If watching 'A Complete Unknown' has got you wondering where to get your next folk fix, then look no further. 

Catch Clara Mann in a beautiful Elizabethan church, Bishopskin's unique genre-bending fusion under MOTH Club's gold ceiling, or Damien Dempsey's Irish folk in Camden's favourite ballroom.

A Complete Unknown

COUNTRY COWPUNK!

Unlucky In Love - https://youtu.be/BUUHMrCGQxA

Pain In My Heart - https://youtu.be/abzUn4Z1qxI

Jenny Don’t and the Spurs have been pioneering their own path in the music world for over a dozen years. Known for their high-energy Country Western style and captivating stage presence, they've garnered a global following with their infectious enthusiasm,  and extensive discography, featuring three albums, an EP, and nine singles.

Their 2021 LP, Fire on the Ridge, expanded their horizons, leading them on tours to continents where few other country bands have had the opportunity to perform, affirming their formidable presence in the country music scene. This latest release, "Broken Hearted Blue," set to debut on June 14th, 2024, adds even more fuel to their fire.

With their exciting new album, Broken Hearted Blue Jenny Don’t and the Spurs present 10 dynamic songs that channel the essence of the Northwest’s music sounds while evoking the nostalgia of the Western frontier. The album bursts forth with the explosive energy of the opening track, "Flyin' High," akin to a wild horse spurred by a crack of lightning. The song skillfully merges the band's garage-rock origins with their distinct western sound, characterized by a driving tempo and gritty fuzz tones. From the outset, this album asserts itself as a standout in the country music scene, with its high-octane rockin' western delivery approach setting it apart from the herd.

Jenny Don’t earned her moniker in her youth for her strong-willed and independent nature, often defying authority figures much to their consternation. This inherent rebelliousness led her to resonate with the authentic outlaw spirit of Country Western music. Such influences shine through in songs like "Pain in my Heart” and “One More Night,” where the band channels the bold attitude and vocal style reminiscent of classic country legends like Johnny Paycheck and George Jones. Their music authentically captures the outlaw spirit while paying homage to the genre's iconic figures.

Born in New Mexico, Jenny later relocated to Washington state at a young age. Growing up, she navigated the contrasting landscapes of the lush Pacific Northwest and the vast Southwestern desert, which greatly influenced her songwriting. In the title track "Broken Hearted Blue," Jenny's haunting vocals capture the intensity of a fleeting romantic moment, complemented by lead guitarist Christopher March's guitar work, which echoes the haunting allure of the desert night sky with its reverb-drenched tones.

Growing up poor in a tiny rural Washington community, Jenny spent her early years living in a converted single-wide trailer. Spending her summers herding cows and catching garter snakes in the tall grass, she could only dream of traveling to the kinds of exotic locales to which the band’s tours have taken her. The song “You’re What I Need” is an ode to the fans whose support has made this possible.

 “Traveling the world as a musician and experiencing the enthusiasm of our fans who come to see us is an incredible feeling that's difficult to put into words” says Don’t. “We all feel immense gratitude towards everyone who has supported us through the years. They’re the ones who’ve inspired ‘You’re What I Need.’

Broken Hearted Blue is a significant milestone, as it marks Buddy Weeks' debut on drums. The loss of longtime drummer Sam Henry (The Wipers, Poison Idea, Napalm Beach)  to cancer in 2022 was a devastating blow that would have halted many bands. However, instead of slowing down, the band intensified their touring and recording efforts, determined to honor Sam's legacy by forging ahead with their musical journey. 

Weeks' inclusion in the band marks not only a new chapter but also adds a fresh perspective and energy, symbolizing their resilience.

With "Bones in the Sand," Jenny Don’t and the Spurs draw from that profound experience, crafting a song that intricately blends dark and luminous sonic textures. March's resonant low baritone guitar captures the somber tones of loss, contrasting with the vibrant shimmer of the 12-string acoustic guitar, symbolizing hope and resilience. Together, the band constructs a rich musical narrative that reflects the multifaceted nature of the experience, while the vocals offer insight and guide the listener through the emotional exploration.

