The supermodel will DJ at Central London’s 77 Halloween Special on 31st October

On Friday 31 October, the 550-capacity Marylebone venue transforms into a world of cinematic horror and hedonism complete with eerie visuals, haunting sound design, and an all-star DJ lineup led by none other than global icon Naomi Campbell making an exclusive appearance behind the decks, with support from rising Afro-house star Kotto.

Set beneath The BoTree Hotel, 77’s reputation for immersive production and world-class music experiences has already been cemented this season with a superb first run of events. For Halloween, the venue will push its state-of-the-art L-Acoustics system, strobes, lasers, and atmospheric Robe lighting to new extremes for an unforgettable night where fashion, fantasy and fearsome party sounds collide. There will be spooky and immersive visuals on the screen, special themed cocktails and costumes are encouraged.

Naomi Campbell has long since proven her talents reach far beyond the scope of fashion. She has been DJing in various places around Europe of late, from Mayfair to Munich, as well as performing a surprise two-hour set to celebrate London Fashion Week. She always brings the energy and flawless mixes that keep the crowd on edge as she plots a journey through the freshest Afro house.

Support on the night comes from Kotto, who is a rising force in Afro-House whose recent releases have been supported by heavyweights like Keinemusik and Adriatique. He is a master of atmospheric, deep grooves charged with movement so expect a real musical trip.

77 is engineered for full sensory immersion with a L‑Acoustics sound system and KS21 subwoofers so the audio delivers real visceral impact. A high-end visual rig including Robe lighting, strobes, lasers, LED screens and CO₂ jets ensures every second feels special.

Tickets and tables are now available but with capacity limited to 550, early booking is essential. Tickets available at RA

London’s The Steel Yard is celebrating a decade at the top on Friday, October 25th. The special birthday event is headlined by Calamar Records founder MooJo, Konflict London boss Antares with support from Selador stalwart Redfreya and tickets are available now from; thesteelyard.london

The space is housed inside three beautifully restored and cavernous Victorian railway arches in the heart of London. It has a long, rich history because way before it was a cult music venue, the spaces were used as a maintenance yard for trains and still include a vast steel crane that was used to manoeuvre the engines into and out of the arches. 

In 2014, The Steel Yard on Allhallows Lane was launched by Regan McVaddy and former Cable Nightclub and SEOne owner Euan Johnston following an extensive renovation of the Loose Cannon venue on the same site.

“We took inspiration from the arches’ past, kept their industrial feel and made the brickwork a prominent feature. We’re running a high spec Nova line array sound system plus plenty of cutting-edge production that brings each party to life every weekend.” Regan McVaddy – Founder

The Steel Yard hosts influential brands and parties like Keinemusik, Andy C’s Ram Records, the annual DJ Mag Awards, 20 Years of Virus Records, Spotify Live, DJ Frictions’s Shogun Audio and house, garage and techno parties like Solid Grooves, LWE, Labyrinth, Dankie Sounds, City Splash, Free From Sleep, Parable, UKG and Old School RnB Brunches. It is even home to the capital’s Bongo’s Bingo.

“Since opening, we’ve always had a passion for diverse and forward-looking programming and this has kept The Steel Yard at the forefront of London’s club scene. Such a wide array of talent has lit up our arches from Jarvis Cocker to Leftfield, Pendulum to Skepta and Richie Hawtin through to Honey Dijon.” Barry Sharp – Programmer

Now the last decade will be celebrated with this special birthday event. French DJ and producer MooJo runs his Calamar label out of Hong Kong and takes great inspiration from movie soundtracks. He adds that to a mix of timeless grooves and ethnic sounds to cook up fresh Afro house and melodic sets that are emotive and immersive. DJ Antares is a Steel Yard favourite who has previously hosted his influential Konflict events at the venue. He will offer a journey through many different emotions and senses with support from Londoner Redfraya, a fast-rising talent with a knack for laying down deep, hypnotic and melodic sounds.

London would sound very different without The Steel Yard and never has there been a better time to celebrate that than with this special 10th anniversary party. 

The Steel Yard – 10th Birthday

MooJo, Antares, Redfreya

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 | 21:00 – 06:00

13-16 Allhallows Lane, London, EC4R 3UL

Tickets; https://ra.co/events/1995496

Sharing a deeply personal, emotive and powerful piece of songwriting – UK Based artist Shivani Sen showcases a songwriting guile that’s influenced by her upbringing in Delhi and shaped by her experience in London.

