"Aries & Signs” Prove No Genre Defines a Sign: Exploring the Cosmic Ties in Alternative Indie, RnB, and Rap
Written and photos taken by Anusha Chandra-Paisley
23rd August 2024
Aries-born AMÍKA performed her first-ever headlining act at the Hare & Hounds, joined by Hunter Bavaro, Angel, and The New Consistent. Each artist represented a different star sign and musical genre, raising the question: Does your star sign define the genre of music you create?
Following up on the previous blog post, Birmingham artist AMÍKA (@amika.wav) performed at the iconic Hare and Hounds (B14) on Thursday, 15th August 2024. AMÍKA was joined by three other artists: Hunter Bavaro (@hunterbavaro), Angel (@aliciakrugerxo), and The New Consistent (@thenewconsistent).
The Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath is a legendary music venue and a cornerstone of Birmingham's vibrant music scene. Nestled in the heart of Kings Heath, this historic pub dates back to 1820 and has evolved into a beloved spot for live music, hosting an eclectic range of artists spanning genres like indie, rock, R&B, electronic, and more. The venue's charm lies in its old-school pub aesthetics, featuring exposed brick walls, vintage decor, and a community-focused vibe. It is particularly famous for being the site of UB40’s first-ever gig, cementing its reputation as a launchpad for musical careers. Here, music fans can enjoy performances from both local talent and internationally renowned acts.
The night kicked off with DJ LXV (@dj_lxv_) setting the mood, creating the perfect atmosphere before the first act took the stage.
Angel Vile, a Leo and emerging talent in the Alternative RnB scene from East London, showcased her unique style which blends traditional RnB with indie and electronic influences. Her music fuses traditional RnB with elements of indie, electronic, and other alternative genres. This blend often results in atmospheric production, moody vibes, and experimental approaches to both vocals and instrumentation—qualities that are especially evident in her track "Crush" which she performed that night.
On stage, Angel exuded confidence and delivered an alluring performance that perfectly complimented the vibe of her music. Despite this being her first time performing with a live band, she seamlessly meshed with the musicians, displaying a natural chemistry that made their set feel like a well-rehearsed collaboration.
In addition to "Crush" Angel treated the audience to two more tracks: "Bones" and "Coming out my slumber". The latter stood out with its Drum and Bass-inspired beat layered under indie melodies, offering a refreshing twist to her set. While all the songs were impressive, "Crush" was a personal favourite of mine—it resonated with me because of its vulnerability and infectious chorus, which captured the essence of the music I naturally gravitate towards.
The New Consistent (TNC), a Scorpio from the West Midlands, brought a fresh and distinctive vibe to the rap scene. Unlike most rap artists, his style feels more like a casual conversation over a beat rather than following a specific melody. This approach is reminiscent of Niko B’s music, where both artists share a laid-back, catchy vibe and sprinkle in humorous lyrics that narrate everyday life experiences.
TNC opened his set with "Pretty At Ease", a track characterised by its reflective tone, focusing on personal thoughts and observations delivered in his signature conversational style.
Another standout track was "Rubbing Shoulders", notable for its minimalist production that features a mellow beat with subtle saxophone and jazz elements. The understated instrumentals allow the lyrics to take center stage, reflecting TNC's introspective and relatable storytelling. His spoken-word delivery blends hip-hop with indie sensibilities, making his music both unique and engaging.
I was pleasantly surprised by TNC's music and am eager to see how his sound evolves in the future. I'm also curious to learn more about the origins of his stage name, TNC—there's a story there that I'm looking forward to uncovering.
Hunter Bavaro, a Taurus from the West Midlands, immediately struck me as an artist with a commanding presence—his name alone hints at a significant impact. As a distinctive voice in the rap scene, Bavaro brings a unique energy to his performances that truly stands out.
During his set, he performed "Half Full", his latest single released in May. Hunter’s stage presence was a blend of confidence and casual coolness, effortlessly commanding the crowd with his dynamic energy. His lyrics and controlled flow showcased his talent, while the captivating beats highlighted his versatility.
Hunter’s social media features expertly produced music videos that creatively compliment his tracks. These visuals are well worth checking out, as they enhance the artistic essence of his music.
I’m excited to see where Hunter Bavaro’s music journey takes him next. With his star quality and unique presence, he has the potential to become a prominent figure in the UK rap scene.
Finally, but certainly not least, the headlining act—AMÍKA—took the stage. Her band welcomed her with the opening notes of her rendition of Cleo Sol’s "Self" setting an intimate and captivating tone for the night. AMÍKA also delighted the audience with a cover of Amy Winehouse’s "Take The Box", of which both songs echoed the lyrical depth that influences her own songwriting.
Her setlist included several tracks from her EP Blue Kid, such as "Smokers on the Balcony" and the title track. She also performed "Yellow Days" a single released in July 2023, showcasing her vocal range and emotional depth. AMÍKA, who plays guitar herself, added an extra layer of authenticity to her performance with impressive guitar work that elevated her music.
Experiencing AMÍKA live for the first time, supported by a dynamic live band, was phenomenal. The pain and vulnerability in her lyrics were beautifully amplified by the band’s performance, creating a moving and immersive experience.
I’ll definitely be making an effort to catch AMÍKA live again. If you’re a fan of electric guitar and alternative indie vibes, her performances are a must-see.
After these performances, I think it is safe to say, that your star sign does not define the music that you create!
Overall, the night was a resounding success for the headliner. I left feeling revitalised, knowing that Birmingham’s talent is thriving and constantly evolving. It was an exciting experience to discover new artists and add them to my Spotify playlist! If any of the artists mentioned in this article caught your interest, I highly recommend checking out their social media profiles and exploring their discographies on Spotify:
