Five artists you absolutely can’t miss at Cross the Tracks

This south London native is quickly becoming a part of the capital’s neo-soul elite, with her EP ‘This Is Not A Film’ having a particularly therapeutic quality. Taking inspiration from R&B, soul and jazz to refine her sound, BINA’s music is sure to go down well on a balmy summer day with a tinny to hand. In preparation for the big day, give ‘Just A Sec’ a whirl, it’s a great break-up anthem as she sings, ‘You said you love me / Did I ask you? / None of your actions match up to your speech.’ Take that, exes.

Despite labelling themselves as a ‘band with no remit’, Lunch Money Life do have a few things floating out there on the internet. This includes a couple of EPs and a pretty vibey live set at Boiler Room festival, which nicely show off their freewheeling performance style. You never know what you’re going to get with them, but usually, it’s free-flowing jazz fusion spanning everything from YMO-style electronics to apocalyptic prog rock. Their rehearsal space at Holy Trinity Church in Dalston inspired the EP title ‘Under The Mercies’, which is a great intro to the band’s communal, and incredibly fun, approach to making music.

Los Angeles-based Annahstasia Enuke has built up a loyal following from across the Atlantic, thanks to her deep, melodic vocals and penchant for vivid storytelling. Her songs often draw on themes of fantasy and romanticism, with the new EP ‘Revival’ being a particularly poignant folk-rooted collection. Drawing on her renewed love of songwriting after a lengthy battle with her label, songs like ‘Untamed’ are sure to be particularly rousing live with lines like, ‘I want the freedom of a boy unchained / The freedom to run around with my hair untamed.’

Zakia Sewell is a name that’ll be familiar to NTS listeners, as she’s the host of the radio station’s breakfast show twice a week and had her previous show called Questing w/ Zakia for five years prior. The broadcaster, writer and DJ is a firm favourite in the capital’s clubbing scene for her effortless blending of celestial sounds, including spiritual jazz, modern psychedelia and groovy house. Her set at Cross the Tracks is sure to get you pumped up before a day of dancing in Brockwell Park.

A singer, songwriter and DJ that was born and raised in London with roots in West Africa, Emmavie is a gender non-conforming and queer artist who hopes to make space for others like them. Their distinctive tone of voice has led to widespread respect in the R&B world, with their smooth, soulful tunes featuring the likes of Phonte, Kojey Radical and Alfa Mist. The collab with Georgia Anne Muldrow on ‘Things I Should Have Said’ was a pinch-me moment for the artist, who calls Muldrow one of their biggest inspirations.

Find the full line-up for Cross The Tracks here. The festival takes place at Brockwell Park on Sunday May 28. Get warmed up with the festival’s official playlist.

Want to win a pair of VIP tickets (and a £50 bar tab) to Cross the Tracks?

If you fancy seeing all of these amazing artists, plus NxWorries, Kelis, Alfa Mist, Masego and many, many more, listen up! This is your chance to go to Cross the Tracks – for free.

Enter our competition by filling out the form below and you might just win two VIP tickets to Cross the Tracks 2023 and a £50 bar tab. The VIP experience includes fast-track entry to the festival, a bespoke bar, exclusive street food concessions, a private sound system and DJs, seating and those all-important luxury loos. Good luck! Terms and conditions apply.