Her new single “You’re Not Coming” – fuses classical eastern raga with western indie pop to create a fresh and innovative sonic identity. Her debut release is timeless yet relevant, reflecting her mission to blend her rich cultural heritage with the vibrant London music scene, breaking down genre barriers. Shivani believes in expressing deep emotions through music that resonates with the soul, avoiding compartmentalization by breaking social barriers.

Her debut release, narrates a poignant story of migration, love in a new city, and the power of hope amidst heartbreak. Shivani’s music evokes nostalgia, healing, longing, and pain, seamlessly integrating intricate classical runs with a quintessential Western pop sound.

In addition to her musical talents, Shivani is also a published author. Her debut poetry collection, “To the Homes that We Are,” is available at the Common Press in Shoreditch, London, where she has also been featured as a speaker.

“This song is my journey through love in a new city and navigating heartbreak and change. I want this song to resonate with anyone who has loved, lost and waited. I want my music to make people feel like they are not alone, and that we can break and heal together” – Shivani Sen

About Shivani Sen

Shivani Sen is a South Asian Hindustani Classical vocalist with 21 years of training in the performing arts. Over the past two decades, Shivani has studied with several gurus in India, and at Trinity College London, following her passion of blending different forms of music and experimenting with sound. Juggling the world of public policy and music, she has served as a composer and conductor for a Delhi-based acapella group, graduated with a degree in Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science, published her debut poetry collection in London in 2023, and now advocates for Dementia friendly policy in the U.K, fuelling her passion to be a multi-sector creative and professional.. Best known for her intricate Indian classical runs, Shivani is an up-and-coming musician in the London music scene, now debuting her original composition as a singer-songwriter that merges Indian classical music with the contemporary sounds of the London music circuit. In her free time, Shivani can spend hours sitting under a tree, watching the sun set, a city breathe, and life gently pass by, from where she draws most of her inspiration.

Stream the ‘You’re Not Coming’ single in full HERE

MODEL ACTRIZ | GRETYL HANLYN | COLA
MARY IN THE JUNKYARD 

JOINING THE ALREADY ANNOUNCED:

CAROLINE POLACHEK AS HEADLINER

ALEX G | AROOJ AFTAB |  BLACK COUNTRY | NEW ROAD | CIVIC | CLAMM | DANIEL AVERY (Live) | GILLA BAND | JJUUUJJUU | JOCKSTRAP | OPTIMO (ESPACIO) | JOY ORBISON | LOS BITCHOS  | NICE BISCUIT | MADMADMAD
OSEES | SUNSET ROLLERCOASTER | TIRZAH
TWO SHELL |  VIAGRA BOYS |  WARMDUSCHER  | WASTED YOUTH

Wide Awake Festival, situated in Brockwell Park, has established itself as one of London’s most distinctive festivals in recent years. Taking place on May 27th 2023 the festival will welcome the likes of Caroline Polachek, Shygirl, Daniel Avery, Coucou Chloe, Blondeshell, Arooj Aftab, Enumclaw, Jockstrap, Joy Orbison, Molchat Doma, Oneohtrix Point Never, Optimo (Espacio), The Bug Club, The Underground Youth and VTSS, Osees, Gilla Band and more.

At the heart of Wide Awake’s values lies a passion for supporting emerging artists, and it was this very idea that served as a major driving force behind the inception of their events. They believe in creating a safe space for those who may feel overlooked by the repetitive and often formulaic event lineups that dominate the industry. Instead, the Wide Awake team strives to offer a platform for up-and-coming bands to take centre stage, providing them with a glimpse into the exciting future that lies ahead. With their fingers on the pulse for culture and creativity, the Wide Awake team believes that music discovery and artistic freedom are essential, and the artists featured in this announcement will soon be making waves in the industry.

New York’s Model Actriz, a trailblazing LGBTQ+ band, is quickly gaining notoriety for their fearlessness. Frontman Cole Haden describes their new album as “a violent ode to the explosive joy of being alive” and this raw energy is palpable in their high-energy performances. Their SXSW show earning rave reviews, including a nod from Rolling Stone UK, who called it a “High Note of Absolute Madness” – don’t miss their electrifying set at Brockwell Park.

