New Music

New for 2018

New for 2018: Pale Waves

Introducing the Manchester indie stars already making waves.

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We’ve been scouring the live circuit to find the next big thing for our New For 2018 picks, presenting the eight most exciting breakthrough artists.

Hailing from Manchester and heavily championed by mentors The 1975, Pale Waves deliver a heady mix of electro-pop and indie, fronted by the enigmatic Heather Baron-Gracie. It’s an intricate blend of happy and sad that pushes their sound forward.

Pale Waves - There's A Honey (Official Video)

 

It’s easy to get lost in their atypical dreamlike sound, yet the lyrical openness packs a punch. In their own way Pale Waves offer the musical equivalent of a coming-of-age drama, perfectly set in the ‘90s. There’s a nostalgia running throughout their sound with an undeniably modern twist.

With three track releases under their belt they are already developing a characteristic sound that embodies all of these elements. There’s A Honey, Television Romance and New Year’s Eve all capture a certain level of insecurity in their lyrics, yet set them alongside a decidedly upbeat melody. The result is mesmerising.

Pale Waves - Television Romance

 

In a live setting they are just as intriguing. Their partly goth partly indie aesthetic is mirrored in their performance. Baron-Gracie delivers this with a perfect nonchalance, as demonstrated at their sold-out headline shows and alongside The 1975 on a stateside tour.

As 2018 approaches Pale Waves are looking towards releasing their debut EP. An album is also on the cards, although definitely further down the line. In the meantime, they’ll be delivering their beautifully bittersweet sound across the country.

Pale Waves - New Year's Eve

How does it feel to be at this stage of your career after releasing three singles?

It feels kind of surreal and overwhelming, but also satisfying because it’s what we’re working so hard to do.

What has been your highlight of 2017?

The highlight has probably been going on our headline tour around the UK, Europe and America. It’s a totally different feeling when it’s your show. It’s been amazing to see how many people have been coming to the shows.

What does 2018 have in store for Pale Waves?

2018 is going to be our busiest year yet, recording and releasing our debut album, lots of headline shows and loads of festivals. We can’t wait to show everyone a new side to our sound.

What is your favourite thing about playing live?

Connecting with the audience.

How would you describe your sound in one sentence?

Emotional pop music.


Find out more about our New for 2018 artists here.