Summer Studios 2024: Meet the artists
Get to know the emerging Summer Studios 2024 artists; musicians, bands, producers, rappers and singers who’ll be making music with us across their six day residencies here at The Glasshouse.
Cat Ryan
Hailing from Newcastle Upon Tyne, Cat Ryan showcase an exhilarating brand of Indie-Pop/Gaze in their atmospheric live shows. Their distinct sound, with angular melodies and infectious rhythms, echoes the likes of Vampire Weekend and Bombay Bicycle Club.
Led by singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Mary-Anne Murphy, the indie quartet has solidified their position at the forefront of the emerging music scene, supporting the likes of Sundara Karma and Sprints, as well as gracing prominent festival stages including Truck and Y NOT Festival.
Following the success of their debut EP, ‘King of the World’, at the end of 2023, Cat Ryan have an exciting new project in the works for later this year.
Cherry Seraph
Cherry Seraph is the solo alt-pop electronic project of queer producer, artist and multi-instrumentalist Sophie Russell. She’s had support from BBC Introducing, was coined by Leeds’ Crash Records as ‘The Next Big Thing’ and recently released a single backed by Youth Music’s ‘Next Gen’ fund.
Having produced since 2021, Russell played her first intimate live gig as Cherry Seraph in Paris in 2023 and she’s done other notable performances across Leeds, Wakefield and Sheffield to name just a few. Beyond BBC Introducing, Cherry Seraph has received support from Plastic Magazine (“soul-stirring vocals”), Obscure Sound, Jarred Up (“reminiscent of The Japanese House”) and offers for coverage from Earmilk. She was selected as the January 2024 artist in residence at Leeds Beckett University and is set to play multiple festivals and spaces this summer/autumn.
The Early Purple
The Early Purple, led by Northumbrian indie-folk musician Matt Saxon, buries obscure mantras and philosophical nods, deep within heartfelt melodies. Combining Fleet Foxes’ allure with Midlake’s depth, their sound features three-part vocal harmonies, finger-picking acoustic guitars, ethereal synths, and gentle driving percussion.
For the last couple of years Matt has been working with producer Will Thorneycroft (Lovely Assistant, The Dawdler) and with just three singles and an EP under their belt, are continuing to captivate fans of introspective indie-folk through Matt’s evocative storytelling.
After sharing the stage with acts like Flyte, Efterklang, Hector Gannet, and Bernard Butler, The Early Purple kicked off the year with a packed hometown show at The Cluny in Newcastle. Now hidden away in Northumberland, Matt is creating a follow-up to his debut EP ‘Summer Hide’ while refining a live performance for upcoming festival shows.
Elischa Kaminer
Elischa Kaminer is a composer, performer and theatre maker working at the intersection of music, theatre, experimental music, queer pop and Yiddish music.
His works with various artists and collectives and has performed in The Netherlands, Germany, Canada, America and Seoul. Elischa’s festival performances include the Berlin Performing Arts Festival, Impulsefestival, Favoritenfestival, Spitalfields Music Festival, Podium Festival and Musik 21 Festival.
Elischa Kaminer studied composition at the Royal Academy of Music in London followed by post-graduate studies at the Institute for Applied Theatre Studies Giessen, supported by a scholarship from the Gerhard C. Starck Foundation.
From 2021-2023 he was Associate Composer with UK based record label
nonclassical and together with Liza Bec was selected Artist in Residence at the Britten Pears Arts Center in 2024.
Elizabeth Liddle & Billy Smith
Liddle and Smith revive the nostalgic sounds of the 70s with their debut single, ‘Eyes On You’. After endless nights swapping records, the duo have infused their influences and written a collection of songs that would not be out of place in their favourite era.
Their music has no intention of repeating history but takes inspiration from the studio techniques of ‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac to the euphonic harmonies of the Mamas and the Papas.
Having played together musically for many years in various bands, the duo have also taken huge inspiration from modern artists such as Weyes Blood and The Lemon Twigs, who also attempt to capture the sounds of the past in their music.
Ellen Beth Abdi
Mancunian music-maker Ellen Beth Abdi uses live loops, pokey drums, undulating synths and quietly subversive lyrics to shape her unique sound.
A graduate of the RNCM, Ellen pops up in many parts of the Manchester scene, providing lead, backing vocals (and keys) for legendary indie/alternative bands in the city. From supporting The Stone Roses at Wembley Stadium to touring with New Order plus touring and recording with A Certain Ratio (all by the age of 27).
She’s played Manchester International Festival and supported Olivia Dean, Hollie Cooke, Ishmael Ensemble, Oscar Jerome and Allysha Joy. She collaborated live with Angélique Kidjo, opening Aviva Studios for Manchester International Festival 2023.
Ellen is now focused on her solo music. In Summer 2023 she recorded a PRS-funded collaboration between herself, The Hallé Orchestra and Youth Choir and Low Four Studio. Ellen has also produced her debut solo album, set for release later this year.
Geo Aghinea
Sonically reflecting their experience as a deaf musician hearing through artificial mechanisms, Geo Aghinea is a Romanian-born, London-based producer, composer and vocalist.
