The Southbank Centre has revealed the rising stars performing as part of futuretense, a free gig series providing a platform for emerging artists. In 2024, BBC Music Introducing joins as a partner to deliver this innovative new music programme, showcasing the next generation of talent.
‘futuretense’ returns on Thursday 18 January, continuing fortnightly on Thursdays from 6:00 pm in the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer. As part of the partnership, BBC Music Introducing will collaborate with the Southbank Centre, programming two musicians to perform each month. This collaboration further amplifies the Southbank Centre’s ongoing commitment to building creative partnerships whilst nurturing underrepresented artists and supporting grassroots music initiatives. Since launching, futuretense delivers a breadth of performance opportunities and provides a welcoming space for everyone to relax and experience live music entirely for free.
Since launching in 2019, futuretense has propelled numerous artists into the global spotlight including the likes of Erika De Casier, Wu-Lu, Ego Ella May, Kai Whiston, Sinaed O’Brien, Lex Amor, CHERISE, DeeRiginal, Sheiva and Afronaught Zu.
Edith Odame Kwakye, futuretense programming lead and Contemporary Music Programming Assistant at the Southbank Centre, says: “I think that the futuretense partnership with BBC Music Introducing marks an incredible opportunity to amplify emerging artists by providing both a physical space and a powerful platform to showcase their art and build a community. The partnership aims to elevate and empower artists, ensuring they are not just heard but also seen, disrupting the musical landscape and fostering a community that celebrates diverse voices and creative expression.”
Kelly Betts, Editor at BBC Music Introducing, adds:”BBC Introducing and futuretense have the same ethos when it comes to supporting emerging artists which is why we’re so excited to be partnering with them again. Previously, we provided an early gig platform for artists like Ego, Ella Mai and Kyra who have all gone on to amazing things. These nights are set to be the place to uncover really exciting musicians, I personally can’t wait.”
This year’s lineup opens with respair on Thursday 18 January, a London-based jazz electronic quartet who recently took the EFG London Jazz Festival by storm with their psychedelic soul combined with smooth, hypnotic electronics. After releasing two new singles last year, ‘Colours’ and ‘Hold On to Me’, the band have gone on to perform at Wilderness Festival, Outernet’s Lower Third and Crazy Coqs Jazz Club. The Ivor Novello Rising Star 2022 nominee Ashaine White follows with a rich fusion of blues and grunge. Drawing on a myriad of influences from 90s alt-rock to soulful jazz, Ashaine is carving her own untrodden musical path. Her critically acclaimed project Ash (2023) was recognised in Bandcamp’s New and Notable, Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Soundcloud’s Fresh Pressed.
Multi-instrumentalist SRF delivers an eclectic set on Thursday 22 February inspired by 1960s rock through to 90s R&B. Alongside playing the guitar in a jazz experimental band featuring Rudi Creswick, Jules War and Fraser Harding, SRF has performed solo at Pitchfork Paris (2023) with rising star Ray Laurel. The evening closes with nostalgic and hypnotic RnB beats from leading producer Niels.
On Thursday 29 February, Hackney-born singer, songwriter and guitarist Mychelle shares a relaxing blend of acoustic folk pop mixed with mellow R&B. Mychelle has captivated the UK music industry since releasing her debut single The Way in 2021 where she reached critical acclaim for her versatile vocal range and expansive soundscapes. Meanwhile, rising star DEJA, shares her bold, high energy rapping style that explores self belief and female expression. Last summer, she headlined Cambridge Pride and was chosen as one of the top 10 finalists for MOBO UnSung competition in 2023. In November, her track ‘Fine Fine Girl’ was BBC Radio 1’s Track of the Week. Her articulate vocal delivery and unhindered self expression has placed DEJA at the forefront of the music circuit.
On Thursday 7 March, Birmingham- based contemporary folk singer-songwriter Aayushi takes to the stage with her distinct soothing vocals and poetic lyrics. Inspired by her Indian heritage, her music reached new heights after appearing in Spotify’s ‘Most Beautiful Songs in the World’ and ‘New Music Friday UK’ playlists, reaching over 7 million Spotify streams to date. West London Punjabi singer-songwriter Golden Roots follows with his unique drum and bass remix. As a major advocate for South Asian representation in the music industry, Golden Roots uses his music to explore socio-political narratives such as cultural discrimination and injustice.
Leading multi-instrumentalist KATYA brings her jazz infused beats to the Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer on 28 March. After gaining recognition for her debut single ‘I’ll Take Your Number’ last year in collaboration with trumpeter Jackson Mathod and Grammy-award winning ‘Spike’ Stent, Katya has gone to perform the festival circuit including an appearance at Glastonbury. Meanwhile, Spanish artist MAVICA ends the show with her unique ethereal vocals interwoven with electronic synth and instrumentation. Her single ‘You Can Never Do That’ (2023), redefines the parameters of the UK Hip-Hop scene with her rich lyrics that explore empowerment and female identity.
For further information on the lineup, visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Images
respair – futuretense – Image Credit Yoav Pichersky
KATYA image Image Courtesy of the artist
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