Events

THE BASEMENT BAR

Thu 25th July 7:30pm
Book Tickets
£ 10.00

BenBen + Lily is a wildly symbiotic bond between two New York based indie-folk songwriters who regard each other as musical siblings and partners in magic. They look forward to their second UK tour in July 2024 in support of their upcoming EP ‘White Elephant,’ which saw its lead single Leaky Ship reach over 25,000 streams in less than a month.

Lily Desmond is a violin sorceress whose writing can be dark and primeval, but always laden with gorgeous, ornate vocals. Her violin playing appears on the soundtrack for the new A24 film I Saw the TV Glow starring Brigette Lundy-Paine. BenBen is an animation director, as well as a storied singer, songwriter and studio producer. He has worked in the studio with artists as illustrious as the Indigo Girls, Brandi Carlile, folk goddess Samantha Crain and Dungen’s psychedelic mastermind Gustav Ejstes. An exotic leaf blowing on a weird autumn wind, Ben’s high-tenor voice sounds like an uncanny hybrid of Thom Yorke, Elliot Smith and… Michael Jackson. Together, BenBen + Lily make music that is infectiously melodic and intimately magical.

“Ben Wigler has been all over the indie rock landscape; he crafts deluxe, swirling indie odes… dense with instrumentation and unconventional percussion.” – Stereogum

“BenBen and Lily Desmond guide listeners through a kaleidoscope of sonic hues. Picture a blend of Soundgarden’s energy, Radiohead’s inventiveness, and Michael Jackson’s emotional honesty, and you’ll grasp this unique sound.” – Fame Magazine

 

Support from MOCK DEER: Mock Deer is an Art-Rock/Psych-Folk artist originally from the north and now based in SE London.

Mock Deer has become an integral part of London’s indie scene, having toured extensively across Europe and sharing stages with acclaimed artists like Willy Mason and Joan Shelley known for his collaborative spirit and support of fellow artists. He has earned widespread praise and endorsements from renowned outlets like Rough Trade and fellow musicians such as British jazz composer Shabaka Hutchings. The ‘Pilgrims’ EP solidifies Mock Deer as one of art-rock/psych-folk’s most compelling and introspective songwriters.

“Ontological Dig” is the 3rd single from Mock Deer’s upcoming release due out on the 11th of July. The song blends Art-Rock and Psych-Folk with a familiar yet distinctive sonic tone, paired with a deeply philosophical and introspective songwriting style. It explores themes of Ontology, existentialism, love and friendship through Mock Deer’s insightful lyricism.

Doors open 7.30pm. Music starts 8pm. The venue is mixed seated and standing. Tables are limited, and available on a first come first served basis, so if you’d like a seat, we recommend arriving early!