RIZZLE KICKS, ST. VINCENT, GIGGS & FAMILY, AKINOLA DAVIES JR, JACOB BANKS, FREYA RIDINGS, JOY OLADOKUN, THE PAPER KITES, THE SNUTS, PAROV STELAR, AND FLO REVEALED TO HEADLINE
SUPPORTS TO BE ANNOUNCED
• American Express® Cardmember Presale - 10am, Monday 3rd March 2025
• Somerset House Subscriber Presale - 10am, Wednesday 5th March 2025
• General Sale - 10am, Thursday 6th March – tickets available from https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/somerset-house-summer-series
SOMERSET HOUSE, LONDON
www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/somerset-house-summer-series
Somerset House Summer Series with American Express® returns to London this July for eleven nights of essential sounds from some of the world's most compelling artists. Hosted in the spectacular enclosed surroundings of Somerset House’s open-air courtyard, the live music festival affords close access to the artists on stage, promising personal and powerful performances with superlative sounds resonating all around, to ensure an electrifying experience.
Somerset House Summer Series has a highly acclaimed reputation for platforming a diverse range of international talent and genres. Live music experiences have been a cornerstone of Somerset House’s cultural programme ever since it transformed into a leading international arts destination in 2000, with a rollcall of incredible former headliners including Amy Winehouse, Adele, Patti Smith, The Roots and Rosalía, and support acts such as Kojey Radical, Little Simz and Wolf Alice.
In celebration of Somerset House’s 25th birthday as the home of cultural innovators, the festival has extended a special invite to some of the most influential artists in modern times, with an exclusive London show from six-time Grammy award winner St. Vincent, a one-off London date from UK rap legend Giggs featuring a host of very special guests, and in a Summer Series-first, a live score will be performed to a film premiere from Somerset House Studios’ artist Akinola Davies Jr, in a unique artistic commission by Somerset House.
Carefully selected in honour of their pioneering, cross-disciplinary cultural work, this year’s artists represent originality and reflect their communities in a way that is completely unique to them. There will be further unforgettable performances from the likes of Rizzle Kicks, Freya Ridings, The Snuts, Jacob Banks, Joy Oladokun, Parov Stelar, The Paper Kites, and FLO making this year’s Somerset House Summer Series one of the most exhilarating editions yet.
10TH JULY
In 2024, Rizzle Kicks made a notable return to the music scene after an eight-year hiatus and their recently released Competition Is For Losers album was released to great fanfare and love from fans and the wider music community. Their joyously upbeat blend of hip-hop and pop is uniquely British and the youthful vigour of earlier material is now coupled with more mature themes of mental health, family life, love, and the concept of ageing.
11TH JULY
Freya Ridings has swiftly emerged as one of the most captivating artists of her generation. The North Londoner’s haunting hit single Lost Without You, from her self-titled debut album, propelled her to international fame, as it soared to #3 on the UK charts, earned Gold certification, and garnered a BRIT Award nomination. Freya’s second album Blood Orange is a soul bearing and reflective record which further cemented her as a leading force in contemporary music. 2025 is set to be another hugely exciting year, as Freya prepares to release her new most personal and compelling album to date.
Freya’s heartfelt artistry makes her the perfect addition to the line-up at Somerset House Summer Series. Her performance promises to be an unforgettable experience that will resonate with all who attend.
12TH JULY
Nigerian-born English singer and songwriter Jacob Banks is widely regarded for his soulful voice and fusion of genres including soul, R&B, alternative, and hip hop. In 2018, he released his debut album, Village, which showcased his rich baritone voice and storytelling mastery. In August 2022, Banks released his second studio album, Lies About The War, under his independent label, Nobody Records. The album received critical acclaim for its emotive depth and musical versatility. He continues to captivate audiences with his powerful performances and authentic artistry showcased on 2024 live album release Our Time Together. Most recently, Jacob released his third album, Yonder, a three-part anthology that showcases all of his vast and diverse musical influences.
13TH JULY
Parov Stelar is a global superstar and his distinctive fusion of jazz, swing, and electronic music has garnered him international notoriety. Over the years, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, and Marvin Gaye and he has also won multiple Amadeus Austrian Music Awards. His live performances are the stuff of legend - high-energy, immersive experiences that blend electronic beats with live instrumentation. This creates a unique fusion of electro-swing, jazz, house, and big-band energy, making his concerts feel like a mix of a dance party and a jazz club performance.
14TH JULY
In a first for Somerset House Summer Series, BAFTA-nominated filmmaker and Somerset House Studios resident Akinola Davies Jr will premiere his latest film rituals: union black, featuring a specially commissioned score performed live by an incredible line up of contemporary musical talent. Made with support from BBC Film, Davies Jr’s new work documents the everyday rituals that underscore rhythms of Black life in the UK, paying tribute to the collective resonances of Black British communities.
This exclusive musical screening from Akinola Davies Jr, who joined Somerset House’s creative community in 2020, has been commissioned specially for Somerset House’s 25th birthday celebrations.
15TH JULY
Joy Oladokun's blend of folk, R&B, rock and pop has resonated with a wide audience and last year saw the release of her fifth studio album Observations From A Crowded Room, a self-produced project that blends her signature singer-songwriter style with psychedelic electronic sounds. The album delves into themes of vulnerability and self-exploration, reflecting her experiences as a queer black woman and daughter of Nigerian immigrants and her work continues to receive critical acclaim solidifying her place as a compelling voice in contemporary music. Following her sold-out Union Chapel show early last year, Joy Oladokun comes to Somerset House this summer.
