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.
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”.
Emmy d'Arc
Meet Emmy d'Arc, the new name you need to know. She's blowing up the music scene with her raw, real vibes. Think Joan of Arc, but with a guitar and killer stage presence. She’s played with some of the biggest names and hit up the coolest festivals. Emmy has opened for big hitters like Amy Macdonald, Birdy, Walk off the Earth, and Mimi Webb. She's also lit up stages at Roma in Antwerp, Ancienne Belgique in Brussels and festivals like Pukkelpop, Gent Jazz, Nostalgie Beach Festival, and M-Idzomer in Leuven. Her debut album is dropping in 2024, and it's all her – every track is straight from her soul. She's teamed up with the legendary Jean Blaute, and it's pure fire.
Emmy’s voice and guitar will grab you and never let go. On stage, she’s a force – not just the girl next door. Behind her smile is a serious artist with big ambitions. Her 2024 debut album is all about keeping it real – written, developed, and polished from her perspective. With Jean Blaute on board, it’s even more epic. Emmy sings about life, thoughts, and everything we all go through, with a raw honesty that's rare to find. Go find her at Hit The City!
Pleasureinc.
PleasureInc. is the genre-fluid musical brainchild of brothers Jesse and Louis Baker. Through aliases Kenny Pleasures and Jonny Silver, the brothers project a playful perspective in their indie rock/dance punk music, pulling sounds and attitudes from the likes of Damon Albarn, Beastie Boys, Tyler, The Creator and Tame Impala. Whether presenting this eclectic mix through considered, cinematic music videos, or as a raucous four-piece live band; there is an undefinable quality to PleasureInc that demands intrigue. Garnering 100,000+ Spotify streams, ears are tuning in around the globe. Their debut EP Plastic People (2024) embraces the dynamic of their live show. It captures the gritty chaos from venues across the UK, fusing their established alt-pop sound with a flavour of post- punk... call it Talking-Heads-make-love-to-Beastie-Boys-core.
Sven Cilliers
Meet Sven Cilliers, is a young South African singer-songwriter and producer who brings a refreshing blend of pop and alternative rock, inspired by icons such as The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix. His modern sound, akin to Harry Styles and Noah Kahn, is embraced on streaming platforms and has gained a substantial following on TikTok. Tracks such as ‘Phantom,' 'Hypnotized,' and 'Perfect Lie' have collectively garnered hundreds of thousands of streams. Drawing inspiration from his South African upbringing amidst the waves and his personal interactions. We’re predicting you’ll be hearing a lot more from this up-and-coming rock star, so make sure to catch him live!
The Pill
Simply giggling at the hurdles of life. Drawing from dire situations, like your scaffolder seeing you naked, and the woes of your hair being too blonde. Spending their time on The Isle of Wight, The Pill have been creating iconic ‘jank’ punk music since the beginning of 2019, and writing tunes that talk about the big issues with a fun sprinkle of satire. Consisting of two girlies, Lily and Lottie, on vocals, guitar and bass, with Rufus on drums. It’s intense relatability, extraordinary energy and lots of subjects that you wouldn’t share with your dad. Get in gear for giggles and wiggles with The Pill.