GIRLBAND! – An alternative three-piece from Nottingham; A formidable force for good and a dynamic group that pull on influences from the 50s to the 90s, creating a joyous, natural musical palette cleanser like no other. A punk band making pop songs, influences include other seminal three-pieces such as Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and The Police, as well female-led groups such as The Breeders, The Cranberries and The Pretenders. The girls are, in their own words, ‘a bulletproof wolfpack’.
Tom A. Smith – Despite being only 20 years-old, Sunderland-based Tom A. Smith has already achieved more than most artists do in a lifetime. He played his first ever gig aged just eight, supporting local psychedelic rockers Detroit Social Club at legendary Newcastle venue The Cluny, performed at Glastonbury before he was even in secondary school, and Tim Burgess handpicked him to play his stage at Kendal Calling, making him the festival’s youngest ever performer.
He has played live with local hero Sam Fender and Catfish & The Bottlemen, as well as supported other Northern acts on the rise like The Lathums and The Mysterines. Support has come in by the likes of Jack Saunders Radio 1 and Elton John’s Rocket Man Podcast– heralding Tom as ‘the next big thing.’ Tom’s been working with Larry Hibbitt (Nothing But Thieves/The Snuts/Sea Girls), providing a broad and driven production that goes effortlessly with Smith’s passionate vocals, his music effort makes for powerful listening and showcases a true talent on the rise.
