Artist of the week

28 May 2025

Artist of the Week is Marie Naffah

Our Artist of the Week is Marie Naffah.

We’re thrilled to feature Marie Naffah as this week’s AOTW, especially as we welcome her to the lineup of our upcoming FFWD / Richer Unsigned Conference.

Described by The Independent as “following in the restless footsteps of the great folk and rock songwriters” and praised by NME for delivering “a brilliant show”, Marie is a London-based singer-songwriter whose music seamlessly blends the timeless spirit of classic storytellers – think Dylan, The Beatles, Joni Mitchell – with the bold, modern edge of artists like Sharon Van Etten, Bleachers, and Big Thief.

Listen to ‘Rust & Blue’ of her debut album here:

Her debut album ‘Mother of Pearl’, released in June 2024, has already earned widespread critical acclaim from the likes of BBC, NME, New Music Friday, and The Independent. But it’s not just her sound that sets her apart – Marie’s commitment to meaningful fan connection underpins everything she does. This ethos was on full display during her recent sold-out UK tour, which wrapped with a triumphant performance at London’s EartH Theatre.

We’re excited to spotlight her work this week and even more excited to hear her insights at the FFWD / Richer Unsigned Conference on June 5th.

Follow Marie Naffah’s journey here:

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20 May 2025

Artist of the Week is big long sun

Artist of the Week is big long sun.

East Midlands-born artist big long sun is back with a genre-warping new single, ‘fast like i like my money’ – a restless, groove-heavy track that’s as chaotic as it is catchy.

Created solo in his bedroom studio, his songs blur the lines between sound, image, and feeling. This latest release started with a drum take and a spontaneous title, then spiralled into a riot of rhythm, colour, and lyrical bite. It’s part satire, part catharsis – music that’s as likely to make you laugh as it is to make you think.

Listen to ‘fast like i like my money’ here:

A multidisciplinary artist with roots in poetry, film, and painting, Jamie (the mind behind big long sun) sees sound as shape, texture, and tone – building tracks that are vivid, fast-paced, and emotionally offbeat. His DIY ethos drives a prolific output, with more albums on the horizon and a growing cult following.

Big long sun isn’t just making songs – he’s creating a world where absurdity and sincerity collide, and no idea stays still for long.

Follow big long sun’s journey here:

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12 May 2025

Artist of The Week is beginagain

Our Artist of the Week is beginagain.

London-based electronic duo beginagain made its return last week with the release of ‘Hands Entwined’, a shimmering new single. Blending electronic textures with elements of alt-pop and dance, the track marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for the duo, with more releases and live shows planned throughout 2025.

Crafted in collaboration with Dan Urchin, Alex O’Donovan and Katie Tavani, ‘Hands Entwined’ explores themes of resilience, human connection, and emotional evolution. Staying true to beginagain’s hallmark style, the track pairs vulnerable, reflective songwriting with subtly infectious, movement-friendly production.

Listen to ‘Hands Entwined’ here:

Fans of Barry Can’t Swim, Jessie Ware, and Róisín Murphy will find a familiar magic in beginagain’s blend of groove, texture and cinematic scope. The song is at once intimate and expansive – a sonic space where dancefloor energy meets late-night introspection.

Following a string of London shows, including a support slot for Tatyana at The Grace in March, the duo is gearing up for a busy summer of UK gigs, leading into their first-ever US dates this October.

Follow beginagain’s journey here:

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6 May 2025

Artist of The Week is TRAITS

Our Artist of the Week is TRAITS.

Liverpool indie band TRAITS returns with ‘Back to Yesterday’, a powerful blend of anthemic energy and heartfelt nostalgia. Frontman Kieran McCarthy delivers raw, emotive vocals over electrifying guitar lines and soulful keys, capturing the bittersweet pull of memory with a fresh urgency.

Listen to ‘Back to Yesterday’ here:

Produced by Rob Whiteley (The Night Café, The Wombats), the track showcases the band’s spontaneous energy and tight musicianship.

Since forming in 2022, TRAITS – McCarthy, Steven Holmes, Matty Campbell, Adam Bridge, and Ben McLaughlin – has supported local favourites like Keyside and SPINN, and even performed ‘Love Me Do’ at McCartney’s childhood home.

With a major support slot for STING at Liverpool Pier Head on June 22, TRAITS is fast becoming one of the city’s most exciting new acts.

Follow TRAITS journey here:

29 April 2025

Artist of The Week is James Lloyd Smith

Artist of the Week is James Lloyd Smith.

Kent-based, indie-folk songwriter James Lloyd Smith returns with a beautifully reflective new single, ‘Lake Walk’.

A gentle blend of Nick Drake’s calm, Joni Mitchell’s lyrical grace, and Sufjan Stevens’ lo-fi warmth, ‘Lake Walk’ captures the serenity of the English countryside. Written during a deeply introspective period, the track is inspired by evening walks around the lake at Hever Castle & Gardens in Edenbridge – a ritual that brought solace and shaped the song’s atmosphere.

Listen to ‘Lake Walk’ here:

Entirely self-produced on a well-worn 2011 laptop, the song’s charm is only deepened by its humble roots. The warm guitar tones come from a £10 eBay parlour guitar, layered with glockenspiel (inspired by Pet Sounds), brushed snares, piano, and both electric and double bass – all recorded in bedrooms, classrooms, and friends’ homes.

‘Lake Walk’ is a heartfelt ode to stillness, simplicity, and the healing power of nature – perfect listening for slow mornings, quiet evenings, or your own countryside stroll.

Follow James Lloyd Smith’s journey here:

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