Canadian band Cola, by the former members of OUGHT, brings their post-punk meets indie sound to the Wide Awake stage. Their debut album, released last year, explored worldly concerns and anxieties – the band will absolutely deliver a sweet dreamscape of sonic delight to festival-goers.

Prepare to be transported to another realm by Gretyl Hanlyn‘s voice. This singer’s rich, powerful, and husky tones have earned her airplay on BBC Radio 6, a feature on Mura Masa‘s silky single “2gether” and a sold out forthcoming show at the infamous Moth Club.

Finally, Mary In The Junkyard, a London-based band and regulars at the legendary Windmill venue, generated plenty of buzz and energy during their pre-gig series for Wide Awake at The Shacklewell Arms. With a bright and loud future ahead of them, they are a must-see act at this year’s festival.

Wide Awake will also be welcoming an array of additional artists from DJs, singers and collectives, including; Andrew Devine, Arnie Wrong, Bad Vibrations, Beatfoot DJs, Dance Mums, Dani Whylie, Deptford Northern Soul Club, Dman, Emily Pilbeam, Fuzz Club Records, Goat Girl DJs, Gun All Stars, Harry James, Lynks DJ, Marcus Harris, Martin from A Certain Ratio, Meron T, Moth Club, PVA DJs, R.E.D., Roma Radz, Rough Trade Records, Shacklewell Arms, Spank DJs, The Gift, Third Man Records, Tia Cousins, BBC 6’s Tom Ravenscroft and Wonderprince.

Championing what is important and highlighting social issues have always been an imperative part of the Wide Awake philosophy. This year the Wide Awake team have been cultivating a cultural programme that is reflective of this. Hate Zine are a 100% independent, anti-capitalist publication joining forces with Wide Awake to host panels and workshops; with a focus on the housing crisis, the environment, gender equality within the music industry and community. Known purveyors of great music, Rough Trade will be back in the field On Tour with vinyl, merch and a killer line-up of album signings.

Wide Awake are proud to be supporting the charity, Something To Look Forward To this year. The charity run a website for people with cancer and their families to access a variety of gifts generously donated by people and companies. Wide Awake will be offering tickets to the platform as well as making a donation to the charity.

Wide Awake is an independent event with a focus on creating a festival that is diverse and inclusive, Wide Awake’s line-up features an equal gender split and 2023 will see their teamwork further on ‘Positive Policy’, a sustainability plan that was set up to change the way live music events affect the planet. Environmentally conscious, socially aware and musically relevant, Wide Awake’s a party for people who care about music and more.

LINE UP :
HEADLINER
CAROLINE POLACHEK

A-Z

A Place To Bury Strangers
Andrew Devine
Arnie Wrong
Arooj Aftab
Bad Vibrations
Beatfoot DJs
Big Joanie
Black Country, New Road
Blondeshell
Butch Kassidy
Caroline Polachek
CLAMM
Cola
COUCOU CHLOE
Dance Mums
Dani Whylie
Daniel Avery (Live)
Deptford Northern Soul Club
Dman
Emily Pilbeam
Enumclaw
Erol Alkan
Fat Dog
Fuzz Club Records
Gilla Band
Glass Beams
Goat Girl DJs
Gun All Stars
Habibi Funk
Harry James
JJUUUJJUU
Jockstrap
Joy Orbison
Lebanon Hanover
Los Bitchos
Lynks DJ
Madmadmad
Marcus Harris
Martin from A Certain Ratio
Meron T
Molchat Doma
Moth Club
Naima Bock
Nuha Ruby Ra
O.
Oneohtrix Point Never
Optimo (Espacio)
Osees
PVA DJs
R.E.D.
Roma Radz
Rough Trade Records
Shacklewell Arms
Shygirl
Spank DJs
Sudan Archives
Sunset Rollercoaster
The Bug Club
The Gift
The Underground Youth
Third Man Records
Tia Cousins
Tirzah
Tom Ravenscroft
Two Shell
Ty Segall
Viagra Boys
VTSS
Wonderprince
Σstella

The prodigiously talented London-based singer-songwriter and artist Lisabel returns with her first new music of 2023 in the form of the single ‘Keep Me Afloat’, her most sensitive and spectrally beautiful composition to date.

