On Friday, 16th May, we will be taking over the venue Dust for a unique showcase featuring talent from across BIMM's regional campuses.
For several years, DIY has collaborated with BIMM Music Institute to provide support and guidance to their students, and this year is no exception. We are excited to announce our partnership once again for a series of special events during this year's The Great Escape Festival. At this year's festival, we will co-host a special BIMM x DIY showcase at Dust, located on Brighton’s seafront, on Friday 16th May, showcasing an impressive lineup of BIMM artists from various regional campuses, including BIMM Berlin. Additionally, BBC Radio 1 & 1XTRA's Swarzy will be hosting the showcase on that day.
BIMM has more planned for this year's TGE: they will kick off the festivities with a special opening party at Patterns tomorrow (Wednesday 14th May) featuring acts like Goetia and Chitchat, followed by their Alt Escape showcase at North Laine Brewhouse all day on Thursday. We will also host an exclusive industry drinks event (by invitation only) on Thursday evening before our collaborative showcase at Dust on Friday. As always, there will be many BIMM buskers performing live throughout Brighton during the festival, so keep an eye out for them! For more details on everything BIMM is doing at the festival, check out their Instagram page. Our showcase will be accessible to anyone with a festival delegate badge or wristband. We will start at 12pm on Friday, 16th May, so if you'd like to learn more about the performing artists, now is the time to do your research.
12.20pm: Leah Wilcox
Leah Wilcox, hailing from the Midlands, is a unique songwriter with a gritty style. Her heartfelt lyrics touch on themes of love, the female experience, and wine, all expressed through her Indie Pop-rock sound, which she refers to as ‘Countrygaze Pop’. Leah began performing at open mics at 15, borrowing equipment until she could purchase her first acoustic guitar, which has become a significant marker of her musical journey. At 21, she draws inspiration from the sounds of the '70s, telling her life story through music. With elements of choreography, rich harmonies, synths, and passionate, often raspy, vocals, Leah's influences include Fleetwood Mac, Big Thief, CMAT, and Wunderhorse.
1.00pm: Kings & Pills
Kings & Pills, a Berlin-based rock band formed in late 2022 by lead vocalist Anais Vacariu and drummer Isac Strand, consists of members from Romania, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, and Germany (attending BIMM Berlin). They gained local attention with their debut EP 'Chemical Meltdown', showcasing their signature sound featuring catchy hooks, powerful guitars, and emotive vocals. Recently, they released their debut album 'Feast on Us', reflecting their evolved sound.
1.40pm: Martina and the Moons
Martina and the Moons, an all-female four-piece based in Dublin, signed with Rubarb Music (led by Ruadhri Cushnan of Camden Studios). They have supported Porridge Radio at Whelans and Thumper at a sold-out Workmans. Recently, they performed on the main stage at Whelans' Ones to Watch event in January and were named one of Hotpress Magazine's Hot For '25 acts. Their lyrics explore themes of alienation and the desire for connection, blending '60s singer-songwriter lyricism with a '90s Britpop-inspired sound. Their recent single 'Omnibus Boners' critiques the over-sexualization and underestimation of women.
2.20pm: Bayboards
Bayboards from Manchester have gained notoriety for their energetic live performances throughout northern England, often attracting Manchester's indie crowd. Their songs, full of power, echo the best guitar bands from the last two decades, such as Sundara Karma, Circa Waves, and The Wombats. Following sell-out shows at notable venues like Manchester’s Academy 2 and their first UK tour, the band has exciting plans ahead.
3.00pm: G U Y
Wiltshire-born G U Y blends hip-hop, R'n'B, and spoken word. He began writing and producing music at 16, leveraging his piano background to shape his distinct sound. Recognized for his versatility in singing and rapping, along with relatable lyricism, he draws inspiration from artists like Dave, Berwyn, and Loyle Carner. After moving to Bristol, he has honed his craft performing with his band and as a solo artist. G U Y has appeared at major festivals including Glastonbury, Love Saves The Day, and Boomtown, with a promising year ahead featuring new releases and a second project.
3.40pm: Finn Mungo
Finn
A testament to the significant growth Matt has experienced since his debut in 2018.
The sound of one of rock's most lasting survivors relaxing and enjoying themselves.
What may appear as unusual qualities on paper also contribute to some of the project's most appealing moments.
A captivating achievement that seems equally fashionable and unconventional.
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It shows no signs of easing from its intense heat.
Quite enjoyable to listen to, though not particularly memorable.