Gig Preview: Bryde with Hannah Michell + Al Lewis
Thursday 22nd October – The Victoria, Birmingham – 7:30pm
A night of powerful song writing, emotional honesty, and captivating live performance comes to The Victoria on Thursday 22nd October, with Bryde headlining, joined by special guests Al Lewis and Hannah Michell.
The project of Welsh songwriter Sarah Howells, Bryde has built a reputation for creating music that is both deeply vulnerable and defiantly uncompromising. Armed with an electric guitar and an unflinching commitment to honesty, her songs move effortlessly between tenderness and fury, exploring the complexities of relationships, identity and self-discovery with remarkable emotional clarity.
Often compared to artists as diverse as Stevie Nicks, The Cranberries, Jeff Buckley and Lucy Dacus, Bryde has spent the last decade establishing herself as one of the UK’s most distinctive independent voices. Her ethereal indie-rock sound first gained attention through collaborations with acclaimed producers including Jolyon Thomas and Bill Ryder-Jones, earning support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio Wales along the way.
Across three studio albums, Bryde has opened for Rufus Wainwright, performed at festivals including Green Man and Latitude, sold out headline shows in London and toured extensively throughout Europe and the United States. Her third album, Still, was nominated for the Welsh Music Prize, while recent releases including Change Your Mind and striking reinterpretations of songs by Tori Amos and The National have continued to showcase her evolving artistry.
Special guest Al Lewis brings his acclaimed blend of folk, Americana and intimate storytelling to the bill. The Welsh singer-songwriter has released seven albums across both English and Welsh languages, earning nominations for the Welsh Music Prize and Welsh Album of the Year.
Praised by broadcasters including Bob Harris, Dermot O’Leary, Janice Long and Steve Lamacq, Lewis has built a loyal following through heartfelt song writing and captivating live performances. His career highlights include touring with Jools Holland, performing at Nashville’s Americana Music Festival and playing the Royal Albert Hall.
Opening the evening is Birmingham’s own Hannah Michell, whose folk-blues songwriting explores the still places between love and loss. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Stevie Nicks, Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlile, her intimate performances pair soulful vocals with honest storytelling, creating songs that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
A beautifully curated night of indie, folk and Americana from three exceptional songwriters. For anyone who values emotional depth, lyrical craft and unforgettable live performance, this promises to be a special evening at The Victoria.