Snow isn’t yet falling, but we’re well into the Christmas season now. It’s time to be merry, to catch up with old friends and gather round firesides to sing.
And it’s time to go out into London and enjoy countless shows. The capital is as busy as ever, bringing mosh pits to the Electric Ballroom, Chloé Caillet to Hideout, Swedish rapper Bladee to Troxy, and more.
Check out what’s happening in London music this week.
Music in London this week
Top pick: Getdown Services
Getdown Services play at Electric Ballroom
Supplied
Missing a little mosh among all the Christmas music and messy club nights? Thankfully, Somerset indie two-piece Getdown Services are paying a visit to the capital just in time to provide some much-needed relief. Describing themselves as the “British ham sandwich” of sounds, Getdown Services, right, are a little bit classic rock, a little folk and a little disco. And while their lyrics may include more than a little piss-taking, be sure to take these boys seriously: they’re a word-of-mouth triumph, and you’ll be seeing a lot more of them in 2026.
Duck
Getty Images
Los Angeles singer-songwriter Duckwrth makes music dripping with sensuality and swagger — and he seems to have so much fun doing it. To many, he’s known for his earthquake of a feature on the Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse soundtrack alongside Shaboozey, but real fans will be more familiar with his slinky alternative R&B, a natural pairing to the likes of Dijon, Mk.gee and Channel Tres. He’s performing at EartH — arguably one of the best live music spaces in London, and certainly one of the most atmospheric — on Tuesday. Plus, for any weary partyheads, it’s partially seated. Rejoice!
The 100 Club, December 12
Most people’s first interactions with Jadu Heart, the two-piece London-based band made up of Alex Headford and Diva-Sachy Jeffrey, were in the mid-2010s, when they were producing woozy, nature-infused electronic shoegaze (which still holds up beautifully now, FYI). They’ve undertaken several reinventions since, from psych-rock to grungy lo-fi, all hallmarked by their so-called “magical nihilism”. Their current work feels like it sits somewhere between the two great heads of experimental rock: Radio, and Portis. High praise, and we mean it.
French DJ Chloé Caillet is about to sweat those party season demons out of you. The producer and multi-instrumentalist will be returning to London this Friday for a much-anticipated headline show in Hackney Wick. A club kid through and through, her high-energy sets are a guaranteed good time for anyone who likes things hot and heavy. Get the pints in at No 90 Bar before making your way over for a dance-turned-headbang-turned-exorcism.
Ronnie Scott’s, December 17
Sekoya
Supplied
The late late show at Ronnie Scott’s next Wednesday is courtesy of Sekoya, a contemporary jazz group from Glasgow. Drawing inspiration from European jazz, soul, minimal electronic, contemporary classical, folk and Scottish trad, Sekoya’s sound is hard to pin down, creating something evoking an energy that’s been described as almost cinematic. If you can manage the late start of 11.30pm, this will be the smoothest pre-bedtime ritual you’ve ever indulged in.
Swedish rapper and singer Bladee may be a couple of years outside of the age boundary but his sound has become synonymous with Gen Z. Ranging from cloudrap to hyperpop, Bladee’s music is distinctly modern, but also deeply emotional, laced with complex worldbuilding. If you’re not already familiar, he’ll be a new favourite for anyone fond of Yung Lean, Oklou or Lil Peep.