5 BANDS TO LISTEN TO NOW
LAUNDROMAT
If you are looking for a genuine talent, then look no further than Brighton based Laundromat. Toby Hayes sound is highly eclectic, drawing from a variety of influences to create a unique, modern take on alternative pop music. His use of motorik grooves creates a danceable beat, while his melodic sensibilities bring out a catchy, sing-along quality. He also incorporates lo-fi and experimental elements, making his sound distinctively his own.
31 August to the 3rd September END OF THE ROAD
2nd September – Manchester Psych Fest
19 to the 21st of October – LEFT OF THE DIAL FESTIVAL
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laundromat.band
MASTER PEACE
With his debut 2019 single “Night Time”, Master Peace aka Peace Okezie has carved out his own niche in the Indie scene. As a result of these initial accolades, Okezie followed up with two highly-acclaimed EPs. He further solidified his presence as an artist by embarking on several tours and garnering thousands of streams across streaming platforms.
After selling out his UK Tour in March 2022, Okezie took a short hiatus from releasing music. With a maturing, defined, and hard-hitting edge, Okezie returned in Autumn with a new sound. A sound that is a blend of old and new, fusing classic sounds with modern production. This creates a unique sound that is sure to appeal to most avid listeners, making it both fresh and familiar. As this young trailblazer continues to release music, showing copious amounts of tenacity and spirit, the future looks limitless. His dedication and passion ensure that no limit is too far for Okezie to reach as he looks to take the world by storm.
Master Peace plays:
Rough Trade East on Thursday, Apr 27 at 7:00 PM
End Of The Road Festival on Thursday, Aug 31st at 8:00 PM
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JOE UNKNOWN
Joe Unknown released his debut single online ‘Ride’ back in October 2021 and it is one of the best debut singles I’ve heard. Previously, Joe Unknown’ had planned to tour as a drum ‘n’ bass MC until COVID halted his plans. With the pandemic putting a halt on live music events, Joe was forced to reassess his career plans and look for alternate ways to share his music with the world. In April 2022, he released the second single ‘Silent’, then ‘Gang’ and ‘Hell of Mine’ in the same year, all of which received positive reviews. Joe has continued to be creative in his artwork and videos, thinking outside the box to find inventive ways to promote and share his music.
The unique combination of Spoken Word, Hip Hop, and Electro Punk has made him one of Northern Exposure’s favourite artists. Joe Unknown is under the musical guidance of Darcus Beese OBE. He was formally the president of Island Records UK where he signed Amy Winehouse amongst others. His new label Darco Recordings is the perfect home for the rough diamond that is Joe Unknown. If he continues the trajectory he’s currently on, he won’t be unknown for long.
Joe Unknown plays:
London Calling Festival, Paradiso, Amsterdam Fri, May 19 at 8:00 PM
Primavera, Parc Del Forum, Barcelona, Thursday, Jun 1 at 4:00 PM
All dates at Spotify.
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GHOST WOMAN
Ghost Woman’s Spotify bio says “We’ll tear your soul apart”. Music is subjective, but I feel like I’m in a familiar place when listening to Ghost Woman. Singer-songwriter, Evan Uschenko’s sound was intentionally evocative, so it’s not just that he’s deeply influenced by classic guitar-led rock & pop song-writing. As a sideman in various Canadian indie bands for many years, Evan Uschenko started Ghost Woman to explore song-writing and recording. Ghost Woman is non-specific, not evocative of anything in particular. It is an openness to non-specificity that distinguishes his music from many others of its kind today. Rather than imparting an underlying message, Uschenko hopes that the listener will be able to experience the nuances of the music and the feelings it recalls for them.
The latest album, Anne, If was released by UK label Full Time Hobby on 20th January 2023.
Ghost Woman plays:
May 04 Pop-up! Du Label, Paris, France
May 06 Moth Club, London, UK
May 08 Bobik’s, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
May 09 The Hug and Pint, Glasgow, UK
May 10 Metronome, Nottingham, UK
May 11 The Great Escape, Brighton, UK
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AIME SIMONE
The importance of getting to know Aime Simone, an alt-pop star with a deep creative spirit, cannot be overstated. All the songs on debut album “Say Yes, Say No” are written, produced, and mixed by the singer. There is a weave of nostalgic reflection, a breath of new energy, and a sense of hopeful sentimentality in the album. The “Post Pop” sound Aime Simone describes is inspired by his love of music and involvement in Berlin techno. Hip-hop, soul, electronica, pop, and electronic influences all play a role in the album. In the lyrics, love, loss, and hope are explored in a deeply personal way. It is the perfect soundtrack for a journey of self-reflection, and a reminder that it is still possible to find joy in life even in the darkest of times.
Aime Simone plays:
The Great Escape on Friday the 12th of May at Zahara
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Rachel Brown
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