All women/non-binary label collective, Hertha Records, announces Covid-safe festival SHUT UP AND PLAY 10th-11th of July
SHUT UP AND PLAY is an artist-led festival in the heart of South-East London centring queer women and non-binary artists at AMP Studios from 10th -11 July. Live music, art, food, DJs; Shut Up and Play is the first big event from collective label Hertha Records. Tickets are available here
Inspired by the likes of AFROPUNK, and the legacy of all the women and queer spaces of South London, Shut Up and Play is making space for womxn and non-binary creators in music, art, food and making of all kinds – elevating each other and creating inclusive, diverse and joyful spaces of connection.
Featuring the most exciting emerging talent and more established artists from across pop, folk and neo-soul in London right now including:
MESADORM (Saturday 10 July) – “I’m absolutely addicted… really affecting and beautiful…I love it” – Lauren Laverne, BBC 6 Music
FIONA BEVAN (Saturday 10 July) – “startling odysseys that suggest Erykah Badu, Joanna Newsom and Kate Bush spine-tinglingly joined” – The Guardian
BB SWAY (Sunday 11 July) – “curiously hewn, ultra-infectious alt-pop jewels” CLASH Music
WOOM – something of a supergroup made up Made up of members of Babeheaven, Jerkcurb, Arlo Day, Hester and Thidius, London-based four-piece concept-choir
Alongside a carefully curated musical lineup, the second railway arch at AMP studios will be host to an exhibition presenting two exciting young artists’ work, both exploring memory, music and identity in different ways; Marie Bashiru’s archival research “Where Are All the Black People?” exploring the history of black people in British folk music, and Kate Burling’s abstract, large scale paintings.
Founder Genevieve Dawson, told us: “It’s an idea I’ve had for a while as part of Hertha Records work – there are so many incredible women and non-binary artists on the scene and I wanted to bring them all together in one place, for the hell of it and also as a finger up to the continuation of male-dominated lineups at festivals. I was also really frustrated coming out of the pandemic at the lack of space for emerging artists – all the usual spots we’d go to to play are backed up with bigger artist’s delayed shows, or just simply not taking the risk. I knew we could create a Covid-safe space for music with a supportive venue that had good outside space – and was so lucky to get Maverick Projects on board who run AMP studios on Old Kent road, an incredible double railway arch with a jungle-like feel and right in the heart of the south-east scene.
Of what she is excited about on the day, she told us: “Oof! So many things… aside from the music–the food, the exhibition space and artists’ market. I can’t wait to play myself on the Saturday, try out just a few of the new songs I’ve been working on. Like all artists right now I’m ready to burst with the desire to play to an audience, so selfishly this festival is also for me to get that outlet! But beyond that, just to have that feeling of being surrounded by good people, listening to beautiful music, played by artists I love and respect. I’m excited about the connections that might be made on the day and the possibilities that might open up for the future. I think this could be just the beginning of something really exciting.
In addition to this audiences can wander through the artist craft market selling prints, ceramics, jewellery and zines from local artists – enjoy wood-fired pizza and Peckham flavours from local food trucks – and in between our live acts, get down to DJ’s from Queer House Party collective.
At a time when we are all desperate for live music, connection and community, Shut Up and Play offers an inclusive, covid-safe space for just that. All profits will go to seed funding new work by womxn and non-binary artists through Hertha Records.
To talk to anyone at the festival, email [email protected] or call Hertha Records (Gen) 07772 378 060.
