In October 2023, when British husband and wife artists Grace & Aaron Bond released their latest album ‘Aces Are High’, little did they know about the hurricane-strength surge of support that would carry them to become the first Independent Rock/Blues Band to have a Top 10 in the UK Official Album Charts.

The last five years have brought both public and critical acclaim. They were named ‘Band Of The Year’ for three consecutive years, earning them a spot in the UK Blues Hall of Fame, and the title of ‘Best New Band’ from the UK’s largest rock radio station.

When Rivers Meet are proudly Independent, attending the 2024 BRIT Awards leading the new wave of artists to keep control over creative direction, championing a focus on authenticity in the music industry.

Chris writes "Being on tour is something I really enjoy these days, seeing people and being with people is part of my experience as a performer. I will be playing songs from the Squeeze catalogue which I love and co-wrote with Glenn Tilbrook, and from the solo albums I have recorded over the last 24 years.

My story is told though stand up and some sit down, a trip back to my council estate in South London, from my very first lyrical expression to the dressing rooms of this show. With a few new songs written over the last four years or more with Boo Hewerdine, they tell a story of celebration and reflection. I can’t wait to climb back on stage and perform for you, although I have been shy and not very confident in the past I now find myself feasting the many dressing rooms and audiences around the UK."

One of England’s most revered folk performers, widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, Martin's interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. His remarkable solo shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. Always prolific, and never one to rest long without a guitar in his hands and a song in his head, Martin Simpson continues to travel the length and breadth of the UK and beyond giving rapt audiences passion, sorrow, love, beauty, tragedy and majesty through his remarkable intimate solo performances.

Martin has been nominated an astounding 32 times in the 18 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards - more than any other performer - and has won numerous awards.

Celebrating their 40th year of raising hell in 2024, The Men They Couldn't Hang evolved from the Shepherd’s Bush squatting and busking scene in 1984 with their uproarious and engaging style, coupled with keenly contemporary songs, swiftly gaining them a passionate national following.

Their recordings have been acclaimed in print, on radio and online; from their definitive version of the anti war classic Green Fields of France to the anti fascist anthem Ghosts of Cable Street and the epic historical ballads, Ironmasters and The Colours. Recent albums The Defiant (2014) and Cockahoop (2018) have seen TMTCH rise again into prominence; their vitality undimmed.

Devastated by the passing of friend and founder member Stefan Cush during the Covid lockdown, the band are responding in the only way they know how; writing, recording and playing live to their ever loyal and growing community of fans, selling out venues across the land with their firebrand mix of punk passion, rousing guitars and folk roots.

With a voice that echoes the soulful resonance of Americana and the gritty authenticity of folk-rock, Sandi Thom captivates audiences with her raw talent and emotive storytelling.

Rising to fame with her viral hit “I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (With Flowers in My Hair),” Thom quickly became a symbol of DIY success in the digital age. Her albums, marked by introspective lyricism and haunting melodies, showcase a depth and maturity beyond her years. A true troubadour, Thom continues to enchant listeners with her powerful vocals and unwavering commitment to musical integrity and authenticity.

Maybe it's her Celtic Spirit, or her delicate heart that makes Sandi Thom such a unique singer/songwriter in this day and age but this mysterious and yet refreshing honest artist is not only a truly gifted musician, playing piano, guitar and harmonica, but she is also a pioneer in the music industry having paved the way for a generation of digital newcomers.

In this special acoustic performance Barbara Dickson and her pianist Nick Holland explore her catalogue of songs at an intimate level. The pair let the words and melodies take ‘centre stage’ as they perform a wonderful range of material drawing on Barbara’s folk roots, contemporary greats, and some of her classic hits. Emerging from the Scottish folk scene of the late 1960’s Barbara had enjoyed mainstream chart success with hits including ‘Answer Me’, ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’, ‘Caravan’ and the million-selling number one single, ‘I Know Him So Well’.

As Scotland’s best-selling female album artist, she has earned 6 platinum, 11 gold and 7 silver albums and cemented her status as one of the UK’s best-loved performers. Nick Holland joined Barbara’s touring band in the mid 2000’s playing keyboards and adding vocals on her ‘Full Circle’ album, the first to feature the style of music she now performs.

Barbara and Nick work as a ‘duo’ where she plays guitar and piano, and Nick on keyboards - and adding harmonies to Barbara’s own wonderful vocals.

Eddi Reader has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers. What sets Eddi apart is the depth and quality of the emotional performance and ability to not only move the listener, but connect her experience to that of her audience. No two performances are ever the same.

Though first brought into the limelight as front woman for Fairground Attraction, who’s #1 single, Perfect and parent album, First of a Million Kisses, both topped the British charts, it was Eddi’s subsequent solo albums that signaled her ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them very much her own. Notably, The Songs of Robert Burns (2003) is a timeless interpretation showcasing the poems of Scotland’s national bard and gained her an MBE for outstanding contributions to the Arts.

From the traditional to the contemporary, Eddi Reader extinguishes the preordained boundaries of genre, bringing joyous life to all forms of song. Her rare blend of meltingly true vocals and towering romanticism combine with an astute and pragmatic nature to make her a unique and powerful figure in contemporary British music. With 10 critically acclaimed solo albums, 3 BRIT awards, a #1 single and an MBE in tow, Eddi continues to delight audiences worldwide.