For METTE, the route to music was circuitous, but destined. In 2023, she has found herself ready to emerge with music that explores tender emotions, complex feelings, and her life’s narrative.

Growing up, she railed against the small town monoculture of Alexandria, Minnesota. The daughter of two ‘army brats’ (both of her grandfathers served in the U.S Army), her familial home instilled in her not only a disciplined work ethic, but a passion for music. Anita Baker, James Taylor, Chaka Khan, Pink Floyd, Lauryn Hill, and The Delfonics were the soundtrack to METTE’s younger years. “I wanted to run around the house, scream, sing, and dance,” she says. “And my parents were like, ‘stop that dancing in the kitchen or you’re going to knock yourself out on the counter!”

Spending summers in Maryland with her grandmother, she started to broaden her horizons. With an eclectic musical taste, METTE began taking musical theater classes, learning to play the bassoon, and attending youth choir, where she felt the first firm draw towards performance.

It quickly became clear that performing was the end game, and one particular concert in the mid-00s provided the catalyst that ignited something further in her. But it wasn’t the male lead singer who inspired her, it was his troupe of backing dancers, dressed in the aughts’ “femme fatale” suiting, with jaunty fedoras, short hair, and bustiers. “I came from this very sheltered background in terms of what I listened to and watched,” she says, “I went to this show and these female dancers were pushing this man \[the singer\] around on stage - they held the power. I felt so inspired by their physicality; I could see their biceps.” Shortly after, she started training in the gym, where she discovered that training and pushing her body to its limits acted as a calming force.

“I didn’t have the confidence to do music straight away, dance just came more quickly to me,” she says. “And then I went to dance school and did formal training. I have something inside of me that pulls me towards performing and the arts, and when I stay connected to that I feel a sense of belonging.” Growing up in the 90s and 00s, whilst identifying as a Black woman of mixed-race heritage, METTE didn’t see herself often mirrored in the live performance space. But suddenly in 2014 with one single phone call inviting her to audition as a dancer for Pharrell, her direction started to change.

After traveling the world with Pharrell performing concerts all over the globe, METTE won the coveted starring role in the N.E.R.D and Rihanna ‘Lemon’ video. The most transformative moment for METTE – both physically and spiritually – came at the start of the video, as Rihanna takes a pair of clippers and cuts her dark curls down to the scalp. This newly found striking androgyny hurtled her towards fame, but she wasn’t worried about being seen as anything other than iconoclastic. “Pretty is an illusion, and I was not concerned about delivering any petty prettiness,” she says of the process of making Lemon. “It was about delivering something that was soul-reaching.”

After years of grueling touring, METTE found herself in London working on a film project and was inspired to explore her music dreams. “London is where I started my journey as a musician. It offered a departure from the skillset that I’d always known, and allowed me to be reborn, and connect to music in new ways.”

Lemon had given her the confidence to push her dreams forward. It gave her the confidence to plunder old poems, streams of consciousness she’d written, and turn them into early demos, eventually putting out a track called ‘Petrified.’ And then Covid hit. METTE took a pause and regrouped. She buried herself in voice notes and journaling before returning to London. “I was going through something when lockdown hit. I hadn’t seen my mom for 18 months, and the news coming from America felt particularly panicked. I needed my slice of peace; I missed my Mom, her eyes have always been my well of strength. Out of my longing came a song about mothering, birthright, and her legacy… a celebration of imperishable bonds.”

Cycling 11 miles to Barney Lister’s studio (Giggs, Obongjayar, Joy Crookes, Olivia Dean), the song percolated. Lister had a loop in mind, and Mette heard the verse in her head. The pair had been looking for different sounds, and that day they found it. The outcome was what would later become her single, Mama’s Eyes; a track that has filled dance floors across the world with its syncopated dance beat that gradually heats up into a celestial gospel choir preaching the chorus. And the finishing touch? A mid-studio session phone call to her mom for some advice that provided the perfect life-affirming sample, “I ams who I ams, love it or leave it baby.”

