Exhibition Review: Portrait Of A Top Boy @ Somerset House

Portrait Of A Top Boy at Somerset House Embankment Galleries // Words and Photos: Saam Das

What a pleasant surprise it was to stumble upon the free pop-up of Portrait Of A Top Boy at Somerset House recently, while wandering around for London's Open House Festival. 'Top Boy' enters its final stretch this month, with the concluding season of the inner city crime drama now on Netflix, and this exhibition has been curated by Ronan Mckenzie to both promote the show as well as a series of emerging black artists.

Surfacing: CHVRCHES Frontwoman Lauren Mayberry Unveils Debut Solo Offering [New Artist]

Words: Saam Das

You'll probably know Lauren Mayberry best as one third of Scottish trio, CHVRCHES, alongside Iain Cook and Martin Doherty. The synth outfit's debut album 'The Bones Of What You Believe' came out ten years ago, and understandably, Mayberry has been looking into further creative outlets. Her beguiling debut single, 'Are You Awake?', dropped earlier in the month. Listen below.

Exhibition Review: Freddie Mercury - A World Of His Own

Freddie Mercury: A World Of His Own (Sotheby's, London) // Words: Saam Das

On his 2007 UK number one single, Mika "tried a little Freddie", referencing the late and great Freddie Mercury - thanks to the latest exhibition at the world renowned Sotheby's in London, we all now get to 'try a little Freddie' too. Thousands of the former Queen frontman's personal possessions have been put on display, prior to being auctioned, in this incredible smorgasbord of memorabilia.

Surfacing: Matt And Kim Hit The F5 Button Via New Garage-Punk Project PG14 [New Band]

Words: Saam Das

It feels kinda wild that we're coming up to twenty years of Matt Johnson and Kim Schifino musical exploits as the riotious synth-led indie of Matt And Kim. I guess this is growing up. The duo have hit the refresh button in 2023 however, with new project PG14, which harks back to the raw beginnings of the band.

Exhibition Review: Celebrating Seven Decades Of Status Quo @ Barbican

Celebrating Seven Decades Of Status Quo at Barbican Centre, London (16 Feb - 22 May 2023) // Words: Saam Das

British rock outfit Status Quo have been "rocking all over the world" (ahem) since the Sixties, with over fifty UK Top 40 charting singles and twenty five UK top ten albums, making them one of the most successful bands of all time. Unsurprisingly, they've built up a considerable fanbase over the years, culminating in a free new exhibition based within the Library of the Barbican Centre in London, Celebrating Seven Decades Of Status Quo.

Watch: Sam Ryder - 'Mountain' (Live @ Eurovision 2023)

Words: Saam Das

The 2022 Eurovision Song Contest saw Ukraine's Kalush Orchestra take a well-deserved and understandable victory, but following many fallow years, the UK had an unexpectedly strong showing with Sam Ryder nabbing second place with 'Space Man'. An effervescent performance that truly felt like an artist seizing their moment to shine. No surprise then, that Sam Ryder was back for Eurovision 2023, hosted in the UK, with a little help from one Roger Taylor of Queen fame.