Footsteps, a new, five-day festival of music, art, and community, is announcing even more names for its first-ever edition this May. Over the week, music lovers can hop between some of London’s most iconic independent venues, catching a mix of emerging artists and festival favourites. Expect boundary-pushing performances and intimate sets at venues like The Garage, The George Tavern, Moth Club, Servant Jazz Quarters, Scala, Islington Assembly Hall, and EartH Theatre.
Kicking things off on 19 May, British-Ugandan singer-songwriter Daudi Matsiko will bring his evocative lyrics and modern folk melodies to Servant Jazz Quarters, performing tracks from his critically acclaimed 2024 album The King Of Misery.
Across the new announcements for 20 May, there’s an eclectic mix of genres with something for everyone. Mickey Callisto is set to transform The Divine into a retro-futuristic dreamscape with his psychedelic bedroom pop. Over in Hackney, Caoilfhionn Rose will bring her delicate folk-jazz to Oslo; her sounds likened by The Arts Desk to ‘the first day of spring’.
Indie fans won’t want to miss Lowertown at The Garage on 21 May, where the Atlanta-based duo will be joined by DIY shoegazer TTSSFU and London five-piece Ain’t for what is sure to be a night of raw, grunge-inflected rock.
On 22 May, indie darlings Swim Deep will headline The Grace ahead of the release of their new album There’s A Big Star Outside due 7 June. Sharing the stage will be rising alt-pop act Low Girl in what promises to be a euphoric, feel-good affair. Meanwhile, Wayside and Post Profit will bring their high-energy rock to The Lower Third. Closing out the festival on Friday will be LA-based Pity Party (Girls Club) at The Garage.
Joining the lineup, The New Cut and Honest Work will take the stage alongside Home Counties at for a SOLD OUT show at Paper Dress Vintage. Meanwhile, industrial punk duo SILVERWINGKILLER will perform at the iconic George Tavern. Further support acts announced are Holiday Ghosts, who will support The Vaselines, and Dream Nails and Trupa Trupa supporting The Lovely Eggs.
The new announcements join an already stellar first wave of acts revealed last year, including John Roseboro, Kate Bollinger, Prima Queen, Honeyglaze, and more. Full listings below.
Footsteps festival will be a showcase of incredible music and a celebration of the vital role independent venues play in fostering London’s vibrant music and cultural scene. By highlighting a diverse range of spaces – from grassroots community hubs to iconic music halls – the festival shines a spotlight on the importance of these venues in nurturing talent and creating communities.
Footsteps is the new festival from the team behind MIRRORS Festival and Society Exists, a sonically diverse day festival held in Dalston earlier this year.
