Ellie Dixon Creates Medieval Dance Music With ‘Knight Shift’

Singer-songwriter Ellie Dixon has brought medieval culture to modern life with their latest single, ‘Knight Shift’. With tongue-and-cheek references including “big sword energy” and “it’s a slay or be slain world”, the single builds on imagery created in their 2024 release ‘Renaissance’: commenting on modern day issues with a sprinkling of knights, and a lot of mead. 

From other artists, the single could have had the potential to be ridiculous, yet, Dixon’s ability to fuse carefully considered instrumentation with humourous lyricism (“Me and the girlies gonna roll into the tavern / It's the big boots, chainmail kinda fashion”) immerses you in a medieval club night - where the clinking of goblets, sharing of wild gossip and dancing is soundtracked by sparkling harmonies, rhythmic drumbeat and a funky bassline. 

The Darkness Show The Toon What ‘Dreams on Toast’ Are Made Of

Charging in at the top of their game in support of their most well-rounded and fascinating album in years, The Darkness stop at Newcastle’s O2 City Hall in support of ‘Dreams on Toast’.

Special guests tonight are Northern Irish rock band Ash, who walk out to their 1996 hit ‘Goldfinger’, instantly spurring vigour into this leather-clad, band-tee layered crowd. Their 9-track set is jam-packed with their best, including ‘Orpheus’, ‘Kung Fu’ and even a cover of Harry Belafonte’s ‘Jump in the Line’, which they’ve released as an official single and is out now.

Ariana Grande Defines Her Healing Era On ‘Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead’

It has well and truly been the year of Ariana Grande, from reconnecting with her theatre roots in her heart-warming performance as Glinda in the astoundingly popular Wicked to her chart-topping feature on Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ remix album, ‘Sympathy Is A Knife’, a brave track in which she opens up about the hardships that come with the pop star job title, such as the scrutiny she had faced on social media and the toxicity within her fanbase.

Primarily however, Spring 2024 brought the release of ‘eternal sunshine’, Ariana’s eighth studio album that is truly the most honest of all, exploring love, loss and everything in between. 

Lydia May Follows Her Own Advice On Opening Up In New Single ‘star girl’

London-based musician Lydia May has released ‘star girl’, her second single of 2025. An upbeat indie track with clear pop influences, ‘star girl’ is a playful and candid examination of being a performer chasing a dream.

In an Instagram post celebrating the release of ‘star girl’, May explained how “performing on stage isn’t too far estranged from the daily direction and critique those of us tend to practice over and over.” It’s easy to see this: at some points, it feels less like a song full of theatrical motifs and tongue-in-cheek moments, and more like a glimpse at May’s personal diary, layered with introspections and affirmations alike. 

Seven Questions With Calva Louise

Calva Louise have been making waves since 2016 on the UK alternative rock scene. From performing at the BBC introducing stage at Reading and Leeds (2021) to support slots of a lifetime such as Albert Hammond Jr. and Boston Manor, their career has hit a litany of highs in less than a decade.

Currently, they are touring late 2023 album ‘Over The Threshold’, and teasing their next album 'Edge Of The Abyss' due out mid-July.

Bassist Alizon Taho and drummer Ben Parker discuss upcoming fourth record, reveal their three ‘desert island’ album picks, and share the highlights of their journey so far as part of the Seven Questions with Music Is To Blame Series. 

Ashes To Ashes, Bowie To Bay: Magdalena Bay’s triple J Debut

Last week, art-pop duo Magdalena Bay took to the triple J studio to make their ‘Like A Version’ debut. The band, composed of lead singer Mica Tenenbaum and guitarist/secondary vocalist Matthew Lewin, has had an immense year as their sophomore album ‘Imaginal Disk’ was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release in August 2024. 

After delivering a captivating performance of their explosive, avant-garde hit ‘Image’, they took on the challenge of covering David Bowie’s iconic ‘Ashes to Ashes’.

Five New Acts Not To Miss at CloseUp Festival

Next month, CloseUp Festival is taking over Colours Hoxton with a stellar line-up of new and emerging artists. Celebrating 10 years of the festival, the three-day event in East London will see performances by incredible indie and electronic acts from across the UK and beyond. Organised by CloseUp promotions and in collaboration with Signature Brew, CloseUp Festival will take over one of London’s most iconic music venues from 22nd to 24th May. 

The eclectic line-up of artists includes a headline set from Dublin’s electronic-infused indie four-piece milk, a late-night DJ set from alt-pop sensation Ellie Dixon and a whole host of acts for which 2025 promises to be a big year. CloseUp Festival is known for platforming the latest emerging artists! So, to help you find those new and unskippable tracks for your playlist and get ready for CloseUp Festival, here are five new acts you will not want to miss.