A Brudenell x Launchpad Showcase - 20th November, 2021
What: Live music
Who: Sam Airey, Before Breakfast, Iona Lane, Elanor Moss and THE KITES.
Location: The Black Horse, Otley
A Brudenell x Launchpad Showcase ft. Sam Airey + Before Breakfast + Iona Lane + Elanor Moss + THE KITES @ The Black Horse, Otley.
Sam Airey
Raised in rural North Wales but now residing in Leeds, Sam Airey specialises in the composition of melancholy. His music feels inextricably bound in the concept of “hiraeth”, a Welsh-language word for which there is no direct translation. This idea is something that constantly and perhaps subconsciously informs and underlies his work; a sense of nostalgia, homesickness tinged with grief, and a longing for the past.
Sam's 2017 debut album ‘In Darkened Rooms’ propelled his music into the streaming stratosphere with over 9 million listens alone on ‘Stars’, a standout moment from the record and a song which has captured the hearts of people all over the world.
In many ways a songwriter’s songwriter, his musical admirers include Midlake, Damien Jurado, Sharon Van Etten, Daughter and Anais Mitchell (most of which with whom he has shared a stage), in addition to tours with Matthew & The Atlas, European festival appearances, and continued support from BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music.
Before Breakfast
Before Breakfast explore feminist issues through the telling of personal stories – fusing their classical knowledge and rich arrangements with raw expression. Gina and Lucy’s music has always been beautiful, though is often layered with feminine discomfort. An uneasy web of harmonies and relentless piano, intricate cello and expressively haunting vocals run through their back catalogue and will feature on their debut album I Could Be Asleep If It Weren't For You.
The band's debut album explores themes that will resonate with many women in their 30s who are experiencing the shift in perspectives that this decade can bring. Before Breakfast are telling their story on their own terms. Backed by two new live band members as gig venues gradually open up again, the Sheffield band are going for it, with a record that speaks to the stagnation, malaise, and static of the last “wasted” year. And as the world opens up again, I Could Be Asleep If It Weren't For You is a fitting soundtrack.
Iona Lane
Iona Lane is a folk singer and musician, whose emotive and well-crafted songs are delivered with immense passion, and an understanding beyond her years for the stories she is telling. Having found herself fascinated by folklore and discovering untold folk stories from rural parts of the UK, where the natural environment, landscape, sustainability and community are so integral to people’s way of life, Iona has honed her songwriting to create something really special. Iona has been praised throughout the scene for her delicate yet powerful vocals, which have captivated audiences up and down the country.
Iona recorded her debut album in Spring 2021 with producer Andy Bell at the helm. This album has been long awaited and will be filled with songs that have been nurtured over Iona’s career. Having already released four EPs to date Iona’s debut album has been long awaited by those in the folk scene. The album is due for release in Spring 2022.
Elanor Moss
Alt-folk songwriter Elanor Moss explores themes of trauma, loss, recovery and memory on her haunting and beautiful forthcoming debut EP ‘Citrus’. Recently signed to Blue Raincoat Artists (Phoebe Bridgers, Cigarettes After Sex), Citrus will be released early 2022.
Influenced by the storytelling of Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Phoebe Bridgers and Sharon van Etten and with an English-ness offset by an American heritage, Elanor was discovered on the open mic circuit in York whilst an undergraduate in English Literature.
THE KITES
THE KITES are a teenage 4-piece band passionate about creating new music and performing live. The acoustic set of THE KITES features Joe (vocals, guitar, piano), Jake (lead guitar), and Elodie (vocals, bass, piano), playing original tracks from their forthcoming EP including: Policy, Film, LS21, Myself and Jaded.
Performing live gigs at pubs, clubs, music studios and festivals across the Leeds area, THE KITES debut album will be released next year.
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This event was brought to you by Brudenell and Launchpad.
Launchpad is delivered by Music Local to support the music sector throughout Yorkshire and supported by Youth Music with public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England and PRS Foundation’s Talent Development Partnership supported by PPL as well as additional regional partners, Leeds 2023, arts@leeds, Leeds City Council and Leeds Inspired.