METTE has been having a standout 2023 since the release of ‘Mama’s Eyes’. The track hit #1 in the UK Club Chart, amassed over 3 million streams, and garnered key tastemaker support from BBC Radio 1, Clara Amfo, The Face, NME, Clash, Elle, The Line of Best Fit, DIY, The Fader, The Guardian and more. Not stopping there, 2023 has also seen METTE grace the covers of Notion, BEAT and Hunger.

Away from dance and music, METTE recently played as ‘Video Girl Barbie’ in the box office record breaking, star studded cast of Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’. If that wasn’t enough, she also partnered with Alexander McQueen for the Sprint Runner and SS23 campaigns, by Grammy Award winning directors, Sophie Muller and Jonas Åkerlund, respectively.

METTE’s next single ‘VAN GOGH’ will be out August 10th which is poised to propel METTE another bold leap forward on her artistic journey. Co-produced by Mike Sabath (Raye, Lizzo) and Jonny Lattimer (Rina Sawayama, Joy Crookes), 'VAN GOGH' fuses catchy pop melodies with danceable funk and R&B grooves to create an upbeat feel. Lyrically, METTE cites icons like Janet Jackson as she sings of finding creative inspiration through a muse. The accompanying music video, directed by Camille Summers-Valli, puts METTE’s stunning dance and movement talents to the fore, evoking a continuous feel with synchronized moves whilst switching between various eye-catching characters throughout.

METTE’s music is sensual and sweaty – music to move your body to. Unrestricted by the need to align with one genre, she finds her sound at the crossroads of dance music and a myriad of possibilities. Her fans will undoubtedly want to see her dance and express herself through movement, and they can and will get that. But METTE has been on a journey – and with the ability to tap into these creative outlets – she has found the true essence of herself. And not only is she dancing to that essence, she’s turned it into music, too.

This is an 18+ event

HERE at Outernet

The Lower Third

METTE

METTE - VAN GOGH

Gigs

London

Elle Darlington is set to show off her flawless vocals on The Forge stage at The Lower Third very soon. With support from Maria Rosenberg, this night promises to be magical and one to remember.

Free ticket does not guarantee entry. Entry will be done on a first come first serve basis for ticket holders.

This is an 18+ event

Elle Darlington at The Forge 

The Forge at The Lower Third

Carpark are trashing the rule book and re-writing the narrative of what a rock band ‘should be’. They are the fun, relatable and refreshing band with Irish roots that this generation needs.

Carpark have proved themselves as an impressively powerful and dynamic live act from humble beginnings. Having played their first show out of their friend’s garage in Belfast, they have since supported Lauren Hibberd (full UK tour), Daisy Brain, Uninvited and have recently embarked on their own headline tour around the UK including a sold out headline show in London at the Sebright Arms. With Jack Saunders and Nels Hylton championing them on BBC Radio 1 this new, self-managed and unsigned band appear to have no limits.

This is an 16+ event

Carpark

Palace Watson

Floorjam, bringing you the very best in House, Garage, Tech House & Techno.

This is an 18+ event

Floorjam

Multi-faceted artist MAVIIS is a true rebel who has never been one to conform to social norms. With his unique blend of rap, dance, and production skills, he has been a force to be reckoned with in the artistic industry for years. Starting his career as a dancer, he quickly rose to fame for his outstanding performances with global icons like Little Mix and Burna Boy. He's always been passionate about expressing himself and supporting other artists. MAVIIS launched his music career in 2021 with his debut EP 'You Pick The Vibe, I’ll Drive…'. The EP was a hit, earning him a fan following and widespread acclaim. His electrifying live shows drew crowds from all over, and his name soon became synonymous with South London-based Brixton, London-based Soho House, Hackney-based Hackney Socials, and more. With his signature style, incessant determination and infectious energy, MAVIIS is a force to be reckoned with and is sure to make an impact on the fashion and music industry for years to come.

This is an 18+ event

MAVIIS  

Borrowed Time

DJ’s:

Miller black

Muva T

Portia Walker

STRICTLY NO MEN ALLOWED.

18+ must bring ID

No refunds unless event is cancelled

Last Entry 2am

No tickets on the door (Online only)

The Venue is wheelchair accessible, has step free access from the street via our elevator and has accessible toilets.

If coming alone and want to meet some new friends please contact our meet-up group @licknclique on Instagram.

