Small city, massive sound.
Two Hats Management, in collaboration with the Pioneer Club, are proud to announce Escape to the City, a one-day music festival showcasing some of the best new talent in the independent music scene, including local talent from St Albans.
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The event spans across the venue’s two stages and will comprise of 13 artists, with styles ranging from alt-rock to folk, from cheeky indie to alt-pop (and Retropxssy!!). One thing that connects them is that they are all amazing. If you are lucky enough to get a ticket, make sure you are there early as you will not want to miss a beat.
ABOUT THE ACTS
DEAR TASH
Going beyond being labelled another 'female-fronted rock band'- alternative powerhouse artist, DEAR TASH wants to take control and be the band. With a sound that fuses raw alternative rock energy with deeply personal storytelling, DEAR TASH is more than just a project-it’s an evolution, a journey, and a defiant statement of self-expression.
KITTY FITZ
Kitty Fitz, the vibrant alter ego of South East London’s Kitty Drummond, is an alt-pop artist with a flair for turning her most personal experiences into captivating, cinematic soundscapes. Known for her introspective yet cheeky approach to songwriting, Kitty’s music blends emotional depth with playful rebellion. Describing her sound as "introspective, hyperbolic, tongue-in-cheek, and honest," she invites listeners into a world where heartfelt lyrics meet enchanting synth-pop melodies and syncopated beats, all crafted with her signature quirky charm.
KODI
Kodi are a high-energy 3-piece Indie-Rock band from St Albans, drawing influence from the likes of Kings of Leon, The Xcerts, Sam Fender and Catfish & The Bottlemen.
Despite being a brand new project, Kodi are no newcomers to the industry, supporting the likes of Enter Shikari, Boston Manor & BILK in past projects, alongside several sold-out headline shows in Brighton, London & St Albans.
KYNSY
Dublin-raised, London-based Kynsy crafts cheeky indie rock that blends '90s influences with dancefloor energy, drawing comparisons to New Young Pony Club and Wet Leg. Recently partnered with Nice Swan Records, she's garnered support from tastemakers like Rough Trade and Dork while building momentum through live performances alongside Black Honey and Do Nothing.
LEONA RUE
With a sound that blends introspective storytelling with powerful, melodic hooks, Leona Rue effortlessly sits among artists like Maisie Peters, Gracie Abrams, and Soccer Mommy, but with a uniquely soft and expressive vocal tone of her own. Her music explores themes of self-discovery, heartbreak, and resilience with her latest single, Car Crash, marking a bold new chapter in her musical journey. With grungier tones, heavy guitar riffs, and powerful vocals, the track takes a departure from her signature sound, showcasing Leona’s versatility and growth as an artist.
LILO
With their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Blood Ties’, childhood friends Christie Gardner and Helen Dixon have proved themselves a new duo with something special going on. The songs contained within it reflect the life of twenty-somethings in and out of love and luck, with this human element perfectly weighted alongside their arresting harmonies and rich instrumentation.
Y
Emerging from the creative crucible of London, Y is a genre-defying band founded in 2023 by Adam Brennan and Sophie Coppin during a period of isolation. The duo discovered an uncanny synergy in their music-making, blending shared tastes with contrasting stylistic approaches. This paradox birthed the eclectic, unpredictable sound that defines Y—playfully described as “wonk rock,” “Gameboy thrash,” and even “Egyptian wedding music.” The band’s lineup amplifies this kaleidoscopic sound.