Geo creates distinct auditory encounters blending bold sounds with ethereal alluring vocals. This approach to sound creation is a consequence of them wearing hearing aids from a young age, which has shaped both their vocal expression and perception of the surrounding world of sound.
They aim to transcend the limitation of conventional, single-mood structures by implementing multitudes of feelings into their music. This is evident in their avant-garde EP ‘I’ll Hand You A Hand’ (2023), featuring 5 self-produced and written tracks.
Geo was recognised as one of the 2023 Oram Awards winners for their innovation in sound, music, and related technologies and featured as one of Mastercard’s music trailblazers x The BRIT Awards this year, as part of the Future Sound of Britain campaign.
IRKED
IRKED are a punk band from Tyne and Wear making snotty, noisy, radge music.
Formed in 2022; they’ve quickly gained attention on the UK DIY scene, satisfying the demand for urgent, snarling, politically motivated punk – served up with a salty dose of humour and sass – think pissed off, but ready to party.
Named as BBC Introducing ‘Ones to watch 2024 their debut single ‘Backstreets’ has received support from BBC Radio 1, Amazing Radio and 6 Music. They’ve opened for Big Joanie, Benefits, Part Chimp, Hey Colossus, GENN and Loose Articles – with multiple festivals and a UK tour planned for 2024.
Their debut self-titled physical EP is due for release in Summer 2024 (Wrong Speed Records) with a full length album following closely behind. The EP is a confronting collection of six forceful tracks, recorded in their Byker practice room, mixed by IRKED and mastered by Bri Doom- encompassing their authentic DIY values and underground roots heavily influenced by punk culture.
James Mainwaring
James Mainwaring is a saxophonist and composer immersed in jazz and improvised music. Over thirteen years, he’s garnered recognition as an individual artist and a member of Roller Trio.
Roller Trio achieved great success from their debut album in 2012 which was nominated for the Mercury Prize, MOBO Best Jazz Act, and Jazz FM Best Newcomer. The group also received the Peter Whittingham Jazz Award.
James’ acclaimed recent releases inlcuding ”Meditations 1A” (2023) on his label Lamplight Social Records and “Mycorrhiza” (2021) (Discus Music). He has also received accolades for his project Tipping Point, which received the Emerging Excellence Award in 2013.James has collaborated with Nduduzo Makathini, Django Django, John Law, Dave Kane, Morten Schantz, Sean Foran, and Space Fight, among others.
Through his various projects, James has played at renowned venues and festivals worldwide.
James is a principal lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire and the founder of Lamplight Social Records. The label aims to serve as a home for a new wave of experimental music emerging from Leeds and beyond.
Life Aquatic Band
Life Aquatic Band’s music brings sunshine to drab days, it’s joyous music to let yourself loose. A mix of 70s Pop and early 2000s ElectroClash – they sit somewhere between Graceland-era Paul Simon and LCD Soundsystem.
In 2023, LAB returned with a new album full of positivity: ‘FREE SUMMER’. They have been touring the UK playing, including at Glastonbury Festival, Shambala, and Y Not, and won a public vote held by BBC Introducing to play Tramlines.
Their single ‘Hello Good Morning’ received airplay from BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, Tom Robinson, Deb Grant and Tom Ravenscroft, whilst their second single ‘Brunch Mindset’ was playlisted and received considerable airplay on Lemacq’s Drive Time.
They also toured as the main support on Skinny Lister’s UK tour, returning to their own headline tour in March 2024.
Melanie Baker
Melanie Baker is a singer, songwriter and musician from the Lake District now based in Newcastle. Her direct and honest lyricism capture themes such as queer identity, self-reflection and the anxieties of modern life.
Earlier in 2024 Melanie and her band toured across England and she’s previously supported the likes of dodie, Tessa Violet, Maisie Peters, Will Varley, Jen Cloher, Jesca Hoop and runnner.
Her self-released music so far has organically amassed over a million streams on Spotify alone and received radio play from BBC Introducing, BBC Radio , BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6Music.
Melanie’s latest EP Burnout Baby features songs with a tangible spark from an artist excited about the music they’re making.
Melanie’s fearless vulnerability allows her music to cut to the chase of raw and relatable human experiences.
Nadeem Din Gabisi
Nadeem Din-Gabisi is an award winning, poet-songwriter and visual artist.
Nadeem’s work reimagines and investigates blackness as it pertains to his experiences as a British born, second generation immigrant of Sierra Leonean descent.
Nadeem’s debut album POOL was selected by Clash Magazine as one of the most slept on albums in 2022 and Jamz Supernova selected him as one of her Class of Supernova 2023. Nadeem is the Winner of the Fred Perry x Nicholas Daley Music Award 2021 and former resident of Somerset House Studios.
His short film MASS was screened at Glasgow Short Film Festival and Alchemy Film and Moving Image Festival in 2021.
Nadeem is one half of the musical duo; An Alien Called Harmony (alongside Momoko Gill), their debut EP released this year through New Soil and Total Refreshment Centre received support from Giles Peterson and Soweto Kinch.
