The Southbank Centre’s Meltdown Festival returns this month for its 30th edition, assembling a remarkable line-up of British and international talent at the UK’s iconic, artist-curated music celebration. Since its inception in 1993, Meltdown has stood apart as the world’s longest-running artist-curated festival, with each year’s programme shaped by a visionary guest curator. Past curators read like a hall of fame—Chaka Khan, Christine and the Queens, Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers, Robert Smith, M.I.A., Yoko Ono, and more—each leaving their unique imprint on the festival’s legacy.
This year, among the standout voices gracing the stage is Chicago-born singer, songwriter, and poet Kara Jackson, performing on Tuesday, 17th June 2025 at 7:15 pm.
Jackson’s artistry is unmistakable—her voice, described as a honey-coated blade, cuts through the noise with a blend of emotional folk and poetic alt-country. Drawing inspiration from the spirit of Nina Simone and the lyrical intricacy of Joni Mitchell and Joanna Newsom, Jackson’s music is a tapestry of Southern storytelling and personal history, shaped by her roots in Chicago and the American South.
Her debut album, Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?, released in April 2023, quickly captured the attention of critics and listeners alike. Garnering praise from several music publications, the album established Jackson as a compelling new voice in contemporary music—one whose lyrics demand not just to be heard, but deeply listened to.
Jackson’s performances are immersive experiences, blurring the boundaries between poetry and song. Her work invites audiences to linger on every word, every note—a testament to the raw honesty and vulnerability she brings to the stage.
As Meltdown celebrates three decades of boundary-pushing programming, Kara Jackson’s appearance promises to be a highlight—an evening of music and poetry that resonates long after the final note.
For further information, please visit the Southbank Centre’s website.
Image Credit Lawrence Agyei, provided courtesy of the Southbank Centre
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