Big Special
BIG SPECIAL are a band that wish to explore the bleak and beautiful honesty of a nation in an ever growing state of depression through personal experience, poetry, perspective as well as varied and creative music. Previously championed by the likes of; Steve Lamacq and Tom Robinson on BBC Radio 6 Music, Amazing Radio, local stations and BBC Introducing up and down the country, as well as being the top of Brum Radio’s A-list for 2 weeks in a row.
BUZZY LEE
Buzzy Lee is the artist project of Los Angeles performer and writer Sasha Spielberg. Sasha is a storyteller by nature. She’s also a humorist, a writer and singer capable of depicting poignant scenes awash with sorrow and sarcasm, phrased savagely and delicately, her voice at times plaintive, at other times soaring. Her debut album co-produced by Nicolas Jaar, ‘Spoiled Love’, was released in 2021 with support from Gorilla vs. Bear, Vogue Germany, David Dean Burkhart, and a performance on NPR’s Tiny Desk. Buzzy has also been featured on tracks with Denzel Curry and JPEGMAFIA. The musician is currently working on her upcoming LP ‘Internal Affairs’.
DUST
In recent years, a particular flock of Australian bands has emerged. They shape raw, abrasive sounds into music that’s at once experimentally-oriented yet accessible, immediate. In Sydney, you can look to frenetic noise-rock duo Party Dozen, or Shady Nasty and Behind You with their hazy hip-hop influences. And that’s exactly what Dust did. The sound of this Newcastle band is a contemporary take on Australian post-punk, characterised by immersive guitars and genre bending instrumentation.
HALEY BLAIS
Haley Blais is a Vancouver based singer-songwriter and musician. Haley has been DIY-ing it since 2014, turning out song after song of defiant scream-into-your-pillow bedroom pop anthems recorded in her actual bedroom. ‘Below The Salt’, the debut studio LP from the up and comer, is a coming of age story that recognizes that there is no real ‘coming of age.’ Featuring production from indie favourites Tennis (Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley) and fellow Vancouver artist Louise Burns, Haley’s signature sound has matured into a distinct new voice. Her lyrics riff on the joys and banalities of the every day, on the need to break apart and away from an uninspiring life, on radical acceptance, and manifesting a world where you feel proud of yourself and who you’re surrounded by. “Canada’s nostalgia pop queen”.
ILL PEACH
The seed of ill peach was first planted in the recording studios of New York City where Pat Morrissey and Jess Corazza were working together as professional songwriters, collaborating with artists like Icona Pop, SZA, Weezer, Pharrell, Big Freedia, and others. Then came the day they were offered their own publishing deal. Cool, right? Well, about that. “Everyone kept saying, ‘The stuff that you’re writing is slightly too left-of-center—weirdo stuff,” remembers Morrissey. “Why don’t you start your own project?” The rest is history. We’re pleased to introduce you to ill peach, a pop band with a punk streak and a taste for both the rotten and the sweet.
VICTOR RAY
Born in Uganda and raised in Newcastle, Victor Ray is the 23 year old singer, songwriter, acclaimed for his performances on the streets of London. Having moved to London five years ago, Victor initially started busking to earn enough money to pay for his rent and university studies. This time gave Victor the opportunity to perfect his performances and over the last year has seen his hustle translate to a strong and loyal online following. With countless songs stored away, this year will mark the start of an exciting era for Victor as he releases the first songs from his solo project.
