Discover emerging artists! Every month, we host up-and-coming talent at Riverside Studios for an intimate evening of live music by emerging artists. We’re always on the lookout for new talent. Get in touch with Louella if you would like to perform: louella.lucas@riversidestudios.co.uk
Venuswithoutlove invites you into her world. Ethereal, bittersweet; melancholy but uplifting, Venus pens experimental pop for intelligent baddies that struggle with life and want to celebrate making it this far.
If you're a fan of Little Simz, Raye, or Erica Badu you'll love Venuswithoutlove <3
Rachel Oyawale is a London-born singer-songwriter, operatic soprano, and interdisciplinary artist of Nigerian and Dominican heritage. With influences ranging from Lianne La Havas, Moses Sumney, and Minnie Riperton to Florence Welch, Jeff Buckley, and Nina Simone, her sound blends ethereal vocals with intricate storytelling.
Rachel's musical journey has taken her from the stages of English National Opera, Dutch National Opera, and Scottish Opera to collaborations with NYX Electronic Drone Choir and London Voices. Her artistry extends beyond music—she is also an award-winning poet and playwright. She is a Barbican Young Poet recognised by the Creative Future Awards, and the Almeida Theatre’s emerging playwrights programme.
Her upcoming EP, The Sea is History, explores the sea as a personal and historical archive, drawing inspiration from Derek Walcott’s poetry. A fusion of lush harmonies, experimental textures, and evocative lyricism, the project marks a new chapter in her genre-bending artistry.
For as long as I was able, I've been singing the ears off my mum and sisters, and the day I added a guitar to the mix was really what solidified my love for music. With 8 years of experience as a dancer, music is so important to my identity as a performance artist. I first debuted my original song Moments in a musical rendition of the play Peer Gynt at uni as well as part of a campaign for the charity Mind amid the fever dream of Covid.
This is going to be my first time sharing other original songs and covering some favourites, I really hope that everyone enjoys my set and at the very least it brings some good vibes for people to relax to.