData.canReview.message }} You Might Also Like Recent Posts
Girls in Bands
Girls in Bands Hole, Blondie, The Cranberries, The White Stripes, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Paramore: so many of the best bands have been led by or feature female musicians. From vocalists to guitarists to drummers, this playlist features some of the best up & coming bands that include ultra talented women, all based here in the UK. People’s playlists by: Caitlin Taylor Instagram Alt Rock,Alternative,Indie {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }} {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }} {{ options.labels.newReviewButton }} {{ userData.canReview.message }} You Might Also Like Recent Posts
New and Strange Names in UK Post Punk/Indie/Math Rock
New and Strange Names in UK Post Punk/Indie/Math Rock A collection of lovely artists based from and around the UK. People’s playlists by: TNAM.UK Contributor Instagram Alt Rock,Indie Rock,Math Rock {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }} {{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }} {{ options.labels.newReviewButton }} {{ userData.canReview.message }} You Might Also Like Recent Posts
The Garden – NEW UK FOLK
The Garden – NEW UK FOLK Alt Rock,Alternative,Folk,Folk Rock,Indie,Indie Rock We’re happy you’re here. The Garden brings the best in new UK folk. Including Ugly, The New Eves, Truthpaste and more. Plucky strings, wandering vocal passages, take a walk and return to a summer daze. We hope to See You Around. People’s playlists by: Callum Lidington Instagram Instagram You Might Also Like Recent Posts
Big Long Sun 01.08.25 – I don’t normally start a gig with a drum in hand.
big long sun 01.08.25 – I don’t normally start a gig with a drum in hand. For one I can’t play an instrument, for two I’m medically exempt from hard work between 4pm and 11am. By Tom Freeman Contribution by Isla Mcrobbie 15 October 2025 This was no normal pub gig. We’d traipsed across London to see big long sun, but fresh out the Uber instrument cases coated across the street, cigarettes and glum faces meant something was off. Electrical complications during the main support left no option but for the bedroom-neo-psychedelia solo project of Jamie Broughton and his octensemble (or eight piece collective) to cancel their first London headline show. Displaced on a Friday evening in the middle of Camden Town, the devastation to the band was evident…but their determination to play was in no doubt commendable. Against time and the cabaret of penned events across the strip our hope was bleeding out. We kicked around whilst their promoter and our editor legged it across pubs, holding the phone on loudspeaker with hope of an update. While the band remained anchored by the equipment which could not be abandoned. How could we ever doubt that in the spirit of Camden Town, the show must go on. Cue the mad dash. 20 volunteers collected stands and pedals. My arms embraced in a kick drum while we belted 400 yards down the road to Lock Tavern. John (promoter) and I (bystander) made a mad dash back to the old pub to rally, cajole and convince gig-goers to trek down to the new stage. We even picked up a few extras who liked the craic of it. Three flights of stairs later, we pushed tables disrupting all peace set out by unsuspecting pint sippers, their space now pulsating with excited chatter of an evenings catharsis. Sound check? Doesn’t matter, Big Long Sun grabbed the mic, grabbed the tambourine and went for it. No stage, no problem. We had come to expect a lot from the Brighton band, each show on this tour seemingly a heel scraping stop before bolting off elsewhere in the UK to share their joy. Red hot from their second album whatever (whatever) on Miohmi records the band have seen modest, humble and underrated growth for the time being, reaching highlights such as support from Nathan Shepherd in session with BBC 6 Music. Core bedroom-rock performances included “a casual dance between friends” and “when the moods right”. The album’s feeling of free-spirited self-expression translated perfectly with the DIY nature of the situation. We had all found ourselves tightly knitted in. However a dearly noticeable gap was apparent with the absence of band member Ocean Groucher who classically handles the staple megaphone incursion their performances are becoming known for. Hand in hand this circle of talent is perplexing in its psych nostalgic trip carried by an intricate and youthful bunch. The team at TNAM.UK are proud to solidify ourselves within the “We were here first” department of big long sun’s fanbase. Great gig, great band and one really handsome fucker carrying a drum. You can catch big long sun back in London Wed, 29 Oct, 7:30 pm headlining the wonderful Sebright Arms. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FIND JOY. (@findjoy__) You Might Also Like Recent Posts
RALLY Festival 2025 Ones to Watch
RALLY 2025 Ones to Watch Our top picks from one of the best London festivals this year [Ticket Link Here] 21 August 2025 By Caitlin Taylor Last year RALLY arguably had one of the best festival lineups and this year is no different. If you’re in the know or desperately want to be, this is the festival for you. Merging alternative and electronic sounds, from indie rock veterans Porridge Radio to party-focused newcomers Bassvictim. If you studied art at Camberwell, spend nights at the Nags Head, are a regular at Ormside or just grew up watching Skins – this one’s for you. BASSVICTIM Instagram A duo who met in Berlin and formed outside of Peckham Audio, Ike and Maria have been making music since 2023. Both their EPs have been named after their self-defined invented genre Basspunk, a mix of EDM, electroclash, hyperpop and indie sleaze sounds. Cool party music. ASTRID SONNE Instagram Danish singer Astrid Sonne’s lyrics are simple but touching, raw and stripped back, paired with creative and layered instrumentation influenced by her classical training. “Do you wanna” has been stuck in my head for months. MOIN Instagram A real mish-mash of genres, MOIN are a trio made up of Tom Halstead and Joe Andrews from Raime with the added talents of Valentina Magaletti on percussion. Their most recent EP was just released in June and features an incredible spoken word opening track featuring Sophia Al-Maria’s voice. Really interesting and creative stuff. TAAHLIAH “I wanna be a star, simple as that” is how Glaswegian artist Taahliah opens her 2024 album Gramarye. She’s versatile and fun, an impressive DJ and producer who also manages to remain emotionally vulnerable within her poetic lyrics. PORRIDGE RADIO Instagram If there’s any reason to attend, you need to come in order to catch Porridge Radio at one of their last ever gigs. I am personally incredibly devastated about the whole ordeal and probably go on about it too much, but still, it’s very sad. Their 2020 album ‘Every Bad’ is one of my all time favorites and their 2024 release ‘Clouds in the Sky They Will Always Be There For Me’ is equally special. You might also like ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ Recent Posts ⋆⭒˚.⋆