Gig Preview: Frances Mistry + Fallen Horse & Bennie Hayfield
Sunday 13th September
The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham – 7:30 pm
A rising voice in the indie‑folk world steps into the spotlight as Frances Mistry headlines The Sunflower Lounge on Sunday 13th September, joined by special guests Fallen Horse and Bennie Hayfield for a night of gentle honesty, cinematic atmosphere and heartfelt storytelling.
Soft but sure, Frances Mistry is quietly carving out her own space in the indie‑folk landscape. With her third EP arriving in May 2025, she’s stepped into a year filled with new music, live shows and deeper connections with her audience, sharing personal stories shaped by her life, her experiences and her journey with autism.
Inspired by artists like Clairo, Faye Webster and Beabadoobee, her songs feel intimate yet familiar, little snapshots wrapped in melody and delivered with a warm, understated confidence.
The Brighton‑based newcomer has already earned praise from BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders, who called her a “proper, authentic artist”, and was chosen as Spotify’s Fresh Finds Artist of the Month.
Her appearance on the BBC Introducing stage at The Great Escape 2025 marked a breakthrough moment, adding to a growing list of achievements that includes opening for Paris Paloma and Alfie Templeman. With more music on the horizon, Frances is quickly becoming one of the most compelling new voices in UK indie‑folk.
Joining her are Birmingham’s Fallen Horse, an alternative ensemble weaving atmospheric soundscapes that bridge gritty Americana with haunting Scandi‑noir. Now performing as a five‑piece, they draw on the poetic intensity of PJ Harvey and the intricate textures of Smoke Fairies and Tindersticks. Their performances offer a dark, immersive escape, perfect for listeners craving something brooding, textured and deeply emotive.
Opening the night is Bennie Hayfield, a Birmingham singer‑songwriter whose stripped‑back acoustic sound carries the weight of rock, folk, country and blues. After years fronting a rock ’n’ roll band, Bennie now leans into haunting melodies and songs of change, love and loss, drawing inspiration from Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Glen Hansard and Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska. Armed with just an acoustic guitar and harmonica, he delivers intimate, emotionally driven performances where sincerity sits at the centre.
A Sunday night of soft‑spoken storytelling, atmospheric depth and beautifully crafted songwriting from three artists who thrive on honesty and connection. If you’re looking for music that feels tender, thoughtful and quietly powerful, this show promises something special.