Sierra Ferrell at The Forum

The Brudi Brothers

The Forum, 7 July 2026

When I saw Sierra Ferrell back in 2022 playing acoustically with just a two-piece band backing her, I knew she was something special and brimming with star quality but even that wonderful show didn't prepare me for just how fantastic this gig would be. It truly was two hours of pure magic, with Ferrell showing off her incredible stage presence and backed by a truly astonishing band. 

Julia Jacklin at Rough Trade East

Julia Jacklin

Rough Trade East, 30 June 2026 

It's been about four years since I last saw Julia Jacklin so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see her do a small instore appearance at the always super cool Rough Trade East, promoting her upcoming new album, The Gem. She surprisingly didn't play any new tunes but instead treated us to some old favourites and to be honest, just getting to hear that incredible voice of hers up close with just a guitar accompanying her really was something special.

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!