More Beat The Streets Artists Share Their Stories Ahead of This Year’s Festival
Part 2 of our Beat The Streets artist interview series is here...
familyfriend.
Hey Toby! For those who are coming along to Beat The Streets this year, could you share a bit about yourself and your music?
I'm Toby, I make music under the alias familyfriend. because it's cooler than my actual name. I make off-kilter alternative pop music - in my head it's a big melting pot of everything I listen to and love, from Mac DeMarco and Jeff Buckley to Aphex Twin and Squarepusher.
Do you have any memorable moments from previous years of the festival, or if this is your first time at Beat The Streets, what are you most excited about?
Alfie Sharp's set last year was pretty special, he's got a crazy voice, and his band were super tight. I did drink a few shandies after that though so the most memorable moment was probably feeling very poorly when I got home, ha ha. Also shout out Davoli - hoping to catch them this year. They were great at The Grove opening do; really honest and timeless song-writing.
Lastly, what can the audience expect from your performance at Beat The Streets this year?
Expect the unexpected! Unless you're expecting me standing on stage on my own, playing songs you've never heard but will hopefully enjoy a lot. You can expect that. I also like to chuck a few guitar solos in too where they're not on the record.
The Publics
Hi guys! For those who are coming along to Beat The Streets this year, could you share a bit about yourself and your music?
We're The Publics and we're an indie rock band from Mansfield! Our music is heavily influenced by Indie bands of the 2000s and 2010s including The Killers, Catfish and the Bottlemen and The Reytons. In September last year we released our debut EP, I Know the World Stopped, but Why Did You? and we ended the year with a SOLD-OUT headline show at Rescue Rooms in Nottingham.
Do you have any memorable moments from previous years of the festival, or if this is your first time at Beat The Streets, what are you most excited about?
This will actually be our third year in a row performing at Beat The Streets. Last year was particularly special for us as we played Rescue Rooms and the room was completely packed. Every gig we ask the audience to raise a hand if they know who we are and this was the first room where almost all of the crowd did so. It really made us believe that what we had been working towards was worthwhile and it was a real moment of realisation that we can continue to push on and grow our audience! We also love the fact that Beat The Streets raises money for such a good cause and that the entire Nottingham music scene comes together to support each other and Framework.
Lastly, what can the audience expect from your performance at Beat The Streets this year?
To be involved! We view the audience as the extra member of our band and we'll be looking for interaction in the form of singing, clapping and jumping at any given opportunity!
ktlyle
Hi Katie! For those who are coming along to Beat The Streets this year, could you share a bit about yourself and your music?
Hey! I’m Katie and I’m an electronic producer and singer-songwriter based in Notts, making floaty and atmospheric electro music. I made my debut release at the end of 2024 with my first track ‘you’, and have lots more to come in 2025 that I’m hyped to be sharing. Previously floating around in bands in Notts, this is a fresh new project for me.
Do you have any memorable moments from previous years of the festival, or if this is your first time at Beat The Streets, what are you most excited about?
So many it’s hard to choose! Beat The Streets is always such a fantastic day where you get to see the whole Notts music scene out and about, all supporting the crucial work that Framework do. Some of my favourite moments include amazing sets on the Rock City mainstage from some of my favourite local bands including Do Nothing and Divorce, alongside heading down to Bodega later on in the night to listen to even more music and catch up with everyone.
Lastly, what can the audience expect from your performance at Beat The Streets this year?
I’m doing a DJ set! You can expect to hear me playing floaty house and electro tunes from my favourite producers, with a couple songs produced myself in the mix too. Catch me at 8pm downstairs at The Bodega, can’t wait!
Check out Part 1 of this series here, featuring Dring, Leah Wilcox, and Evil Scarecrow.
Beat The Streets is taking place on 26th January 2025. You can buy tickets here.