- Words Daisy Ayscough
Who needs Oasis tickets when there's the Futuretense series? The Southbank Centre pioneers grassroots artists with the return of their Futuretense series.
Breaking through as an artist today is a whole solar system of chaos and confusion—expensive and often thankless chaos. In an industry that frequently reduces creatives to a pulp, genuine grassroots support a rarity. However, the Futuretense series, curated by the Southbank Centre, is a series of gigs incentivised by giving emerging artists a space to showcase their talent. Having launched in 2019, the series has nurtured some top-tier artists, such as Erika De Casier, Wu-Lu, and Sinead O’Brien, to name a few.
With the help of BBC Introducing, it’s a well-balanced marriage of positive intentions and good taste. Running shows every other week until the end of the year, there’s a whole buffet of the latest music to sink your teeth into, all in the deliciously acoustically chilling Queen Elizabeth Hall Foyer. What’s more, the tickets are free, so at a time when ticket prices have gone berserk, having a feast of accessible music is a breath of fresh air.
This year, the Futuretense series is pioneering a real emphasis on showcasing an array of international artists and diverse genres, from Elena’s ethereal portmanteau of jazz and dream-pop to the frantic post-rock seven-piece KEG. There’s no shortage of alternative artists to line your playlists with before this year comes to a close. And a free fortnightly gig in one of the city’s best venues is hard to turn down. So, in preparation, here’s our breakdown of what the next few weeks have to offer:
DEELA + Stacy N.K.R, Thu 12 Sep, 6pm
What to expect:
DEELA: A unique blend of trap and hip-hop from the Lagos-born rapper who has collaborated with some of the most exciting artists right now, including Coco & Clair Clair.
Stacy N.K.R: An epic combination of experimental hip hop, grime and genius lyricism.
Saint Joshua + Kima Otung, Thu 19 Sep, 6pm
What to expect:
Saint Joshua: South London-based pop and R&B singer-songwriter who uses his lyrical talent and exceptional vocals to share his personal story.
Toby Corton + Kiiymm, Thu 10 Oct, 6pm
What to expect:
Toby Corton: A polymath of a singer songwriter, he’s the charismatic, queer cockney he’s a natural-born performer.
Kiiymm: A diverse blend of R&B and rap, the London-based artist is precise, smooth and skilful.
JayaHadADream, Thu 17 Oct, 6pm
What to expect:
JayaHadADream: an introspective and gritty style, heavily influenced by grime and a range of hip-hop from the Jamaican-Irish rapper.
ELENA + ESNCE, Thu 7 Nov, 6pm
What to expect:
ELENA: a fusing of genres including jazz, soul and dark ethereal pop, exploring the world’s ebbs and flows from happiness to heartache.
ESNCE is an emerging R&B duo from North London that combines their unique influences for a unique sound fusing Afrobeats, R&B, pop, and neo-soul.
Nuha Ruby Ra + KEG, Thu 21 Nov, 6pm
What to expect:
Nuha Ruby Ra: Avante-punk genius, she’s a true performer offering up a hefty dose of nostalgia.
KEG: Rambunctious and discordantly harmonious. The seven-piece swing between rock sensibilities layered with synths and peppered with tambourine, forging something very special.
Isaiah Shoticaury + IMVN, Thu 5 Dec, 6pm
What to expect:
Isaiah Shoticaury: Profound and introspective- he explores identity through his exquisite composition.
IMVN: Genre shapeshifter by nature, she floats around ambient and ethereal electronic elements held together by her captivating vocals.