Please note: LICK is filmed and photographed for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be on camera please approach us politely on the night and let us know.

This is an 18+ event (Photo ID required).

LICK Events

A little LICK 

Miller Black

Muva T

Portia Walker

In partnership with Lounges.tv Nate James to Deliver an Unforgettable Night of Acoustic Music: Live Show and Exclusive Live Stream

British soul sensation Nate James is set to captivate music lovers with an intimate acoustic live performance like never before. Mark your calendars for an exceptional night of soulful melodies on the 2nd October 2023, at The Forge in London.

In this one-of-a-kind event, Nate James will serenade a lucky audience with his soulful vocals, creating an intimate atmosphere that fans won’t want to miss. Including never before heard songs from his up-coming album due for release Spring 2024. The event will be live-streamed exclusive at https://lounges.tv/lounge/details/WfhGrhoCfz

About Nate James: Nate James is a renowned British soul artist with a career spanning decades in the music industry. Known for his distinctive voice and emotional depth in his music, Nate has garnered a dedicated following of fans worldwide.

This is an 18+ event

Nate James: an Unforgettable Night from The Forge

Nate James

Rebecca Winter performs at The Lower Third

This is an 16+ event

A Night With Rebecca Winter

Rebecca Winter

Benedict Cork will be previewing songs from his debut album at The Lower Third as part of his headline European tour

This is an 16+ event

Benedict Cork live at The Lower Third

Hoovs are a charasmatic jazz trio that promises to enchant audiences with their soulful and captivating upcoming perforamance at The Forge.

Whether you're a seasoned Jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Hoovs promises a night of music that will leave a lasting impression and ingite your passion for Jazz.

This is an 18+ event

Hoovs at The Forge 

A direct descendant of the UK’s innovative and influential electronic music lineage, Model Man (AKA Mark Brandon) embodies the free-spirited culture that emerged with the acid house revolution. Born and raised in Chelmsford, Essex, his influences are broad, yet tied together by a strong desire to share his story and spark emotion in the listener. From his early forays into music, playing piano, to his recent incarnation as Model Man, Mark has always drawn on his eclectic tastes to transmit a range of different feelings.

In his native Chelmsford, Model Man grew up in a Mormon family with a strict religious framework. He learned classical piano from his piano-teacher Mother. By his twenties he’d become enchanted by the allure of rave culture, the antithesis of his early years as a ‘hardcore Christian’. Initially he rejected his rigid upbringing, but, through working on his debut LP, he eventually realised that it would be impossible to completely deny his background while trying to present a realistic portrayal of himself, as a whole. So he began to merge the two parts of himself into one cohesive mesh of traditional, classical tones and melodies spliced with the carnal, visceral energy of rave.

This is an 16+ event

Model Man

Central Sounds is a brand-new monthly club night at The Lower Third, showcasing the best in Amapiano and Afrobeats. Curating memorable moments and unforgettable sounds, this night will celebrate the dance culture and afro music, to be enjoyed by all. Come down for great drinks and great vibes here in the heart of Soho, less than one minute from Tottenham Court Road station.

This is an 21+ event

Central Sounds Vol. 2

CALLING MY SEXY AFROBEATS AND AMAPIANO CREW!

AB Dollars presents a night of sexy afrobeats, amapiano and afrobeats, this time at The Lower Third in Central London. Grab your ticket early to avoid disappointment.

Pull up for an electrifying night of Amapiano, Afrobeats, Afro-House, AfroPop and everything in between.

Featuring an all-female lineup of the best DJs in the London headlined by DJ AB Dollars, join us for another night in the AB Dollars House Party Series.

Keep an eye out on our Instagram @abdollarhouseparty for lineup and more info.

Doors Close at 11.30pm sharp!

This is an 18+ event

AB Dollars House Party VI

AB Dollars

Fredrik performs a heartfelt and dreamy set in an intimate venue, his first time performing at The Lower Third. A mixture of ethereal sounds and powerful vocals. He combines some of his best known originals with his favourite covers.

This is an 18+ event

Fredrik Ferrier Live

Jianbo is a Chinese/Vietnamese-British rapper who pairs a mid-noughties inspired grime flow with tales of a classic east Asian upbringing in a yang-yang balance of odds, the ends and everything in between. Capturing the attention of the likes of Kamaal Williams, Eddie Huang, Evening Standard, Nowness and more with his unique tongue-in-cheek brand of UK rap, the artist is on a trajectory that aims to take his local community to cinematic heights. A background in film production has equipped Jianbo with the skills to transform low budget music video productions into golden Hollywood pieces whilst he balances visual heights with shout outs to his local asian restaurant in his sonic work. His debut EP “Yellow Peril” has been met with critical acclaim, landed on the 6Music playlist and is a culmination and celebration of the Asian Creative Diaspora which he aims to elevate on his surefire journey to stardom.

This is an 16+ event

Jianbo

Showcasing her fun-filled, melodic, and energetic flare, Abi Jenaé takes to The Forge stage for an unforgettable evening.

This is an 18+ event

Abi Jenaé at The Forge 

Aby Coulibaly is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter mixing 90s R&B beats and buttery vocals with insightfully observational lyricism. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Aby takes inspiration from her Senegalese heritage and day-to-day Dublin life to create a sound that’s entirely her own. Described by gal-dem as “teetering on a precipice, with neo-soul on one side, and confessional rap on the other”, Aby melds worlds together with sparkling confidence and a distinct sense of identity beyond her years. Baring wisdom in her rich vocals, Aby writes songs that comfort and hearten, enveloping the listener and inviting you to take a step into her blissful universe.

This is an 16+ event

Aby Coulibaly

Aby Coulibaly - Taurus

William The Conqueror perform at The Lower Third.

This is an 18+ event

William The Conqueror

William the Conqueror

JIM (LIVE) performs at The Lower Third

This is an 18+ event

JIM (LIVE)

Sofia Grant is a vocalist, composer and arranger from London. She has worked as a session musician and vocalist for UK Jazz talents like Poppy Ajudha, PYJAEN and Donna Thompson, performing at venues such as Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms, Alexandra Palace for Later… with Jools Holland, Ronnie Scotts and Village Underground. She lived in Barcelona for three years and was active on the improvised music scene there before returning to her hometown of London to launch her project.

Her debut single 'Ochre' has received radio plays from Jamz Supernova on BBC 6 Music, Jamie Cullum on BBC Radio 2, and China Moses on Jazz FM. Her debut record 'Extinction', out 1st September on Jazz re:freshed, is a reckoning with the themes of climate collapse and the decline of nature. It places vocal harmony at its core alongside rich percussion and thoughtful lyricism - and offers an emotional response to the destruction of the natural world as we know it.

This is an 18+ event

Sofia Grant: 'Extinction' Launch 

Sofia Grant

Arthur Hill performs at The Lower Third

This is an 16+ event

Arthur Hill 

Arthur Hill - Tiny Room

Arthur Hill

Skaar perform at The Lower Third.

This is a 16+ event

Skaar

The Scientist

SKAAR

Danny & The Champions of the World return to the stage for their first London headline show for over five years. Following on from festival appearances over the summer, Danny thought it was about time the band came out of hiding. The show marks ten years since the release of what has become the Champs signature song "(Never Stop Building) That Old Space Rocket" and the band plan to celebrate with a "best of" set spanning all six studio albums.

To help get the party started, the show will kick off with sets from The Dreaming Spires and Suasi.

The Dreaming Spires recently returned, sounding better than ever, to celebrate ten years since their debut album, 'Brothers in Brooklyn', which Q Magazine called "the most thrilling country rock debut album since Big Star”. Their set will also include material from their second LP 'Searching for the Supertruth', their 'Paisley Overground' EP recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis, and perhaps even some of their rumoured new material…

Suasi head to London on the back of their latest album 'Peces d’antiquari' bringing their Majorcan sunshine-tinged alt-country to The Lower Third stage.

This is an 16+ event

DANNY & THE CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD

(Never Stop Building) That Old Space Rocket

Danny & The Champions Of The World

Fronted by former Karnataka Lead Vocalist Hayley Griffiths, Hayley and her band (including Karnataka ex-members Jimmy Pallagrosi and Cagri Tozluoglu) are thrilled to be returning to London to promote their 2 new contrasting 2023 albums, Far from Here - a beautiful yet epic Celtic release - and the band’s first studio Rock album! 

Join us at The Lower Third on 22nd October to hear both new albums in their entirety, plus a few surprises along the way!

This is a 16+ event

The Hayley Griffiths Band: Metamorphosis Tour 2023

Hayley Griffiths

Radically redefining old Korean sounds, alt-electronic duo Haepaary is setting out to shake up the international music scene with their first EP, ‘Born by Gorgeousness,’ released globally on June 2 via Flipped Coin Music.

kccuk.org.uk/k-music2023

This is an 16+ event

K-Music Festival 2023: Haepaary

Amplify Her, is a live music event supporting women in the industry.

The mission is to "Create a community of female industry professionals that support one another in moving their careers forward as well as pushing gender equality".

An evening of live music, discovering new artists, networking, and sharing personal journeys, that will inspire you.

T﻿his event is open to everyone

D﻿oors open: 19:00

S﻿how starts: 19:30

@amplify\_her\_London

https://www.amplifyher.co.uk/

Meet the event organiser: Andrea Dee

Andrea Released her electro-pop album Truth & Dare in 2021 and then created a live immersive concert launching to a sellout crowd at the London Hippodrome. Andrea now finds herself leading the charge for change in the music industry by turning up the female voice and providing the space for them to be themselves. She is building a community of like-minded people, female artists, and songwriters that are in the music business.

With the electricity of Grace Jones, a hypnotic voice like that of songstress Amy Lee (Evanescence), and the intricate and clever songwriting style of Christine and the Queen

https://www.instagram.com/theandreadee/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5jT2BQS6mhv4pPvG1Tp1hj?si=-dCkwsM9TC2-AwPUQsP-VQ

M﻿eet the Artists that will take over the night

Sonia Elisheva

Over the past two years, British singer-songwriter Sonia Elisheva has become one of the most promising up-and-coming artists under the jazz-umbrella. Whilst her collaborations with LVDS and Wolfgang Lohr have given her a platform in the Electro-Swing world, she has also made a name for herself as an independent jazz artist receiving support from BBC Introducing: The South, with singles "U Look Like Danger" and "Amore" becoming tracks of the day.

Sonia's unique vocals and tongue-in-cheek lyrical style have earned her features on the Spotify Jazz UK, New Music Friday UK and Fresh Finds Jazz playlists. She has also dazzled audiences around the country with her electrifying live performances, most notably headlining the iconic Troubadour in West London and New Music Monday night at prestigious London venue, The Ned.

https://www.instagram.com/soniaelisheva/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/6xEZnusCKQZ2egFqej09i7?si=lnu0daKTRg2EOqKxqCq0QQ

M﻿illa Martin

Milla Martin moved from Brazil to London after her Grammy. Pop folky tunes written and performed on her guitar talk about being a Brazilian woman, about love, self love and the ups and downs of a life abroad. Milla writes what she feels and feels what she sings - “Deep down, I'm just a story teller with a guitar”

https://www.instagram.com/millamartinmusic/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/364nsREO6b3k8BYaG9GISM?si=ui9pfvBWTueY8gotpZpu3w

N﻿elleke

Nelleke, a Dutch singer, songwriter, and producer, weaves stories into melodies that resonate deeply. Her musical journey began in a small town in the Netherlands, where she danced and sang with her father's guitar as her soundtrack. Influenced by artists like Joni Mitchell, Sting, and Bon Iver, Nelleke's passion for folk music ignited her songwriting at an early age.

Initially, Nelleke pursued a path in Musical Theatre, eventually graduating Cum Laude from Codarts University of the Arts in Rotterdam. After a successful run in one of the Netherlands' renowned musicals, she embarked on a solo career, honing her production skills during a residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in early 2020. Nelleke's musical journey continued with a dedication to her craft, leading her to Berklee College of Music, where she recently graduated with distinction, majoring in Contemporary Performance with a Production Concentration. In the summer of 2023, Nelleke toured the United States, further expanding her musical horizons. Now, she is in the process of relocating to London, ready to embark on the next chapter of her musical journey.

