Stripped Down: Reevah & Vera

We are excited to announce the acts performing May's edition of Stripped Down at The Crescent. We are excited to welcome to the Cube Reevah & Vera with host Gemma Bradley.

Stripped Down at The Crescent is a series of gigs that brings together some of the most talented original acts currently working in Northern Ireland, performing stripped down versions of their songs.

Usually, a song starts life in a bedroom, a living room, or a rehearsal room, and it grows over time. Eventually by the time it gets performed by a full band or recorded in the studio it has matured and developed. Stripped Down hopes to bring some of these songs back to that early, genuine stage of life.

Stripped Down has been programmed by The Crescent’s Music Associate 23/25, Donal Scullion, who has been collaborating with our Technical Manager, Gareth Doran, to curate the events. Over a number of shows you will discover a mix of established acts, rising stars and emerging talent, representing Northern Irish Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Funk, Pop, Rock, Indie and more.

These events are BYO; bring along a bottle, sit back and let the music take over, and enjoy these two incredible acts perform in an intimate setting.

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Derry-based artist Reevah, also known as Aoife Boyle, has captivated audiences with the release of the mesmerizing debut album Daylight Savings, released via Faction Music imprint Bloom Records. The record was shortlisted for Album of the Year at the NI Music Prize 2024 where Reevah also performed on the night at the Ulster Hall.

Daylight Savings is a vibrant rush of alt-pop melody, evocative ‘80s flavoured throwbacks and indie-rock live feel that sets the tone for Reevah’s live performance. Reevah’s instantly magnetic vocal allure adds the midas touch to a sound that will appeal to fans of Phoebe Bridgers, Maggie Rogers, Florence + the Machine and London Grammar. Her ability to express the intricacies of everyday experiences, including their frailties, confusions, and vulnerabilities, has earned her praise and built a dedicated fanbase. The album is a tribute to embracing life's highs and lows and celebrating every fleeting moment.

Constantly evolving from her singer-songwriter roots, Irish Indie-pop artist Reevah has earned tastemaker acclaim, international airplay and streaming support in Ireland, the UK, the USA and beyond. 

Following the release of her album Reevah supported Snow Patrol at a sold out gig in The Limelight for BBC Introducing Live, selected by BBC Radio 1's Introducing team as NI/Ireland's most exciting new talent.

Click here to check out her sound.

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VERA is a band that not only boasts some of Ireland's finest musicians but is the vehicle for the incredible vocals of Sarah Toner. The band project evolved from Sarah's solo work. On returning to Ireland after a successful musical theatre career in London, she began to develop her own songwriting with the help of her producer/manager Declan Legge (Jealous of the Birds - Atlantic Records).

In 2023, Sarah began to record her catalogue of original material at Analogue Catalogue Studios with Declan and new collaborator, producer/drummer Darragh Tibbs. These sessions quickly pulled in the talents of Matt Holland (keys/guitar) and David Dalzell (bass), both incredibly talented session musicians and artists in their own right who have performed with artists such as Dark Tropics, Chubby Cat, Fatmunk and more.

Over 6 months in the studio, the chemistry between the 4 musicians was incredible and the songs took unexpected sonic directions, evolving far from their early forms. They couldn't avoid it, they had become a band... VERA was born.

VERA blends a modern Indie sound with elements of groove and soul, retro pop, and rock all underpinned by the raw and powerful vocal of Sarah Toner. Filled with style, drama and a healthy dose of sarcasm, Sarah's lyrics cover every possible pitfall of modern love presenting a refreshingly cynical version of being a hopeless romantic.

Click here to check out their sound.