Backroom Live: Lydia Shute

Backroom Live is an intimate live music and creative community series based in London, designed to bring audiences closer to emerging artists while creating space for genuine connection between musicians, creatives, and listeners.

On  Friday 11th September , we're excited to welcome  Lydia Shute  for an intimate live performance and conversation at Arcus Sounds, West Ham.

A rising British indie-pop and alternative singer-songwriter, Lydia is the kind of artist who feels like she could be your next-door neighbour - down to earth, honest, and completely unafraid to put her biggest feelings into a song.

Drawing inspiration from artists including Gracie Abrams, Billie Eilish, Avril Lavigne, and Joss Stone, Lydia blends vulnerable storytelling with bold indie-pop energy, moving effortlessly between tear-inducing ballads and euphoric, dance-floor moments.

Her songwriting explores queer identity, heartbreak, change, and all the confusing emotions that come with growing, falling in love, falling out of it, and figuring yourself out along the way.

As Lydia puts it:  "writing songs so my big fat feelings don't eat me alive and hoping that u almost maybe totally relate..."

This is not a typical gig.

Previous artists have described Backroom Live as feeling like  "one big picnic"  - a relaxed, welcoming space where there's no stage barrier or distance between artist and audience.

It's an evening built around music, conversation, and genuine connection, where everyone is encouraged to simply be present, discover new artists, and meet like-minded people.

Following her live set, Lydia will join us for an open conversation about her music, creative process, songwriting, influences, and the stories behind her songs, with the audience invited to ask questions and be part of the discussion.

The evening will conclude with an  open mic , giving attendees and local artists the opportunity to share their own work. Whether you've just released something, have a song you've been working on, or simply want to perform, you're invited to sign up at the entrance when you arrive.

Expect:

• An intimate live performance by Lydia Shute • Vulnerable songwriting exploring queer identity, heartbreak, love, and change • A live conversation about music, creativity, and Lydia's artistic journey • Audience Q&A • An open stage for audience members and emerging artists to share a song, spoken word piece, or work in progress • A small, carefully curated audience • A post-session hangout and networking space • Professionally filmed content as part of our ongoing artist series spotlighting emerging musicians in London

Backroom Live is built around the idea that independent music thrives through community, conversation, and connection, not just performance.

🎟️ Tickets are limited.

Description supplied by the event organiser.