Nelleke's music, a blend of contemporary romanticism, explores themes like nature, relationships, and womanhood, gracefully shifting between Alternative Pop and Indie-Folk. Her debut EP, 'bird /on concrete,' is a captivating exploration of universal emotions and experiences, beautifully captured through her distinct sound and powerful voice.

https://www.instagram.com/nelleke_music/

https://freshnoise.lnk.to/birdonconcrete

https://nellekemusic.com

This is an 18+ event

Amplify Her live music and networking event 

Take Me as I Am

Andrea Dee

Nell Mescal is a 20-year-old singer and songwriter from Maynooth in Kildare, Ireland. She has been singing all her life and has been performing in groups and choirs for as long as she can remember. This young emerging talent began writing music when she was just 13 years old and finally took the decision to make music her career during the pandemic, something that in hindsight, has given her the time and space to focus on her sound and what she wants to articulate in her songs.

This is an 16+ event

Nell Mescal

Jordy, the London-born and Essex-raised rapper, has earned a reputation as one of the most respected artists in the UK music scene. With an impressive discography that includes four EPs - HAVE A GOOD SUMMER, SMH, KMT, PROPHETS IN THEIR OWN TOWN - and a joint mixtape with fellow sparring rapper, Elt Cheekz titled IF I COULDN’T RAP I WOULDN’T RAP. Jordy Is quickly establishing himself as a prolific artist with a distinct sound and a unique approach to music. The quality of Jordy's artistry and production value is evident in his diverse yet cohesive discography, which has earned him the title 'King of short release' by UK media platform Mixtape Madness “The rapper is an outstanding talent, as evidenced by his exceptional catalog, and his latest EP shows that he is only moving in an upward trajectory. If ‘prophets in their own town’ is anything to go by, we can expect the next project from the artist to be a seminal one.” Mixtape Madness Jordy is now preparing to release a 10-track project, which he refers to as his 'pre-album phase,' showcasing his ambition to be recognized among the most talented artists in the world. Jordy's dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to excellence has garnered him a loyal following and cemented his place as a rising star in the UK music scene. His upcoming project promises to further establish him as a force to be reckoned with, and his listeners eagerly await what he has in store.

This is an 16+ event

Jordy Plus Special Guests

Nice N' Spiky Comedy land in The Forge at The Lower Third - a beautiful and legendary Denmark Street venue with a stellar line up of comedic talent every month. Featuring pro comedy performers at each show, including a few names you might recognise from hit tv shows or socials, trying out new jokes and ideas in an intimate setting before they hit the festivals, radio and telly.

Tonight's line up will include new jokes from Ali Woods, Darren Harriott, Olga Koch, Sarah Roberts, Athena Kugblenu and more tba!

Also your ticket will get you 10% off selected cocktails all of Weds evening at The Lower Third bar!

Doors 7pm, Show 7.30pm. Closes 10pm.

Artists listed are correct at time of going to press, in the unlikely event that a performer needs to cancel, we reserve the right to change the line-up without notice.

This is an 18+ event

Presented by Nice N' Spiky Comedy

Artists listed are correct at time of going to press, in the unlikely event that a performer needs to cancel, we reserve the right to change the line-up without notice.

This is an 18+ event

This is an 18+ event

Nice N' Spiky Comedy

comedy

Comedy

Jon Vinyl is a 25-year-old artist from Toronto whose keen sense of emotion has given his listeners the ability to tap into their nostalgic moments of love through a sound that has an air of sophistication and vulnerability. Production of strummed guitar chords and waving synths fall into a soft spot between R&B and Soul, which lay the perfect framework for Vinyl’s open and honest accounts of his own run-ins with love.

His work has garnered the attention of OVO Radio, along with the upper echelon of the industry like Billboard, Noisey, BBC 1Xtra, MTV, and Ebro Darden of Beats 1 and Apple Music. Jon's ability to translate his personal emotions into a widespread commonality amongst his listeners will unequivocally scale into even more impactful song writing.

This is an 16+ (U18s accompanied by an adult)

JON VINYL

Upcoming events

The Lower Third is a brand new music grass roots space, a hole in the wall just off London's musically historic Denmark St.


The Lower Third

About

Gallery

Upcoming events