RNCM Session Orchestra: Original Artists Edition at RNCM

Join the RNCM on 15 June and hear the next generation of popular artists from the College perform their original music accompanied by the RNCM Session Orchestra.

From Porij to The Larkins to Lucy Deakin, so many great artists on the Manchester scene cut their teeth in the RNCM’s Popular Music department. And while many have now graduated to larger stages, they once performed in showcases such as this one, where you can catch a glimpse of those next in line to become professional artists.

Four of the department’s trailblazers will perform with the backing of the 40-piece RNCM Session Orchestra, which encompasses a rhythm section, strings, horns, percussion and vocalists.

First up it’s Freddy Gillmore, whose ’70s-inflected alternative music exists in a dark and cinematic world, with touchstones including Jeff Buckley. Next, She’s Mine is pitched as “the sonic marriage of FKA Twigs, Billie Eilish, Lorde and Grimes”, and brings a display of gothic grandeur and porcelain tenderness in alt-pop form. For part of the set, she’ll be joined by rapper planet.w.e.s.m.o, with whom she’s just written a rap/RnB album.

Two singer-songwriters complete the line-up. May Payne is known for feeding raw emotion into her RnB-infused ballads. Grounded within the warmth and power of her top tier band, May’s intricate production embellishments are reminiscent of the likes of Lizzy Mcalpine and Phoebe Bridgers. Grete Eitmantyte, meanwhile, fuses jazz, soul and RnB into a unique musical aesthetic, propelled by a miraculous voice and natural charisma.

It’s always special to catch a great artist performing live while they’re still flying under the radar, discovering their defining creative voice. Here’s your opportunity to catch four of them as part of the RNCM Summer Season.