Somerset House Summer Series with American Express returns for its landmark twentieth year, bringing another raft of electrifying shows to the spectacular courtyard. One of London’s essential summer festivals, Summer Series brings a vibrant atmosphere to the heart of London with breakthrough music artists and established acts from across the globe taking to the stage for 11 nights every year.
Following the announcement of an incredible set of headline acts, Somerset House now reveals the trailblazing support acts joining headliners The Comet is Coming, Alison Goldfrapp, Young Fathers, Greentea Peng, Interpol, beabadoobee and Olivia Dean this year.
On Friday 14 July, The Comet is Coming will be joined by London punk-cosmiche outfit, Snapped Ankles. Their latest and fourth album - Forest of Your Problems has seen the wild men of the woods bring their ancient forest rhythms and high-wire, multi-media live act to ever bigger stages including BBC 6 Music Festival, a sold-out UK tour culminating in two nights at Village Underground and most recently a Roundhouse Show for last Halloween. As those who have witnessed the shamanic ritual of their live shows will attest, they are a truly unique, communal experience, with the group guaranteed to bring their feral energy and post-punk manoeuvres to Somerset House this summer.
The magnetic songwriter, vocalist and producer Alison Goldfrapp will be joined by Hannah Holland on Sunday 9 July. Hannah Holland is a global DJ and producer who gained her experience on London’s emerging queer and alternative club scene in the mid-noughties. She played a pivotal role in the scene, becoming a resident of the iconic Trailer Trash parties and even establishing her own label, party and genre: Batty Bass. A unique musical character on the decks with diverse taste, she has gone on to play some of the best clubs and festivals on the planet.
Young Fathers are joined by The Joy and Maeve. Fast becoming an international phenomenon, The Joy spread instant euphoria with a unique sound that transcends genre and continents alike. The five member South African group hail from Durban and make rich, melodic, uplifting music that has caught the attention of Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and Sam Smith. Joining Young Fathers also on Saturday 15 July is Maeve. Maeve grew up surrounded by music and got her first guitar at the age of 14. She hasn't stopped song writing since then. Currently based in London, the artist produces her own music and describes her work as “an amalgamation of different genres coming together and battling each other”.
Neo-soul and psychedelic R&B singer and songwriter Greentea Peng is supported by a host of unique up-and-coming artists on Saturday 8 July, all of whom weave disparate, beautiful styles that flatter her own. South London producer and DJ Maxwell Owin collaborates with lyricist Phoebs to explore the space between soul and grime. R&B songwriter and club kid George Riley brings her fusion styles - fans first heard Riley on Manchester DJ Anz’s 2021 track You Could Be, their ears pricked by her strong R&B vocals and ear-pleasing runs. The final guest to join the night, West London DJ and producer P-Rallel, broke out with his collaboration with Greentea Peng and has since sold out The Warehouse Project and Fabric, been nominated for Guap Gala DJ of the year and picked up as Slowthai’s touring DJ. The crowd for this evening can expect to be amazed.
Opening for Interpol’s sold out show on Monday 10 July are The Lounge Society. Hailing from West Yorkshire, the quartet, all of whom are still under the age of 21, performed enthralling sold out shows across the country before taking their first steps onto European festival stages following their debut EP Silk for the Starving. In the Summer of 2022, the group released their critically acclaimed debut Tired of Liberty; a stunning record which blends their own distinct breed of alt-rock, with the fervid buzz of adolescence; further cementing their stellar reputation as a band bound for great things.
Joining beabadoobee is the beatmaker and DJ Mac Wetha. Wetha cut his teeth as resident producer for the fast-rising London collective NiNE8, carving out stand out tracks for crew members including Lava La Rue and Biig Piig, as well as artists including Aminé and Deb Never. His recent solo work as a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, beatmaker and DJ sees him stepping firmly into the spotlight, embracing his roots in rap whilst leaning into the influences of his youth - emo, indie and pop - to create a truly individual sound. Tipped by The FADER, Crack, Pigeons and Planes and BBC Radio 1, he supports fellow label artist beabadoobee on Wednesday 12 July for her sold out show.
The eclectic, straight-talking songwriter Olivia Dean is joined by indie duo Prima Queen on Tuesday 11 July; the all female indie/alternative rock band fronted by songwriting duo and best friends Louise Macphail (Bristol, UK) and Kristin McFadden (Chicago, USA). Shortly after releasing their debut single Milk Teeth, the band joined The Big Moon on a sold-out UK tour, and have since toured with the likes of Wet Leg, Billy Nomates and Pip Blom.
Since its incarnation, Somerset House Summer Series with American Express has been instrumental in providing a platform for some of the most influential artists in today’s industry, whilst supporting the breakthroughs of many others. This year’s support acts follow in the footsteps of a long roll call of established names including Kojey Radical, Little Simz, Jess Glynne, alt-J, and Wolf Alice, all of whom have opened shows in the spectacular setting of the Somerset House courtyard in recent years.
The forward-thinking curation of Summer Series line-ups over the last twenty years reflects Somerset House’s commitment to championing and nurturing exciting creative talent across its cultural programme, and its establishment as a revered space for live music experiences. Previous collaborators on exhibitions, installations and innovative events include Björk, PJ Harvey, Neneh Cherry, Gaika, Beatrice Dillon and Anna Meredith.
