In 2016 Jack Garratt released his debut album ‘Phase’ on Island Records. The multi-instrumentalist wrote, arranged and performed every track. In the same year Garratt was awarded a number of prestigious British music accolades and embarked on a world tour, ending in two sold out nights at London’s Hammersmith Apollo in 2017. In the immediate aftermath Garratt wrote and swiftly discarded a draft of album two, before setting up in the studio with co-producers James Flannigan and Jacknife Lee – embarking on what would become his sophomore album ‘Love, Death & Dancing’. In February 2020 Vol. 1 of the album (tracks 1 – 3) was unleashed into the world with lead single ‘Time’ receiving its first play as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record In The World on BBC Radio 1. Jack has described ‘Love, Death & Dancing’ as, “dance music for people who don’t want to go out,” and detailed how it chronicles his battle with depression, anxiety, and self-doubt.
Laura Roy (Tuesday 9th January)
Grammy-nominated Canadian, London based artist, producer and songwriter Laura Roy blends her love for classic 70’s folk music and 90’s r&b vocals to create a unique soulful sound. After releasing multiple artist projects and collaborations, Laura is making waves in the alternative R&B world. Describing her music as folk-alt-r&b, Laura won “Best R&B/Soul Recording of the Year” for her 2018 EP titled “Forte”. Soon after, she teamed up with Grammy Nominated artist Lianne La Havas, and multi-instrumentalist and producer Geo Jordan to create a 6-track EP “Tides” released in 2021 as an ode to Laura’s upbringing in rural Nova Scotia, Canada. Laura recently gained recognition as a songwriter on Doja Cat’s 2021 “Planet Her” Album for contributions on “Alone” which has gained her two Grammy nominations.
Ashley Singh (Tuesday 6th February)
Ashley Singh is a 25-year-old singer-songwriter from East London. He first emerged with ‘Keep Me’, which displayed his heart-breaking exploration of the sadness and melancholy of faltering romance. '10 Summers' followed this and instantly connected with people. After two EP's with Warner Records, Ashley has returned to independence and has had two viral songs in quick succession; 'Can't Find the Man' and 'You Got Friends'. A vocalist, pianist and guitarist, Ashley Singh developed his talents at East London Arts & Music. He is particularly inspired by artists with a similar skill for songs which make relatable anthems from challenging emotional experiences, including Noah Kahan, David Grey, and Coldplay.
Lapsley (Tuesday 5th March)
After an explosive rise to fame as a teenager, when she first uploaded her minimal, mournful self-produced electronica to SoundCloud, Merseyside-hailing Holly Lapsley Fletcher AKA Låpsley’s debut album Long Way Home was released to critical acclaim on XL in 2016. Singles ‘Hurt Me’ and ‘Falling Short’ confirmed her as one of the most exciting new songwriting talents, whilst DJ Koze’s disco edit of ‘Operator’ produced an instant dancefloor classic. Second album Through Water marked a shift from adolescence into womanhood and from introverted bedroom producer to a more confident, conscious artist – lead single ‘Womxn’ proudly asserted her queer identity and a more assured, upbeat direction. Holly has since asserted herself as a successful writer and top liner within the music industry, having recently signed publishing with Young and Sony, and returning with her own original music with ‘32 Floors’. A bold reintroduction to Låpsley as an artist, ‘32 Floors’ is a song about falling in love - but also, into obsession - ahead of much more music to follow soon.
