BBC Music Introducing Live: Freya Ridings, Adam French, Lauran Hibberd, James Gillespie

BBC Introducing’s monthly showcase nights at the Lexington took a slight hiatus in September, but upon everyone’s festival season recovery they came back with one of their strongest line ups yet, featuring Freya Ridings, Adam French, James Gillespie, and Lauran Hibberd.

Lauran Hibberd opened the night with her pop-infused indie style, with undertones of innocent playfulness where her charm shines through in her set. Though a solo singer, with a full band behind her, she is able to make a huge sound fit for venues and festival stages. Her latest single ‘Call Shotgun’ has made it to Radio 1, including a Live Lounge session. Her first London show in months, Lauran has certainly set the tone for the upcoming months of the next stage of her performance career.

James Gillespie followed. Right from BBC Introducing London itself, James brought a duo piece to the stage, with him on the guitar and vocals with a loop pedal, and a synth / drummer behind him. He performed a collection of his new music, and was able to successfully grab the attention of a crowd unfamiliar with him. He was able to relate with a cover of Pink’s ‘Don’t Let Me Get Me,’ which saw the entire crowd singing along, his raw intensity shining through.

Adam French continued the night with what was a jam packed room by this point. Starting the set with his new and yet to be released tracks. The performance of the title track of his 2017 EP ‘Weightless’ was a highlight of his set, also being his most well-known. Pockets of the audience who were clearly long term friends and fans of Adam’s were singing along throughout, making it a really community-driven vibe.

Freya Ridings headlined the night, after being announced on the line up just two days prior to the set. Freya is due to play a sold out Shepherds Bush Empire in a couple of weeks, so to see her in an as intimate space as the Lexington was a real treat. Performing just on her own on stage whilst playing the keys, the entire crowd stood in silence attentively watching Freya perform her beautiful songs.

For the best of new music, head to the Lexington on the first Thursday of every month for the best from UK with BBC Introducing!

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