Tift Merritt at the Lower Third

Tift Merritt

The Lower Third, 28 June 2026 

What a pleasure to see the marvelous Tift Merritt back in London doing an outstore for Rough Trade at the Lower Third (formerly the 12 Bar) on Denmark Street in support of her first album in nine years, the wonderful Sugar! It's so good to have her back releasing music after so long and I'm happy to report she is as good as ever. What a treat it was to hear her play all the new songs too. 

Snail Mail at the Electric Ballroom

Snail Mail

Unflirt

Electric Ballroom, 26 June 2026

I've been a fan since Snail Mail released their first album Lush back in 2018, so I braved the ungodly heatwave and at long last I finally got to see the ever-so-cool Lindsey Jordan and her band live at a truly storming show in the beautifully air-conditioned Electric Ballroom last night.

Willy Vlautin at Rough Trade East

Willy Vlautin in Conversation

Rough Trade East, 17 June 2026

It was England's first World Cup match tonight, but I was far more interested in the fact that my favourite author, the incomparable Willy Vlautin, was doing an instore appearance at Rough Trade East, talking to journalist Kate Hutchinson about his new book, the wonderful The Left & The Lucky, and what a delightful night it turned out to be.

Ben Kweller at Islington Assembly Hall

>>Ben Kweller

Modern Love Child

Islington Assembly Hall, 7 June 2026 

It felt like a big celebration last night welcoming Ben Kweller back to London after more than 10 years away. There were lots of classics that had everyone singing along but it was equally exciting and moving to hear songs from Kweller's recent album, Cover The Mirrors. On top of all that there were some fantastic surprise guests that made the night even more special.

Rilo Kiley at Shepherd's Bush Empire

Rilo Kiley

Matthew Caws

Shepherd's Bush Empire, 3 June 2026

I was back again to see the reunited Rilo Kiley for a second time, this time at the much smaller Shepherd's Bush Empire, and, unbelievably, night two of their London shows was even more incredible than the first. The whole band were just radiating joy and good feeling and the whole thing felt so much looser and even more special. I can't deny, I was absolutely floating at the end of this show!

Rilo Kiley at the Roundhouse

Rilo Kiley

Matthew Caws 

Roundhouse, 2 June 2026

It's been almost 20 years since I last saw Rilo Kiley live and what a joy it was to finally seen them reunited again at the Roundhouse in London. It was definitely worth braving the train strikes and the heavy rain. Jenny Lewis and her band were honestly like a ray of sunshine and brought back so many good memories as they played pretty much all my favourites from their back catalogue, and I'm happy to say, they are even better than ever.

Case Oats at The Waiting Room

Case Oats

Vegas Water Taxi 

The Waiting Room, 1 June 2026 

I have been longing to see Case Oats live since their debut album, Last Missouri Exit, came out last year and I fell in love with its folky, lo-fi charm. I finally got the chance last night at The Waiting Room, where they treated us to lots of tunes from that record and a bunch of new ones too, as well as a fantastic Neil Young cover, so I'm happy to say they lived up to all my expectations and much more.