Berwyn

**This event will take place in EartH Hall.**

Having moved from Trinidad to Romford at the age of nine (the third generation of his family to make the move), BERWYN took just two weeks to write and record his debut mixtape, DEMOTAPE/VEGA. The mixtape distills a lifetime of experiences existing on the fringes of London life. It’s raw and authentic, both lyrically and sonically, with each song revealing further layers of Berwyn's life. If you want to know Berwyn's story, it's all there in Vega's tales of hope, hustle, and struggle.

BERWYN was never meant to make a mixtape. He was supposed to leave London, return to his motherland of Trinidad, and forget about the last few years. He’d gotten himself into trouble, living a life that “felt like dancing on the edge of a knife.” He knew if he kept going out onto the streets, something would happen. So he locked himself away for two weeks in a “shithole flat” and – on a diet of toast, weed, and insomnia – began writing and recording the music that would become Vega. Despite hardship, Berwyn is a natural optimist, but this was effectively a last roll of the dice.

Following the mixtape’s release came the decision to add a spontaneous verse to his performance of ‘Glory’ in reaction to George Floyd’s death the night before it aired on the infamous ‘Later… with Jools Holland’ – a statement of intent that marked BERWYN out as one of the most exciting talents making music today. From that moment onwards, he honed his skills as a singer, songwriter, producer, and collaborator by channeling raw and authentic experiences of London life into his music. This process awarded him widespread acclaim, including a top three finish in the BBC’s ‘Sound Of’ poll, a Mercury Prize shortlist, MOBO nominations, and an NME Award.

Across the last four years, he’s released two mixtapes, DEMOTAPE/VEGA and TAPE2/FOMALHAUT, and the diverse EP ‘Bulletproof’ - inspired by his return to his Trinidadian birthplace following years of passport and visa issues that had shadowed him since arriving in the UK.

Having already made such an indelible mark on British music in just a few years, BERWYN is now preparing to release his debut album. He has made a fiercely political and personal record that embodies everything that makes an artist truly exciting in 2024. He’s an authentic and uncompromising creative force, constantly evolving and blurring boundaries as he continues to carve out his place in the music industry

If you require access assistance, please contact us at access@earthackney.co.uk for this to be arranged. For more information on access at EartH, please see our FAQs here: https://bit.ly/44dzl75

EartH is a social enterprise committed to supporting new musicians, with music studios in the venue that are completely free for young artists in Hackney to use. Find out more here (https://earthackney.co.uk/about/studio-36/).

This is a 16+ event.

This is a 16+ event. All attendees 16-17s must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is 18 or older (1:1 ratio). To verify age, ID may be requested. We advise all customers to bring valid ID. For further information, see Age and ID in FAQs. Right of admission reserved.

Berwyn

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