In one sense, the song finds Lisabel addressing a loved one, a powerful, heart-wrenching attempt to reach out for help before she is submerged by life’s burdens (“Keep me afloat, where I’m going is so cold”). And yet, such is Lisabel’s writing prowess, the song works yet more poignantly when understood that she may in fact be singing to herself, searching inward to summon the strength and willpower to persevere against her daily struggles (“Use your smile, it turns darkness into light”).

Amid her own mental health concerns and an outside world that can feel like an emotional assault course, complete with the societal pressures to remain relentlessly positive and creative no matter what, ‘Keep Me Afloat’ is a moving and honest depiction of a battle that will resonate with almost any listener. Whatever your reading, Lisabel reminds us that hope persists eternally and that love can prevail against the odds (“I’ll keep you afloat, together we’ll grow old”).

‘Keep Me Afloat’ is co-written and produced by long time collaborator , the London-based musician Nikola Kovačević, who also takes the helm behind the track’s swimming, watery bed of Moog synths , the gently lapping keyboard notes often triggered by guitar pedal effects which are joined by a pitter-pattering of light percussion, never too much to disrupt or distract us from the dreamlike quality of the track. Finally, a tearstained guitar part adds a contemplative, reflective closing note to this most personal and soul-bearing of tracks.

It is Lisabel’s first music to be released since her brace of 2022 singles, ‘Never Afraid’ and ‘Flor de Louis’, which themselves built upon the foundations of her elegant 2020 debut album ‘A Work of Art’. Lisabel’s talent has been cultivated at some of the world’s highest seats of cultural learning, including Berklee College of Music, Guildhall School of Music and Drama and BIMM London, from the latter of which she achieved a degree in performance. At such a young age still, it would appear that we are only just beginning to tap into the full potential of Lisabel’s range of talent.

Watch and stream ‘Keep Me Afloat‘ HERE

Keep up to date with Lisabel on socials:

Website // Instagram // Facebook

The two-week long festival returns this June celebrating the power of words and the nation’s most vital voices including:

Speakers Corner Quartet, Sophia Thakur, Kayo Chingonyi, James Massiah, Lemara  (#MERKY Books), Jordan Stephens, FACESOUL and many more

The highly anticipated The Last Word Festival is back celebrating ten colourful years offering an enthralling lineup of narratives and viewpoints presented by some of the most essential voices from across the UK.  As always, the beloved and renowned Roundhouse Poetry Slam will be commencing a nationwide search for the UK’s next young, pioneering spoken-word performers. Applications are available for individuals aged 18 to 25 to compete for a cash prize and the coveted title of Slam Champion. 

To coincide with the launch of their much-anticipated debut album, Speakers Corner Quartet perform on the main stage with very special guests and Apples and Snakes celebrate their 40th Anniversary as the UK’s leading supporter of spoken word poetry with a takeover event.

In the Studio Theatre, Kayo Chingonyi will be hosting his new collection of poetry, ‘More Fiya: A Celebration of Black British Poetry’ published by Canongate Books. VERSES will be bringing their unpredictable, heartfelt and hilarious spoken-word night to the festival. Hear from two of the most exciting young changemakers in the game – award-winning Poet, Sophia Thakur and #Merky Books Editor, Lemara Lindsay-Prince will be joining the programme for a very special conversation. Scottish Poet Ellen Renton will showcase ‘Within Sight’, her debut solo performance and Cave Live Lounge will be presenting some of London’s most soulful and exciting Muslim artists.

There will be a sharing from the Roundhouse Poetry Collective hosted by poet, playwright, novelist Cecilia Knapp. Poet and musician James Massiah will be bringing his Adult Entertainment series to the festival and the debut of a live podcast series by Lyrix Organix features an interview with Jordan Stephens (Rizzle Kicks) in an evening that brings a rare and intimate mix of candid conversation and curated music.  Roundhouse Rising is proud to present the exquisite West Yorkshire born, Emmeline who has worked with the esteemed Fraser T. Smith (Kano, Stormzy, Dave, Ghetts) and garnered support from The Guardian, Clash, The Line Of Best Fit and more.