“Despite the loss we faced, our band's core and aspirations remain steadfast. With the release of our new album, we're embarking on a new trail that bridges our past experiences with the promise of what's yet to come,” explains Don’t. “We’ve got a lot of open road ahead of us.”

Produced by Collin Hegna (Brian Jonestown Massacre, Federale),  this album is a testament to Hegna's meticulous craftsmanship. With his guidance, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs have created a musical tapestry that highlights each member's talents. 

“On this album, bass player Kelly Halliburton and I collaborated more closely than ever, shaping most of the musical parts together”, reflecting on their growth both as a couple and as a band. Jenny expresses, "We're just fed up with mainstream music's repetitive nature and the confines of genres. Each of us brings our own musical flavors to the table, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over conformity. Our music pulls from a variety of genres, which can be a bit tricky to define. But Collin really nailed it, capturing our blend of country, rock and roll, with that added touch of Western charm."

Broken Hearted Blue presents a cohesive assortment of varied tracks. From the thunderous bass lines of the instrumental "Sidewinder" to the infectious melodies of "Unlucky Love," reminiscent of Lee Hazelwood's 60s style, each song possesses its own distinct charm while seamlessly upholding the album's western essence.

Much like the rhinestones on their custom outfits, handcrafted by Jenny herself, the album shines brightly, illustrating the band's dedication to creating memorable and authentic music.

This is an 18+ event

Punk Rock Blues

Jenny Don't And The Spurs

Call of the Road

Jenny Don't And The Spurs - Lady Bird

Jack Browning

Jenny Don't and the Spurs

Gigs

London

The Lexington

Over many years she’s explored the sacred sites, mythology, and music of Nordic culture, finding enduring inspiration in the Celtic tradition. While she’s maintained an active role in the thriving local music scene, a global audience has awakened to her sound.Over many years she’s explored the sacred sites, mythology, and music of Nordic culture, finding enduring inspiration in the Celtic tradition. While she’s maintained an active role in the thriving local music scene, a global audience has awakened to her sound.

Both more intimate and cosmic in scope than its predecessors, World of Work (her debut album for Warp) draws inspiration from visionary literature, dreams, and meditative walks. While The Voyager explored the sacred history of the Nordic landscape, World of Work explores the metaphysical landscape of the soul. The listener is invited on an inner journey that is by turns hushed and ecstatic.

Support from fellow Copenhagen-based songwriter, Fine.

Co-presented with Serious and Bird on the Wire.

Please note a £1.50 venue levy is included in the cost of all tickets.

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Institute of Contemporary Arts

Clarissa Connelly

Clarissa Connelly - Wee Rosebud

Fine

ICA (Institute of Contemporary Arts)

FORM Presents

DAMIEN DEMPSEY

\+ Special Guests

This event is 14 and over. 14s to 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

FORM

https://electricballroom.co.uk/disabled-access/

Accessibility

This event is 14 and over. 14s to 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Any ticket holder unable to present valid identification indicating that they are at least 14 years of age will not be admitted to this event and will not be eligible for a refund.

Age Restriction.

FORM Presents

Damien Dempsey

A Rainy Night in Soho (with The Dubliners)

Damien Dempsey - Patience

Electric Ballroom

FORM Presents

CLARA MANN

\+ Special Guests

Singer-songwriter Clara Mann’s evocative debut album Rift navigates the fractured environment of the in-between—those liminal spaces exposed between light and dark, growth and remorse, loss and reclamation. It is a record that makes a strong case for hope, those luminescent silver linings in the dark. Mann’s music reflects the people and places that have shaped and held her—physically, emotionally, and creatively. Raised in the Lot Valley in rural France before moving to the UK for her teens, these formative years provided her with a deep sense of belonging, identity, and growth. Yet, it is in motion, in placelessness, that Mann feels most at home: “Just the sun above me and my keys and my car.” Her new record is a testament to this state of in-betweenness, inviting you to step into a place that has always existed within yourself.

