06 December 2021
Newsdesk
Somerset House Summer Series with American Express returns to the capital in July 2022, promising an unforgettable experience with eleven nights of incredible gigs after two years away.
Thursday 7 July: Tems
Friday 8 July: Squid
Saturday 9 July: Yussef Dayes
Sunday 10 July: Bomba Estéreo
Monday 11 July: Carly Rae Jepsen
Tuesday 12 July: Arlo Parks
Wednesday 13 July: Black Midi
Thursday 14 July: Ghetts
Friday 15 July: Sg Lewis
Saturday 16 July: John Legend
Sunday 17 July: Places+Faces
An unmissable summer experience, Somerset House Summer Series brings a vibrant festival atmosphere right to the heart of London, offering music fans the rare opportunity to enjoy world-renowned and emerging acts, across a wide range of diverse and eclectic genres in a spectacular, intimate setting.
This year’s Somerset House Summer Series kicks off on Thursday 7 July with TEMS. The disarming melodies of the Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer Tems, AKA 26-year-old Temilade Openiyi, defined and soundtracked the last eighteen months, with her vocals on Wizkid’s Essence dominating global streaming charts in 2021, so there’s no better way to reopen Summer Series and celebrate the return of gigs to Somerset House.
Experimental five-piece Squid, signed to Warp Records, released their debut album Bright Green Field to a fanfare of acclaim, cementing their reputation as one of the most exciting acts to emerge in years. Expect to be blown away by their incendiary fusion of exhilarating, contemporary rhythmic sound and a mix of avant-garde yet gloriously infectious songs.
The opening weekend introduces Yussef Dayes. Born and raised in South East London. Arguably one of the UK’s most innovative young drummers and producers and with his solo album on the horizon, it’s a perfect moment for Summer Series to showcase Yussef’s innovative sound and his collaborations with an array of very special guests which will make for a special extended show on the Saturday.
Colombian duo Bomba Estéreo join the bill on Sunday 10 and look set to light up the Summer Series experience, transforming the historic courtyard into a tropical-electro carnival with their unique and passionate Latin party anthems that will have audiences dancing throughout the night.
The following week opens with multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated singer Carly Rae Jepsen, who brings her own inimitable, effervescent pop to the courtyard on Monday 11. The indisputable, modern-day pop icon, Carly Rae Jepsen - who wrote the ubiquitous pop anthems Call Me Maybe and I Really Like You - will dazzle the courtyard crowd and no doubt leave everyone smiling for days.
Summer Series has a track record of showcasing major new talent, and this year welcomes Brit Award, Mercury Prize winner and BBC Introducing Artist of the Year,Arlo Parks on Tuesday 12. The 21-year old from West London burst onto the scene with 2018’s Cola and her expressive and poetic, luscious songs celebrated in her debut album, Collapsed in Sunbeams, has cemented her place amongst the UK’s brightest talents, making this performance a real highlight.
One of the UK’s most exciting and challenging young rock bands, Black Midi inject a sonic exclamation point midweek in the festival, bringing their dynamic, hellacious and mercurial sound to the courtyard for what promises to be one of the most experimental shows of Summer Series.
Next up is Ghetts, increasingly recognised as one of the most vital, talented and enduring artists to emerge from the UK’s grime scene. Born Justin Clarke, the East Londoner combines razor-sharp rhymes delivered with crystal clear diction, a healthy dose of humour, and creative, intelligent wordplay. Recent acclaim for his latest album Conflict of Interest further cements Ghetts’ status as one of the UK’s greatest rappers and a pillar of Black British music.
Friday signals the arrival of SG Lewis who has rapidly secured his status as one of London’s hottest talents. His debut LP times, which went straight to number one in the dance music album charts, is a sumptuous selection of kaleidoscopic future disco, drawing together a blockbuster collection of guests, including Robyn and the legendary Nile Rodgers on the single One More. Alongside a string of essential remixes for Ariana Grande, Jessie Ware, London Grammar and Disclosure, he’s recently collaborated with Elton John, Khalid, Dave and The Neptunes, as well as writing and producing Hallucinate on Dua Lipa’s record-smashing album Future Nostalgia. This show promises to be a perfect prelude to the weekend packed with good disco vibes.
As the weekend approaches, Somerset House Summer Series welcomes John Legend. The critically acclaimed, multi-platinum US singer-songwriter will perform a collection of songs from his inspiring catalogue spanning eight albums for a Summer Series Saturday night to remember.
Rounding off proceedings on Sunday (17th) with an extended show, Places+Faces join the line-up for the ultimate closing night party. Places+Faces events have toured the world hosting sold-out parties, pop-ups and exhibitions in Tokyo, Seoul, Milan, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto, Hong Kong and London. These parties have become synonymous with special guest appearances from acclaimed artists. Promising the same unmissable line-up and surprise guests, Places+Faces brings the party to the courtyard celebrating this year’s final Summer Series date.
For over 20 years, Somerset House has championed the most exciting musical talent across their cultural programme. From groundbreaking musicians such as Amy Winehouse, The Roots, Jorja Smith, Erykah Badu and Rosalía headlining the courtyard stage as part of Summer Series, to collaborating on exhibitions, installations and innovative events with artists including Björk, PJ Harvey, Neneh Cherry, Gaika, Beatrice Dillon and Anna Meredith, Somerset House is an unrivalled destination for fans to enjoy live music experiences throughout the year.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Dates: 7-17 July 2022
Opening Hours: Door times vary, please check the website for details. Address: Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA
General Admission: from £27.50
GA Enhanced Tickets: from £52.50
