Healees

A ‘Paris-based shoegaze noisepop band that hails from the USA, France, Sweden and Belgium’ says the bandcamp but this undersells them. Their solid shoegaze credentials landed them a recent Ride support slot in their hometown and their latest album might also draw comparisons with bands such as DIIV, but Healees bring a lot more to the table. On last years album, Coin de l’​œ​il, they draw on more jangly influences and reminded us that shoegaze really does work best alongside catchy tunes. 

Why we love them at The Autumn Store: A few years ago we made it to Paris Popfest and they played the opening night supporting the Miki Berenyi Trio, and honestly it was such a good set with the guitars filling the room with perfectly landed melodies. Chatting to them afterwards I drunkenly told them I put on a night in Birmingham and would love to put them on at some point, and to be honest following through on my offer was probably one of the reasons why the Autumn Store restarted. Really excited to bring them to Birmingham and I hope you have a listen to the album and come and see them too because you really don't want to miss them.

Listen to Healees: https://healees.bandcamp.com/music

The Leaking Machine

The Leaking Machine have good indie DNA. Pete and Russell both play with Mighty Mighty (John Peel faves, C86) and Spence is the mastermind behind The Winnebago Orchestra as well as playing with Stella Martyr and Ex Catalogue. The band's latest album, Sound On Sound has been described as "a triumph of English power pop" by Outside Left and "Heaving with jangly intent" by Janglepophub.

Why we love them at The Autumn Store: When I was first getting into Indiepop, I bought a Mighty Mighty compilation solely on the strength that it was called ‘A Band From Birmingham’. I wasn't disappointed either and have seen them play a few times. The Leaking Machine are another welcome addition to Birmingham's Indiepop heritage, and the launch of their recent album on the Jenny's Feather Factory label at The Rock and Roll Brewhouse was a fantastic and warmly received set. We're looking forward to them bringing their powerpop to The Autumn Store. 

Listen to The Leaking Machine: https://theleakingmachine.bandcamp.com/

Kate Thompson and William William Rodgers

One of those collaborations that just works, both Kate and Andrew have beautiful voices and when they perform the parts lock together and complement each other in a gentle and friendly way. Many will recognise Kate as the playful songwriter from KateGoes, or have followed the strong and thoughtful back catalogue of William William Rodgers as it's grown. This collaboration of the two songwriters draws on the strengths of both

Why we love them at The Autumn Store: I saw them perform together in a cafe Digbeth together at the start of 2024, probably supporting Ben Calvert. You know when you don't quite know what to expect but a performance just catches you. Yes that. I was chuffed when they wanted to play together for this slot.

Listen to Kate Thompson and William William Rodgers: https://katethompson.bandcamp.com/ and https://williamwilliamrodgers.bandcamp.com/