Cross The Tracks 2025 is just around the corner and I, for one, am buzzing with anticipation!
This year’s festival, nestled in the heart of Brockwell Park, 10 minutes from where I used to live, promises to be the place if you love soul, jazz and funk music. And if that’s not enough to get you down, then the delicious food, panels and creatives market should get you thinking about tickets too.
Are you as excited as me to be drowned in swirling jazzy notes and soulful vocals? But with such a diverse lineup, where do you even begin? Don’t worry, I have you covered with my picks for this year’s festival!
Michael Kiwanuka
A voice that reminds me of super 8 film and dreaming of far away places, Mercury prize winning artist Michael Kiwanuka is the headline for this years Cross The Tracks. Having just dropped his latest album Small Changes, he is the perfect person to play to a crowd as the sun sets on Brockwell Park and I for one, could not be more excited to witness it.
Jordan Rakei
His music always comes at a time when I most need it, speaking to the soul and letting me know that everything will be okay, one way or another. Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer and song-writer Jordan Rakei is a perfect addition to the stacked lineup this year. His intricate soulful music that explores themes of emotional evolution, personal growth and family is bound to have me crying, while calling my Mum to tell her I love her.
Meg Ivy’s pick: Thee Sinseers
A band that reminds me of weekends spent at my grandparents house, sipping herbal tea and running after the dog in the garden, Thee Sinseers are a soul band that have created a distinctive and timeless sound that feels effortless to listen to. I’m so excited to sway and sing my heart out to these and I hope to see you there with me.
Meg Ivy’s pick: Essence Martins
Music that makes me feel seen and comforted in all of my emotions, Essence Martins is sure to have me wiping away my tears (but in a cool way). Fusing indie-folk, pop and soul, she has this soft ethereal nature to her voice that leaves you feeling like you’re going to float away. If you need a couple of minutes to escape during the day of the festival, I can’t recommend catching Essence’s set more.
