Gig Preview: Darius Zaltash with Laoku + Naomi Dawes
Wednesday 21st October
The Victoria, Birmingham – Doors: 7:30 pm
A night of modern rock, cinematic intensity and boundary-pushing creativity arrives at The Victoria on Wednesday 21st October as Darius Zaltash headlines, joined by special guests Laoku and Naomi Dawes.
British-Iranian artist Darius Zaltash has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting emerging voices in alternative music. Blending the emotional weight of modern rock with the energy and immediacy of the dancefloor, his songs are built to be screamed, danced to and felt in equal measure. Raw yet cinematic, his sound balances huge hooks with deeply personal song writing, creating music that thrives on both vulnerability and power.
Named BBC Introducing Sound of the Weekend in February 2025, Darius has continued to build momentum through a series of emotionally charged releases that form part of his evolving “Delirious” era.
Now preparing for his second UK tour, he arrives in Birmingham with a growing reputation for live performances that are immersive, cathartic and impossible to forget. Combining rock intensity with electronic textures and an unwavering emotional core, Darius is proving himself to be an artist boldly carving out his own lane.
Joining him is Midlands-based alt-rock singer-songwriter Laoku, whose music exists within a richly imagined world of lush landscapes, strange creatures and deeply personal reflection. Drawing listeners into a universe shaped by hand-drawn artwork and introspective lyricism, Laoku explores themes of emotion, identity and self-understanding through atmospheric songwriting and alternative rock textures.
Opening the evening is Birmingham artist Naomi Dawes, whose commanding vocals and avant-garde hip-hop production have made her one of the city’s most intriguing emerging talents. Entirely self-produced, her work blends experimental sounds with sharp creative vision, resulting in music that feels inventive, bold and uncompromising. Known for captivating audiences with her magnetic stage presence, Naomi delivers performances that leave a lasting impression.
A Wednesday night packed with emotional honesty, alternative energy and fearless creativity from three artists pushing boundaries in very different ways. For fans of modern rock, experimental sounds and powerful live performance, this promises to be one of the standout shows of the autumn.
Don’t forget to kepp supporting grass roots music by buying your tickets in advance, they’re Available Now.