Karousel Music presents:
East LDN Showcase with Karousel, SESAC and the MMF
Ruby Duff + Sister + Holly Riva + Rico Furs
The Karousel Music east London showcase with SESAC and the MMF has been running since 2011 and for almost a decade at Paper Dress Vintage in Hackney. As the longest running industry night in London, it’s become a fixture in the industry diary for a range of industry pros both indie and major interested in the best of what’s hot next - London’s miniature TGE. A great night to catch up with friends, meet new contacts and see the best new music. There’s a free industry golden ticket on the RSVP link, and for all tickets that are sold to the public, 100% goes to the acts as it has since 2011 (after the sound engineer gets paid!).
Drinks with MMF, SESAC, Karousel and friends from 6:30pm; Music from 7:45pm.Four of the best acts you're yet to discover, at the friendliest night in town... in the music industry's favourite, family run venue. Bios at the bottom, and here's some music and videos as usual. Here comes the only summer new music showcase you really need, featuring:
Line Up
Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of Ruby Duff: eccentric and honest music for the unconventional pop lover. The Yorkshire born artist is inextricably pushing boundaries with her quirky songwriting and visceral live performances. Ruby has seen strong support from BBC Radio 1, NPR, Wonderland, Notion & more.
You will have seen her recently headlining shows including Club Groove (NYC) Laylow (LDN) and festivals Live at Heart Festival (SE) and Beyond the Music Festival (MAN). She has also supported renowned acts Twin Atlantic, Coeur De Pirate, and Dylan and the Moon. Ruby’s journey to date includes a residency at The Victoria, Dalston, Love Island sync, and representing the Ivor Novellos at The IMPF.
Likened to the voice of Kate Bush, poetry of Lana Del Rey and creativity of Björk, it is certain Ruby Duff is destined for a new plane, taking us along for the ride… barefoot of course.
Meet Sister, an electrifying collaboration between siblings Sonny and Sadie. Hailing from East London, the duo channels their shared passion into a sound that packs a punch. Inspired by artists both past and present, from the White Stripes, to Yeah Yeah Yeahs, to T.Rex, Sister is bringing an aggressive fresh take on rock into 2024. Their music is a sonic journey, characterized by hard-hitting choruses, gritty riffs, and dark melodies. As the latest additions to a lineage of talented songwriters, Sonny and Sadie are set to make their mark with the release of their debut EP, 'Lip Service,' which drops 8th May.
‘Can you keep a secret? Something that I have locked away.’ Anticipation builds as 21-year-old Australian singer-songwriter Holly Riva prepares to drop her latest single, ‘Devil On My Shoulder’. Following the major success of her previous single, 'Labyrinth (Mask of Me)’, this new release continues Riva's signature 'dark pop' sound, promising a unique experience.
‘Devil On My Shoulder’ (written by Holly Riva and Jennifer Ann), smoulders with its infectious beats and mesmerising melodies. Infused with the iconic Bond progression Riva loves and set against an electronic production, the result is a killer track. Riva, known for her silky smooth vocals, is often pared with the likes of Dove Cameron and Billie Eilish. Riva comments, “It’s so empowering to compose with a female producer/songwriter Jennifer Ann (Astraea). Don’t get me wrong, I love my male producers but super rare to find women in production”.
A dynamic and haunting single filled with Riva’s addictive lyrics, exploring the inner conflicts we grapple with. The song serves as a fierce reminder of the devilish whispers that lurk within, urging us to embrace our hidden desires and confront our deepest fears. When you’re tempted by a toxic love, the repercussions can be deadly. “A beautiful nightmare that just won’t let me go, keeps wanting more and more and more”. Mixed by industry heavyweight Will Reeves, known for his work with Stormzy, Khalid, and Joy Crookes, the track has a polished sound that captivates from start to finish. Mastered at the legendary Abbey Road Studios by Christian Wright, whose credits include Ed Sheeran and Coldplay, ‘Devil On My Shoulder’, delivers flawless quality.
Bringing the song to life, award-winning Director Antonio Ruffino of Hug Media, filmed an artistic and edgy music video in Sydney, Australia. Set in a spooky house, the video is filled with dark shadows, intrigue and slight paranormal activity as a figure follows in Holly’s footsteps. As the momentum gathers, Holly Riva is gearing up to unleash 'Devil On My Shoulder' at her headline show on the main stage at Freight Island, Manchester UK, on May 24th. Get ready for an epic night filled with a few surprises!
Launching her global UK tour in May 2024 Riva kicks off her shows in Manchester, Brighton, London, Wolverhampton, before heading to India and Australia later in the year.
Born and raised in East London, this spirited duo are no strangers to creating music inspired by the diversity of their city. Their style blends the expression and dynamics of jazz and soul with the raw, guitar-driven energy of the bands of the 90s and 2000s.
Having been brought together by their love of music, and working together as band mates in Guerrilla Soul, their creative symmetry gives their process a unique fluidity and unity from start to finish.
Having both moved back to London from Manchester in early 2023, the boys are now working on their first EP, due to be released in November 2024.
