Thank you for an incredible HowTheLightGetsIn London 2026! See you in Hay!
Titans of electronic music, The Orb virtually invented ambient house, topping the album charts with their groundbreaking sound. Their signature track “Blue Room” is widely regarded as a classic, celebrated for its hypnotic grooves and innovative production. Since their emergence as visionary mischief-makers during the 1988 acid house revolution, The Orb, led by Alex Paterson, have grown into one of the most revered electronic acts alive, most recently captivating audiences at Glastonbury 2025.
“Musical pioneers... gasping for breath at the sheer inventiveness” — The Telegraph
A festival favourite, Deptford Northern Soul has performed at Glastonbury, Green Man, and We Out Here, alongside residencies at Moth Club. They’ve played a key role in bringing Northern Soul firmly back into the spotlight of modern dance music.
'Deptford Northern Soul Club is the best club night in the UK' - Time Out
Acclaimed alt-pop artist Rae Morris brings her distinctive sound and soaring vocals to HowTheLightGetsIn. With a blend of rich piano melodies, experimental beats and heartfelt lyrics, she’s lit up stages at Glastonbury, Latitude, and beyond. A rare chance to catch her in an intimate setting – emotional, electrifying, and unforgettable.
From Bristol basement raves to local stages, Akane are Bristol’s indie‑dance‑electronic trio making their mark with euphoric grooves and textured live energy. Formed in 2022 as a post‑COVID creative reconnection, the band blends influences from Caribou, Bonobo, Quantic and Paris Monster into an immersive, rhythm‑driven soundscape that demands movement. With their debut EP on the horizon and a reputation for unforgettable live shows, Akane are Bristol’s rising force in the indie‑electronic arena—expect nothing less than a sonic rush.
‘Local legends in the making’ – Bradley Stoke FM
Kadialy Kouyate hails from a long line of Kouyate Griots in Southern Senegal. His career as a musician is not just his choice – it’s his ancestral legacy. Based in London for over a decade, he has graced some of the UK’s most prestigious stages, including the Royal Festival Hall, the O2 Arena, the National Theatre, the Royal Albert Hall, and Clarence House.
Internationally, he has toured across Europe, Australia, and North America, and performed at Woodstock with Afro Celt Sound System to an audience of 750,000. His work has featured widely on radio and television, including BBC Radio 3’s World Routes, Charlie Gillett’s World of Music, and the BBC World Service. Kouyate’s latest album has received international acclaim, earning two gold medals at the Global Music Awards.
“Fleet-fingered skills on this mesmerising instrument, complementing it with his hauntingly, darkly beautiful voice” – Time Out London.
At just 21, this London-based singer-songwriter is already making waves with her soulful, acoustic sound—think Amy Winehouse meets modern R&B. Blending pop, soul, and stripped-back intimacy, her music is both emotionally charged and effortlessly expressive. A final-year student at Goldsmiths, she’s already sold out The Anchor at the Hope Theatre, with another sold-out show lined up for March 2025. A rising star with a voice well beyond her years.
Sunflower Thieves are a dream-pop duo earning acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 1, Radio 6 Music, Radio X, Clash, and The Line of Best Fit. Known for their warm harmonies and emotive songwriting, they’ve toured extensively across the UK, sharing stages with artists including Tors, Lexie Carroll, Dan Croll, Lewis Watson, Hayley Blais, Flyte, Say She She, Hannah Grace, and Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. With a growing fanbase and critical buzz, they’re fast becoming one of the UK’s most captivating live acts.
Jessica Dives is a UK-based folk singer-songwriter and theatre composer whose 2024 debut EP drew praise for its lyrical depth and emotional clarity. Alongside her solo work, she composes for Super Stories and performs with vintage-inspired acts The Daisy Chains and The Volstead Orchestra. With roots in both storytelling and stage, her music bridges folk tradition and theatrical flair.
Miranda Joy is a soulful singer-songwriter whose music has been featured on BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 2. Known for her powerful vocals and emotive songwriting, she’s performed at iconic London venues including Village Underground, The Half Moon, O2 Academy Islington, Camden Assembly, Green Note, and The Old Vic, as well as regional jazz and music festivals across the UK. Her single ‘Wasting My Time’ earned BBC Introducing airplay, and she co-wrote a track for soul artist Carmy Love that was featured on BBC Radio 2—marking her as a rising voice in UK soul.
Alice Faye is a Glasgow-based singer-songwriter whose debut EP Deadbeat earned BBC Radio 2 airplay and multiple award nominations. With a sound that weaves together vintage pop, folk, and French chanson, her music is both nostalgic and refreshingly original. She’s performed at festivals including Solas and headlined the iconic St Luke’s in 2024—establishing herself as one of Scotland’s most distinctive emerging voices.
Cordelia Loughlin is a Scottish opera singer based in Italy who recently completed her debut UK tour, a landmark achievement in her flourishing international career. With a powerful voice and commanding presence, she continues to build a reputation as a rising talent on the global classical stage.
Lumarie is a London-based singer-songwriter whose emotive vocals and honest songwriting are brought to life in collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Luke Matthews on piano and guitar. The pair are steadily building a name for themselves on the capital’s live music circuit, with regular performances at some of the city’s best-loved venues. With a growing online following and a natural onstage chemistry, Lumarie & Luke Matthews are fast becoming ones to watch.
Preen are a London-based ensemble led by three singer-songwriters, blending rich harmonies with inventive songwriting. Fresh off their debut UK tour, the group recently released their new single Jane Barbe, which earned airplay on BBC Radio 6. With a distinctive sound and growing national presence, Preen are quickly emerging as a standout force on the UK indie-folk scene.
Detta Kenzie is a compelling folk artist whose rich vocals and storytelling have seen her share the stage with legends like Martin Simpson and Phil Beer. She has also collaborated with acclaimed singer-songwriter Tobias Ben Jacob, further cementing her place in the UK’s contemporary folk scene. Thoughtful, resonant, and quietly powerful, Detta is an artist to watch.
Alia Lowers is a London-based singer and producer known for her distinctive sound that fuses soulful melodies with vibrant Latin influences. Her latest single, Bloom, showcases this eclectic blend, highlighting her talent for creating music that is both fresh and deeply expressive.
Italian-born and UK-based, Ben Cipolla is a rising star and a regular presence at venues across London and Bristol, as well as major festivals including Marlborough and Cheltenham. With several albums already to his name, he has been featured multiple times on BBC Introducing and SoFar Sounds, and his music—rooted in the rich traditions of his Sicilian heritage—has also caught the attention of Jazz FM. As Ian Shaw, Jazz FM and Ronnie Scott’s host, recently put it: “He will be huge. Mark my words.”
Lana Shelley is a London-based singer-songwriter and performer renowned for her vintage-infused blend of blues, jazz, country-rock, and swing. She has captivated audiences at major events like Glastonbury Festival and the Secret Garden Party main stage, and has appeared on BBC 6 Music as well as delivering a live session on BBC Radio 2 with Janice Long. With a timeless sound and commanding stage presence, Lana continues to enchant and inspire.
Madeline Thorp is a rising folk/indie acoustic singer-songwriter whose warm vocals and reflective lyrics have quickly made her one to watch. Since her first London open mic in April 2023, she’s earned a coveted residency at Camden’s renowned Spiritual Bar and performed at celebrated venues including Jamboree, Green Note, The Bedford, The Finsbury, and The Troubadour. With a recent credit at the Late Spring Folk Festival, she’s carving out a space for herself on the UK’s grassroots music scene.
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