They wasted no time making an impression. Before the first song had even properly begun, the frontman shouted “Brighton!” into the microphone and immediately drew the crowd in. From that moment on, the band carried themselves with confidence…

I write most of my songs from personal experiences. And if not, sometimes a friend will tell me a story, and it will trigger something, like I will feel it very deeply and I’ll write something about it. It’s about living life in a way, and and I try to write about things that I’ve been through or what I’ve learned from these things even if it’s a song about someone you ended up letting go.

I make my best music, when I’m going outside, with my friends or like go to Poland. Kind of experiencing new things because, there’s ever so much you can write about, you have to start creating new things in your life to be able to write. Yeah. I think experience is just like my big thing.

If you want to have an original, intimate feel for a gig - Dead Wax in Birmingham is most definitely the place to be. As you venture to a small room above the bar, it feels like the rest of the world is blocked out and all that is left is you and the music. And then, place Letters to Lions on said stage, and you will be blown away. 

The West London singer-songwriter Maddy Haenlein, better known under her stage name ‘Gretel’ has finally released her long awaited debut album ‘Squish’. Having released music since the age of 18 it is clear that she has carved out a unique and personal sound that echoes her multitude of inspirations, honing her skills into a flawless 13 track LP detailing the struggles of girlhood through her guitar driven band pop sound. An album recorded across only 5 days, with the help of Black Midi’s Seth Evans as producer and long term collaborators Patch (Bassist) and Theo (drummer). This project is a real testament to excellent songwriting and musicianship.

Lydia said that “performing to her fans is like coming home,” and she proved this through her palpable gratitude and clear desire to create a safe, inclusive space for an entire generation. To witness that first-hand, in such an intimate venue, was a moving experience — one that will stay with me for a long time.