MUSIC LIZZIE ESAU RELEASES DEBUT EP, DEEPEST BLUE

Words: Claire Dupree

North East artist Lizzie Esau has been on quite the whirlwind since emerging as a fresh-faced songwriter in 2021. Having garnered early acclaim from the likes of BBC Introducing, particularly for debut single What If I Just Keep Driving and follow-up Caffeine, Lizzie became known for her ability to change up her sound, from whimsical piano-based balladry and indie rock bangers to injecting rap and spoken word elements into songs to create an edgy and contemporary vibe.

It’s clear from her output thus far that Lizzie is enjoying finding her feet as an artist, and the release of her debut EP, Deepest Blue, this month sets out her stall from the off. Produced by Catherine Marks (Foals, Wolf Alice, The Killers), the EP announces itself with intent on new single Lazy Brain, in which Lizzie’s incredible vocal soars over dreamy guitars; the brooding Roadkill is a driving rally cry; while Jellyfish’s playful vocal style and pop rock chorus shows another side to the songwriter’s versatility.

When it comes to subject matter, Lizzie’s unafraid to explore intimate themes, and the new EP touches on introspection and inner battles, from the self-doubt fuelled emotions of Lazy Brain through to the thoughtful political commentary of The Enemy.

Lizzie Esau releases Deepest Blue EP on 21st July via LAB Records. She plays several shows in the North East over the coming months, including Hardwick Festival in Durham on 20th August and Generator Live on 16th September. www.facebook.com/lizzieesau.music

MUSIC SUMMER STREETS @ CLIFFE PARK

Words: Steve Spithray

Summer Streets returns with its usual mix of eclectic genres and plenty of activities and workshops for families to enjoy, now over two days on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th July at Sunderland’s Cliffe Park. Headline acts for this year include North East folk favourites The Young’Uns and incredible all-female brass band The Original Pinettes from New Orleans, who are performing thanks to a partnership with Durham BRASS. Other headline acts include Afro fusion collective Hannabiell & The Midnight Blue Collective and Sunderland rock band SLUG. Elsewhere on the line-up, there’s attitude-ridden poppy punk from bigfatbig, guitar rock from Cortney Dixon, the folk-driven sounds of Holy Moly & The Crackers, the Balkan melodies of the Baghdaddies and the event will serve as the debut for Blowdry Colossus, a new musical venture of Field Music’s Peter Brewis.

The BBC Music Introducing North East stage will feature performances from Roxy Girls, Headcage, Reali-T, Frankie Jobling, Just B and Sarah Johnstone, while the event also features an array of outdoor arts including Levantes www.summerstreetsfestival.com

Dance who present their work High Tea With A Twist, and 2Faced Dance performing Last Orders, which explores the vulnerability behind male bravado.

Elsewhere, Sunderland Music Hub will be delivering workshops while Curious Arts, Chalk and Tiny Tweeties will provide fun and entertainment for younger members of the audience.

The festival also features a range of food and drink stalls, including some favourites from around the city.

Summer Streets takes place at Cliffe Park in Roker, Sunderland from Saturday 15th July–Sunday 16th July.

BBC Proms at Sage Gateshead: Yazz Ahmed & Arun Ghosh

Friday 21 July 2023 | 10pm | Sage Two

Bbc

At

Sage Gateshead:

A musical journey through the African American spiritual

Reginald Mobley & Baptiste Trotignon

Sunday 23 July 2023 | 2pm | Sage Two

For more information, and to book tickets go to sagegateshead.com