Zo Lief
Pair cinematic chamber pop melodies with lively garage rock guitars, dubby basslines and 70s funk synthesizers and you have the retro leaning yet forward thinking sound of Zo Lief. This psychedelic dream pop duo is made up of Dutch vocalist and songwriter Laura Chen and British multi-instrumentalist James Attwood, and has just released their debut EP Believe What You Believe (2023). After tours with Temples, Lo Moon and Irania Mancini, they are now playing in an intimate setting at Hit The City!
Geo
Life is beautifully strange and Geo embraces it with mutant punk from the cracks of the earth. Dancing rhythms, groovy bass lines are strung apart by abrupt structures and piercing guitars. A world fueled by dissociative vocals which travel through disconnection, demons in heads and conversations with the self. Geo embraces the freeing ideas and the urgency felt in post-punk and now wave. Their sound a surprising crossover between bands such as The Contortions, The Fall and Liquid Liquid.
Lo Poloko
Mariachi Balkan brass, bombastic Latin grooves, rock guitar riffs, hyper-energetic percussion... The sound of Lo Poloko is just as much of a melting pot as the backgrounds and nationalities of the band members, which makes them a joy to listen to. With a unique combination of sounds designed to make you dance like it's the last day on Earth, as they put it, you'll undoubtedly be dancing. Perhaps the sunniest closer of the Ketelhuisplein Second on Saturday that you could wish for.
MT Jones
New Liverpudlian kid on the block MT JONES, gathers inspiration from 60s and 70s soul greats across the Atlantic to modern R&B and jazz, evoking a sound that is both contemporary and timeless. His deeply soulful and crooning vocals transport you straight back to a smoke-filled speakeasy, while somehow feeling fresh and innovative. Listen to his soulful, heart-on-sleeve-ballads once, and you’ll know that big things lie ahead for MT Jones. See him in an intimate setting while you can at Hit The City!
Rijnbaart
Rijnbaart pushes the boundaries of Dutch pop. The Rotterdam producer crafts a magical sound, blending sampler, guitar, and captivating vocals to create digital emotion and poetry. His music resonates deeply. As a producer, he has achieved significant success, including an Edison Award nomination with Dave Budha for their work on "Raamuit" and "Tuinen Van Het Licht," and collaborations with Cero Ismael, who has since become a prominent and acclaimed artist. In his solo projects, Rijnbaart incorporates ideas developed over time, resulting in a unique mix of electronic, rock, jazz, and hip-hop influences, fused with highly musical lo-fi hyperpop.
Blue Bendy
Blue Bendy is a genre-defying band that embodies musical experimentation and bold creativity. Emerging from the vibrant Brixton Windmill scene, they effortlessly blend acoustic vibes, experimental guitar pop, and country influences into their sound. Their debut album, So Medieval (2024), marks a significant evolution from their 2022 EP Motorbike, showcasing a unique and fresh musical direction. Tracks like "Mr Bubblegum" and "Cloudy" highlight their creative peak, filled with intricate guitar work and dynamic rhythms. So Medieval is a daring and polished debut, embodying the band's genre-fluid approach and emotional depth. Catch Blue Bendy live at Hit the City for an unforgettable, genre-defying experience that will leave you captivated and inspired.
Charlie Bennett
Don’t miss Charlie Bennett, the 23-year-old indie/bedroom-pop artist from Birmingham, bringing his fresh single "Pretty Words" to Hit The City, released by the super cool London label Young Poet. Charlie was inspired by Dayglow, Beabadoobee, and Oscar Lang, and started making music during lockdown, recording from his bedroom. His DIY vibe is all about creativity and raw talent. But with "Pretty Words," he teamed up with producer Jack Hardman, blending his original demos with new, exciting sounds.
Charlie says, “This song is about finding unique ways to communicate with someone you like. I’m bringing back letters and soppy voicemails!”. With over 500,000 fans (the -Strawbennetts-) and 12.5 million streams, Charlie is a rising star. He’s been featured on Spotify’s “Our Generation,” and toured with Will Joseph Cook.
Charlie's live performances are a must-see! Known for his high-energy shows and genuine connection with the audience, he turns every gig into an unforgettable experience. Expect raw vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and a vibe that makes you feel like you’re hanging out with an old friend. Catch Charlie Bennett at Hit The City and vibe to "Pretty Words”.