After having March away from Brighton’s music scene, April I promised to myself would be a good return to some of Brighton’s best grassroots venues and independent music. With the warmer days fast approaching, I found it an opportunity to become completely enamoured with the city again. The vibrancy that’s always there in the people, businesses and music, just seems to reveal itself in full force when the sun arrives. It was a great month to come back to Up Close.

I was at Chalk this month for BIMM university’s live showcase. A select group of BIMM’s students performed, all vastly different in their genres and styles. Naturally, as an audience made up of music students, the support and excitement made for a great atmosphere. Each artist performed one song, some were released singles, whilst others were performing live for the first time. Everyone involved brought their own distinct sound but someone in particular who stood out to me was Ebony Osailah.

Her music is pop with a distinct funk and neo-soul influence. She performed ‘Colours Change’, a stylised blend of synth, funk style bass and R&B vocals. Her vocal element was indicative of Dani Offline with its distinct clarity and mellowness. Paired with the funk bass, drums and synth, it was a seriously sophisticated sound blending its key elements into something really great to see live.

Considering it was a showcase for individuals still students at BIMM, the maturity behind Osailah’s sound I think paid testament to her affinity for this particular blend of music. With features at The Great Escape and Victorious coming up, and performances at some of Brighton’s iconic grassroots venues already under her belt, it’s a really exciting time for Osailah. An effortlessly cool performance that in such a short slot left a big impression.

Another act from BIMM that I wanted to highlight was Pulses. They are a five piece fusion band very much in their genesis, only forming around a month ago. They blend elements of Afrobeats, Dancehall and RnB into a super enlivening, unique style of music.

Pulses’ sound derives from their lead singer’s African and Caribbean heritage. Seeing a gap in Brighton’s music scene they sought to represent elements of these cultures’ themselves. For being only a month in, the combination of these musical influences worked together seamlessly. It was such an enjoyable listen. Super uplifting and garnered such an exciting response from the audience, especially for a band so new. I can only wait in hope that Pulses have more to put out, and perform again soon. They absolutely epitomise the term ‘ones to watch.’

I met musician Georgie Moon back in November at Bella Union Record shop’s grand opening party. Georgie has a radio show, Moon FM on Slack City Radio and alongside her show she has recently been producing her first EP. I was lucky enough to listen to her single ‘Find The Time’ ahead of its release this May.

It has a definite pop melody, bright and fun, but paired with a heavy on the heart lyric. It immediately reminded me of Lily Allen’s ‘West End Girl’ with Allen’s light melodies paired with a devastating lyric. ‘Find The Time’ recounts the feeling of seeing your ex with someone else for the first time. It’s got a melody that makes it so fun to listen to, but the lyricism means it’s got so much substance to it. A commercial style of pop with a genuinely striking story telling component.

It’s layered with lo-fi elements, Amy Winehouse inspired drums, soulful vocals, and piano loop that really sets it apart. Georgie has her first EP coming out later this year. It’s a reflection of her ‘lessons in love and loss’ and ‘how some lessons take longer than others.’ She hopes it resonates with people and if ‘Find The Time’ is anything to go by, it will. We are truly in a pop girl renaissance at the moment, and I’m hoping that Georgie’s soulful and smart brand of pop transcends the Brighton music scene.

I went to The Folklore Rooms for the first time this month. It is found in the upstairs of the Quadrant pub in central Brighton. True to its name, the venue creates such an intimate and dreamy atmosphere. It’s a beautifully curated space, draped in fairy lights, plants and romantic lighting. Relatively tucked away, it epitomises the hidden gem element to some of Brighton’s venues that I really love.

Every third Tuesday The Folklore Rooms hosts a monthly showcase. A free live performance of typically three acts. It was a full venue, and the room was completely captivated by singer Ella Clayton. She performed songs from her new second album ‘Could It Be You?’ Her voice is deeply soulful and this paired with such soft acoustics and heartfelt lyricism perfectly conjures its strong folk influence.

Folk music as a genre delivers vivid storytelling whilst offering audiences the opportunity for some self introspection. Ella’s album recounts first dates, quiet heartbreak, and platonic love, to name a few of its narrative arcs. With its ambient setting and Ella’s music it proved an unprecedented opportunity to really reminisce. Ella’s vocals tread this wonderful line of both depth and daintiness. The acoustic version of her album was naturally a stripped back showcase but still held so much impact. Ella’s second album Could it Be You? is out now.

This month Charlie XCX told British Vogue ‘the dance floor is dead.’ Solely in the interest of seeing for myself, next month I will be going to Brighton Music Conference. With performances from Kenny Dope and Auxin to look forward to, I think it will be a dance centric May. I have no doubt that Brighton will bring its usual energy to such events. It’s been another great month of music, with some great additions to Brightonsfinest. All music available to stream will be linked in this month’s Up Close playlist. Music is a tonic, and the support for creativity that persists in Brighton will always be an exceptional quality to this city.

Bella Munoz