Shields are a Newcastle-based 5-piece band building a reputation for innovative alt-pop instrumentation, delicate harmonies, “pin-point precision, and sledgehammer energy” (Tom Robinson, BBC6 Music). Shields have crafted a reputation for stunning live performances, honed by early tour support slots with the likes of Placebo, Walk The Moon and Everything Everything and appearances at BBC 6Music Festival and Glastonbury.

‘Mezzanine’, the lead track from their first EP, was selected by iTunes and Spotify as ‘single of the week’ and was featured in The Guardian’s New Music column, with Michael Cragg describing it as “a big clomping synth spectacular that’s reminiscent of a sunnier Everything Everything.” Shields’ early releases caught the eye of double-Grammy award winning producer Adrian Bushby who worked with them to complete their debut album ‘How Can We Fix This?’ (Feb. 2016). The album received widespread critical acclaim, with The Guardian’s Paul Lester tipping it as debut album of the year and offering the following assessment:

“How Can We Fix This? is so full of murderously infectious, polished pop, it will make you a) wonder why they didn’t feature in any of the recent ones-to-watch polls but also b) ecstatic that music can still surprise… Shields may single-handedly extend the lifespan of the traditional indie band… The whole album plays like one long (musical, existential) affirmation.”

Recommend if you like: Metronomy, Everything Everything, Foals, Zoot Woman

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OTHER PRESS QUOTES ABOUT SHIELDS:

“How Can We Fix This? joins the dots between iconic British art-pop – Prefab Sprout, Maximo Park, Clor – and the complex electro-pop of Wild Beasts and Everything Everything. Trebly guitar, multilayered backing vocals, bassy propulsion, shimmering synths: Shields take them all to arrive at something both profound and beautiful.” (Sunday Times)

“[T]here probably won’t be another album released this year that is as easy to love as ‘How Can We Fix This?’ It bursts with energy, bristles with confidence and embeds even its subtlest melodies firmly in your cerebrum.” (God Is In The TV)

“Shields blew my socks off… [a] tight, beautiful, powerful sound with perfectly honed vocals… Songs which took you on journeys… Huge energy… Huge commitment… A superb live band at the top of their game… pin-sharp precision and sledgehammer energy.” (Tom Robinson, BBC 6Music)

Taking influences from The War On Drugs, Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes, Callum Pitt combines finger-picked folk riffs with a stunning falsetto voice. Callum’s 2017 debut “You’d Better Sell It While You Can” yielded immediate industry attention, piqued by coverage from the likes of DIY, Fresh On The Net and Crack In The Road. Follow up tracks “Least He’s Happy” and “Rabbits” had more success still, landing on Spotify’s coveted ‘New Music Friday’ playlists across Europe, with the latter track receiving airplay from BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music. Callum also steadily built his live following throughout the year with support slots for Dan Owen, Cape Cub, Isaac Gracie, The Pale White, as well as a slot at Selfridges Music Matters new music gig series with Mullally and Joy Crookes. This string of live shows culminated in his first headline show November, which sold out within two days, a full month ahead of the show. Following an impressive debut year, Callum Pitt is one to watch closely in 2018.

“Callum Pitt… harnesses the lilting nature of Americana, producing some intricate guitar licks and roll-off-the-tongue lyrics that converge into a swelling chorus that sweeps you off your feet.” (DIY)

Grace Gillespie is a London-based artist and producer originally from Devon, who spent much of 2017 touring as part of 4AD’s Pixx. Her early demo of ‘Restoration’ saw her tipped to Q Magazine by Newton Faulkner and brought her to the attention of Kaleidoscope, who are set to work with her to produce her first solo releases in 2018. Her sound takes influences from the folk, psych and dream-pop traditions, providing a backdrop to her intriguing vocal melodies, shifting harmonies and introspective lyricism.

“Gillespie’s debut two songs ‘Restoration’ and ‘Everything (Nothing)’ are gems to behold - the kind that reveal themselves with each listen… [A]s heartrending as anything made in Bon Iver’s infamous cabin - but as self-assured as early Laura Marling.” (NME)