Nadeem’s collaborated with an eclectic selection of artists, including Sampa the Great, Tony Njoku, Coby Sey and Esinam. Nadeem is currently working on the follow up to POOL titled Offshore.
NE-O
Newcastle-based artist NE-O is a multi-faceted talent. From supporting grime legends to headlining a show at The Glasshouse and sharing stages with bass heavyweights, he’s on a diverse journey. However, he always stays true to his roots.
While his sound has evolved to embrace elements of UK Rap, his live performances still proudly echo his grime origins, with a Rhythm n Gash freestyle never going amiss.
After a brief hiatus in 2023, NE-O is back stronger than ever. Just a few months into 2024, he has already performed his biggest show to date, secured bookings at iconic venues and has even more projects on the horizon.
Starting his musical career in 2017 as a former member of NE Dons, the rapper has since released 4 EP’s. He’s received accolades such as Track Of The Week from BBC Introducing, a MOBO grant, a Maida Vale cypher feature, and airplay on BBC 1Xtra and BBC Radio 1. It’s seems every step NE-O’s taken so far has been leading up to 2024, where he’s poised to reach new heights.
NØELLE
NØELLE is a Welsh-Ukrainian immersive hyperpop artist and producer who creates her own unique blend of vast vocal landscapes, booming bases and hyperpop beats. Working with Dolby Atmos and live spatial audio experiences, her multidisciplinary live experiences leave listeners with a new genre to crave more of.
Parthenope
Parthenope is a 22 year-old Saxophonist and Singer originally from Leeds. She incorporates subtle improvisation and jazz harmony into danceable songs with hooky, sparkly pop melodies and introspective lyricism. She has built a huge fanbase on social media and has a vast amount of experience on the London live jazz scene.
Parthenope’s highly anticipated debut was released as a part of the ‘Bluenote Reimagined Vol.2’ compilation album, combining ‘today’s finest artists in UK jazz’, as praised by Finanical Times. Her music has been consistently supported by Radio 6.
In 2023, she performed headline gigs at Hootananny Brixton, Ronnie Scott’s and Amazing Grace, as well as playing at British Summertime, We Out Here and Wilderness Festivals.
Collaboration has been a huge part of Parthenope’s career. She has written, recorded and performed with artists such as Tom Misch, Celeste, Blue Lab Beats, Piri and Tommy, James Vickery, Hak Baker and more.
With her second EP ‘Bigger Picture’ set to release in 2024, Parthenope is one to watch this year.
Rivkala
Rivkala, meaning ‘to connect’, is an emerging neo-soul vocalist, songwriter, bandleader and pianist, and winner of Drake Music’s Emergent Artist of 2023.
Raised in Manchester on jazz, funk, disco, psych rock, Klezmer and soul, her writing is characteristically flavoured by bass-driven grooves and socially poignant storytelling.
As a bandleader of a 6-piece outfit, she’s spent the past year building momentum and a following through gigs across the country, including festivals such as Kelburn Garden Party, Northern Pride and playing at the home of the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as legendary North East venues Hoochie Coochie, The Jazz Cafe, and The Cluny.
With single plays on BBC Introducing Manchester and North East, Rivkala is currently working towards her debut EP, a melodramatic conceptual project set in a dingy cabaret bar, exploring bitter themes of disappointment and heartbreak with a signature biting humour.
Sarah Johnsone
Since Sarah Johnsone partnered with her band in 2021, a soulful, pithy artist has emerged; one who’s unafraid to set out her political opinions, and reveal lyrics which touch on social dynamics with a wisdom beyond her years.
The warm articulation of Johnsone’s vocals and her band’s dynamic vigour seamlessly blend an Amy Winehouse-like soul with 2000s indie rock greats. Her debut EP ‘Same Reflection But I’m Changed’ was championed by BBC 6Music’s Tom Robinson and Fern Buckley. Sarah and her band continue to impress through electric live performances.
VERA SACRA
VERA SACRA (aka Emily Marks) is a 23-year-old producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist, based between Sheffield and London.
Swirling synth lines and strings meet dance-inspired production in VERA SACRA’s ethereal music. A classically trained cellist, her songs transcend genre resulting in dark, dreamy meditations on love, loneliness and obsession.
After support from BBC Introducing, Emily embarked on a new musical turn in 2019 as VERA SACRA after dreaming up the name in Vienna where she was inspired by the city’s art. She was awarded by PRS talent development partner Launchpad in 2021-22. Since moving to London she’s been involved in the student radio scene while finishing new music alongside her studies. The first few songs will be released mid-2024 on Launchpad+ via EMI North.
As a session cellist and vocalist, Emily’s collaborated with artists like fellow Sheffielder Yarni. Songs she worked on have featured on BBC Radio 6’s New Music Fix live in session, Worldwide FM, Group Therapy, Spotify’s Fresh Finds Dance playlist and more.
Wildforms
In the cluster of organic and synthetic sound dwells Wildforms, the electronic-music apparition of musician and field-recordist Dan Cippico. Murmurations of mutated nature recordings, broken beats, and folklore origins comprise the signature Wildforms soundworld.