Ezra England will be presenting their dark comedy, NUCLEAR CHILDREN and the winner of The Roundhouse Poetry Slam 2021, the extraordinary Maureen Onwunali will be celebrating the launch of their first published zine at The Last Word 2023. Join the winner of the 2020 Roundhouse Slam Elliot Waloschek, who will perform his debut spoken word show waterlog. Catch the iconic South London collective and absorb rapper, songwriter and raconteur, Dizraeli’s performance of his first book ‘Animal Noises’.

Sonic Transmissions will be hosting an immersive session featuring FACEOSUL combining conversation, live performance and collective listening. The Roundhouse Film Fund Screenings will be showcasing innovative, bold films, and podcast platform,  Transmission Roundhouse will take over the Roundhouse Bar and Cafe; over two days The Last Word FM will be the hub for the festival, welcoming a range of guests and hosts. 

Returning to The Last Word Festival will be the prestigious Roundhouse Poetry Slam Final – the most anticipated event of the festival. First hitting the stage in 2006 and becoming the heart of the festival in 2013. With artists previously going head-to-head in six days of national heats, now they will put their original work to the test and, whether you are joining in person at the iconic Roundhouse or tuning in live at home – the audience will get to cast their vote and crown the audience winner.

For the first time, the Roundhouse has a trailblazing new partnership with international law firm Taylor Wessing. A well-known supporter of the arts, and with the Roundhouse specifically over the past few years, Taylor Wessing has now joined as the principal partner and kicks off a new five-year partnership with its support of the Roundhouse Poetry Slam.

Applications are open now to enter the Roundhouse Poetry Slam! Heats will take place nationwide in Liverpool, Cardiff, Glasgow and London culminating in the final on the Roundhouse main stage. Previous finalists such as Caleb Femi, Zia Ahmed and Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan are now making names for themselves, this is a career-launching event and an exhilarating night not to be missed. Entries will be open from 22nd  – 25th May applicants must be 18-25. 

Jack Prideaux, Senior Producer at the Roundhouse says: 

“This year marks 10 years of The Last Word Festival and we’re excited to present a lineup that reflects the festival’s original focus on poetry and spoken word through to its identity, a decade on, as a celebration of words; their power, vitality and a means to share ideas.

Taking in podcasts, music, film, theatre, book launches, poetry and conversation, this year’s festival is the most ambitious to date, featuring internationally renowned artists alongside emerging voices and venturing beyond the walls of the Roundhouse to host heats for our prestigious Poetry Slam across the UK.

We hope audiences will enjoy work that speaks to the world we live in but also take the opportunity be part of the conversation.”

Talking about the event, Apples and Snakes Artistic Director, Lisa Mead proudly says: “Apples and Snakes started in 1982 in The Adam’s Arms pub, so it’s really exciting to be taking over the Roundhouse for the day as part of our 40th anniversary year celebrations and mark how far we’ve come in the past four decades. 

With TAKEOVER we’re aiming for a chilled festival, a 60’s, happening vibe. We’re always keen to push people’s idea of what poetry can be, this will be a chance to see all sorts of poets – new and more recognisable – spaces to write something yourself if you want to, and it will culminate in an epic, eclectic line-up with a couple of surprises thrown in! We want this to be an iconic moment in the history of spoken word poetry in the UK and you should come!”

Fast-rising London talent J. Spills returns with new video for single ‘Daylight’.

An artist who grows with every release, ‘Daylight’ sees J. Spills showcase his effortless flow as he contemplates street life amidst a suitably heavy drill production. The official video provides a vivid snapshot of this life. 

Coming straight out of the East London borough of Newham, J. Spills is a welcome breath of fresh air in the UK drill scene. His third career release to date, ‘Daylight’ follows ‘Visa Debit’ and debut single ‘Malis & Asians’, tracks that have already been supported by the likes of BBC Radio 1Xtra and Kiss FM, with the latter premiered by GRM Daily.

Rapping over drill beats with the cadence of a grime MC, J. Spills combines many of the best elements of the last 20 years of UK music. At school he would rap over grime beats for fun, becoming known to his friends as a ‘Mini Ghetts’ because of his razor-tongued flow, but despite the encouragement of his peers he rarely took music seriously. 

Spills is a London rapper headed for the top of the drill world.