Under The Influence and Social presents, as part of Independent Venue Week 2025

GIRLBAND!

Alternative three-piece from Nottingham. Georgie, Kay and Jada are a formidable force for good, a dynamic group that pull on influences from the 50s to the 90s, from music to skating, from Elvis to the personal and the social. Musically they are a thrill. A punk band making pop songs, influences include other seminal three-pieces such as Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and The Police, as well female led groups such as The Breeders, The Cranberries and The Pretenders. It’s joyous, natural, fresh – a musical palette cleanser like no other.

After making music individually and with other groups locally Georgie, Jada and Kay came together and rediscovered their love of making music all over. Energised, all three instantly felt at home. Hanging out, talking til 2am, skating, drinking – during the pandemic they plugged into the wider community in Nottingham, one that inspired them with 80s culture, vintage fashion and massive dose of 90s nostalgia, Gwen Stefani and r n b groups. That gang mentality – stuck to each other like glue, totally in sync and ready to take on the world. They are, in their own words, ‘a bulletproof wolfpack’.

They have already supported Jake Bugg, the Happy Mondays, The Oozes and played a string of festivals including the Isle Of Wight last summer.

TOM A. SMITH

20-year-old singer-songwriter from Sunderland who plays sparkling, crunching indie-rock, packed with soul and melody

Performing live since the age of 12 doing open mic nights with North East legends such as Sam Fender.

Has played most major UK festivals – including Glastonbury, Reading Leeds and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Hand-picked to support artists such as Catfish & The Bottlemen, Courteeners, James, The Lathums, Gang of Youths, Miles Kane, Billy Bragg, and DMA’s – plus personally invited to open for Elton John at Hyde Park.

Written and produced with Miles Kane and Hugo White (The Maccabees / 86TVs).

Performed on Soccer AM, MOTD X and Sunday Brunch.

Playlisted on Absolute Radio and Radio X with enthusiastic support from Jack Saunders, Chris Hawkins, John Kennedy, Jordan North and Greg James.

Recently nominated for an AIM Award for Most Played New Independent Artist.

Independent Venue Week is the UK’s annual 7-day celebration of independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them.