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From Earlestown to the World: The Rise of The K’s
In the heart of England’s North West lies Earlestown, a quiet town nestled between the musical powerhouses of Manchester and Liverpool. It’s not the kind of place typically associated with stardom but it’s exactly where The K’s began. Born out of the ambition of suburban life, this four-piece indie rock band – Jamie Boyle (vocals/rhythm guitar), Ryan Breslin (lead guitar), Dexter Baker (bass), and Nathan Peers (drums) have become one of the most exciting names in British guit
Daria Slikker
Jul 8, 20253 min read


Little Simz Curates 30th Meltdown: In Conversation With Deborah Yewande Bankole, Public Programme Producer At The Southbank Centre
Little Simz, this year's curator of the Southbank Centre's annual Meltdown Festival © Thibaut Grevet Returning to one of London’s most...
Oisín McGilloway
Jun 11, 20256 min read


LIDO Festival Review: A Fusion of Music, Message and Sustainability in Victoria Park
Air at LIDO Festival - Photo by Daria Slikker As the sun filtered through the trees in East London’s Victoria Park, a gentle breeze danced over the grass. People began to trickle into the park, a world of music awaiting them. This was LIDO – a festival carefully curated with a bold artistic vision, and a commitment to changing the way festivals impact the planet. From the moments attendees entered the grounds, it was clear this wasn’t the standard setup. Gone were the lines
Daria Slikker
Jun 7, 20253 min read


Introducing The Sukis: A Band You'll Have a Taste For
Photo by Kirsty Sim In Japanese, the word suki (すき) means ‘to like,’ ‘to have a taste for,’ or simply ‘to love.’ It’s a fitting name for a band that so many fans are growing increasingly fond of. Composed of Tige (lead vocals), Ed (drums), James (bass) and Freddie (bass), Liverpool-based indie-rock band The Sukis are becoming a defining voice in the UK’s alternative scene. With their punk-inflected energy, whip-smart lyrics, and melodic instincts, the band channels the res
Daria Slikker
May 17, 20258 min read


Raffertie: A Journey Through Sound and Identity
Photo by Amba Taye Pittard-Watt for SCRT From early experiments with electronic music to crafting intricate orchestral scores, Raffertie has built a career that bridges genres, transcends boundaries, and continuously evolves. Drawing inspiration from the gritty, instinctive energy of dubstep to the refined sophistication of classical composition, Raffertie has carved out a unique sonic world that is as dynamic as it is distinctive. Throughout his career, Raffertie has naviga
Daria Slikker
Apr 8, 202515 min read


In Conversation with Jon Shave
Photo by Jono White For over two decades, Jon Shave has been shaping the sound of modern pop music. From his early days at the legendary hit factory Xenomania – where he worked on era-defining tracks for Girls Aloud and Sugababes – to co-founding The Invisible Men and producing for some of the biggest artists in the world, his fingerprints are all over the charts. With over 21 billion streams to his name, Shave has mastered the art of reinvention, seamlessly moving between po
Daria Slikker
Apr 3, 20259 min read


Gacha, Gacha, Find Out! F5ve’s Journey Towards The International Stage
"Deriving creative influence from BLACKPINK" (pictured above, via Wikimedia Commons) Emerging straight from Japan’s underground club...
Karan Nimsons
Feb 28, 20252 min read


The BRAT Crusade: On Hedonistic Indulgence
Charli XCX BRAT Tour (via Wikimedia Commons) Although Charli XCX has announced that ‘BRAT summer’ is officially over, Collins Dictionary...
Eleanor Hughes
Feb 28, 20254 min read


Liverpool Meets London: Permanent (Joy)
Permanent (Joy) emerged from a pivotal moment of transition, reshaping both their identity as a band and their approach to music. Born...
Kate Bent and Daria Slikker
Feb 14, 20254 min read


STRAND x FEMMESTIVAL Spotlight: Lia White
Image courtesy of Lia White After her performance at FEMMESTIVAL late last year, we caught up with electronic soul artist Lia White to...
Oisín McGilloway
Feb 4, 20255 min read
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