After releasing her second EP Stay Open in 2022, the time and space between then and now has culminated in Rift, Mann’s first album, which vividly gestures toward the fractures and ruptures that define our lives. Yet, it is more than just an album; it captures the journey and strength it takes to look inward and to move forwards through the pain of it all. Its first track, It Only Hurts, begins in a place of hopelessness, stemming from the loss of a relationship and, in turn, a future. It is a blank space that stretches out before you, where the landscape is torn apart like icebergs cracking and drifting. But hope remains a beacon of light throughout the album, a lighthouse guiding you across tumultuous waters.

Influenced by artists like Jacques Brel, Edith Piaf, Judee Sill, and Tom Waits, Mann has a deep love and care for songwriting. Her lyrics are vivid and visceral, and her approach to songwriting is not one of purging emotions but rather of composting them—digesting life’s experiences and cultivating them into something meaningful, tangible, hopeful. She is also a talented visual artist, and this often plays an integral role in her songwriting process. Using the intricate and sweeping motion of illustrating with ink, charcoal, and sometimes watercolour, she can evoke thoughts and poetry onto the page, offering a way of making sense of things and to communicate in a way that words alone cannot.

The album was primarily recorded at the 4AD Studios in London, produced and mixed by Fabian Prynn (Martha Skye Murphy, Ex:Re, Fabiana Palladino) who carefully facilitated an imaginative space for Mann to express the playful, strange and real parts of herself. Two of the tracks, It Only Hurts, and the title track Rift were both recorded in the living room studio of her friend Tom Kellett’s home in just one afternoon, with this setting mirroring the raw intimacy of these tracks. She has also previously toured with the likes of Daniel Rossen (Grizzly Bear), Billie Marten, Bill Ryder-Jones and Youth Lagoon.

For Mann, the album is a tangible expression of her entire world—a snow globe raised in her palms for the world to see, in all its layers and complexities, containing all her love, relationships, memories, and experiences. It is this sheer transparency that has allowed her to relinquish and accept all parts of herself—the guilt, pain, and beauty of it all—like “swallows in the morning air, circling the dam.” Its truthfulness is its strength, not shying away from the painful experiences of life but embracing them as essential to the human experience and as part of our tapestry.

With Rift, Clara Mann acknowledges the cracks through which both despair and hope can seep. It is a deeply personal record, yet it is universally resonant, holding the mirror up to herself and to the world around her. It is a record that reflects on embracing our fault lines, navigating the ruptures that can erupt from them and moving forwards, in motion, with a renewed sense of self and aliveness. Mann’s debut album, Rift is all of her—her past, her present, her emotions, her experiences—and now, it is for you.

Clara Mann

Clara Mann - I Didn't Know You Were Leaving Today

The Old Church Stoke Newington

Brown Horse make twangy and thoughtful indie rock, delicately arranged, but unafraid of building a yowling wall of guitars, accordion, banjo and pedal steel. Distorted, teary-eyed and country-tinged, this is music for long lonely drives and late, late nights in strange places.

After signing with legendary label Loose Music (The Felice Brothers, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Courtney Marie Andrews), their debut album, Reservoir, was released in January 2024 to wide critical acclaim. The band followed the release with a multi-month international tour and a packed festival season. Road-worn and with an open heart, Brown Horse are back playing select venues this Autumn.

All Ages (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)

Rich Mix

Bad Vibrations

Brown Horse

Cerys Hafana is a composer and multi-instrumentalist who mangles, mutates, and transforms traditional music. She explores the creative possibilities and unique qualities of the triple harp, and is also interested in found sounds, archival materials and electronic processing. She comes from Machynlleth, Wales, where rivers and roads meet on the way to the sea.  
  
Edyf, her second album, drew inspiration from material found in the Welsh National Library’s online archive, including fragments of Psalm tunes, hymns about doomsday and philosophical musings on the length of eternity, along with some original compositions, and was selected as one of The Guardian’s Top Ten folk albums of 2022. Cerys’ latest EP, The Bitter, released earlier in 2024 is an innovative exploration of some dark English and Scottish ballads.

Collection

A Complete Unknown