16TH JULY
Visionary musician St. Vincent will bring her genre-bending sound to Somerset House, blending art rock, electronic and experimental pop with intricate guitar work and theatrical performance, to showcase tracks from a series of acclaimed albums, including Masseduction, Daddy’s Home and All Born Screaming. The home of cultural innovators will welcome one of the most innovative artists in modern rock, with a special Summer Series show - the six-time Grammy award winner’s only London date this summer - set to captivate audiences with her fearless approach to music and performance.
17TH JULY
Scottish indie superstars The Snuts first burst onto the scene in 2021, with their chart-topping debut album W.L. Their third studio album Millennials was released in 2024, meaning the band became the first act since One Direction to secure three Top 3 UK albums within three years.
Known for their high-energy, electrifying live performances, and for a strong connection with their fans, The Snuts shows have a sense of authenticity which is personal and powerful. Expect huge anthemic singalongs and a set laden with fan favourites, amplified by the breathtaking setting of Somerset House’s courtyard.
18TH JULY
Melbourne’s The Paper Kites have gained international acclaim for their indie folk in a fifteen-year career, creating music that looks and sounds effortlessly relaxed. Six albums deep, their music has been streamed over a billion times, with more than eight million monthly listeners on Spotify. Audiences globally have fallen in love with their blend of Folk/Rock/Americana, with the band’s artistry both on record and the stage developing a dedicated community of Paper Kites devotees.
Their live reputation is only matched by the strength of their discography. Fan-favourite Bloom, off the Woodland EP, has been certified platinum in the Netherlands, Canada, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as in the US. Recent album and film, At The Roadhouse, was nominated for an ARIA Award in 2024 for Best Blues & Roots Album, while 2018’s On The Corner Where You Live was nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the 2019 ARIA Awards. Their performance in the iconic Somerset House courtyard is their only UK date in 2025 – making it an exclusive and intimate occasion.
19TH JULY
As the first-ever group to win the BRITs Rising Star award and globally recognised as MTV Video Music Award nominees, London’s very own FLO are redefining modern R&B with their rich harmonies, 90s-inspired melodies, and undeniable star power. Since their viral breakout with Cardboard Box, the trio has captivated audiences with their sleek production, effortless vocals, and empowering lyrics. They’ve collaborated with legends and contemporary stars, working with Missy Elliott on Fly Girl and GloRilla on My Bag, a standout from their acclaimed debut album Access All Areas. With sold-out shows and critical acclaim under their belt, their headline appearance at Somerset House Summer Series this July promises to be an unmissable night celebrating the future of R&B.
20TH JULY
Giggs, the influential British rapper from Peckham, is a dominant force in UK hip-hop, fashion and culture, releasing hugely successful albums such as Walk in da Park and Landlord and collaborating with artists such as 21 Savage and Popcaan. As a cross-disciplinary artist, whose versatility and enduring impact on the UK's cultural landscape cannot be overstated, Giggs exemplifies Somerset House’s genre-defying ethos. Especially for Somerset House’s celebratory 25th birthday year, expect an explosive performance to close the festival with special guest appearances from Potter Payper, P Money, and Tiny Boost, exclusively on the Summer Series stage.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets will be priced between £27.50 - £55.00.
The American Express ® Cardmember presale will take place at 10am on Monday 3rd March 2025.
The Somerset House Subscriber Presale will take place at 10am on Wednesday 5th March 2025.
Tickets for Somerset House Summer Series will go on General Sale at 10am on Thursday 6th March and are available from https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/somerset-house-summer-series
Since its inception, Summer Series has been a bold demonstration of Somerset House’s commitment to cultivating creativity. Beyond Summer Series, Somerset House is an unrivalled destination for fans to enjoy live music experiences throughout the year, with exhibitions, installations and cutting-edge events having featured artists such as Björk, PJ Harvey, Neneh Cherry, Gaika, Beatrice Dillon and Anna Meredith.
Thursday 10th July: Rizzle Kicks
Friday 11th July: Freya Ridings
Saturday 12th July: Jacob Banks
Sunday 13th July: Parov Stelar
Monday 14th July: Akinola Davies Jr presents: rituals: unionblack + special guests
Tuesday 15th July: Joy Oladokun
Wednesday 16th July: St. Vincent
Thursday 17th July: The Snuts
Friday 18th July: The Paper Kites
Saturday 19th July: FLO
Sunday 20th July: Giggs & Family: Potter Payper - P Money - Tiny Boost
American Express® is the Headline Sponsor and Official Payment Partner of Somerset House Summer Series.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Download Artist Images and Somerset House Summer Series with American Express® Assets here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/oun7ijpug9gpy6vc2zsps/ABxxYZCdiE9LB8V7WBIQxEE?rlkey=d8nb9ng82driq0d9kkf21pe1w&st=hz4mcoyl&dl=0
PRESS ENQUIRIES
For all press enquiries, image requests, artist interview opportunities, accreditation and more relating to
Somerset House Summer Series with American Express®, please contact Zeitgeist:
Siobhan Connor: siobhan.connor@zeitgeist.co.uk
Jamie Muir: jamie.muir@zeitgeist.co.uk
Lulu Nalungwe: lulu.nalungwe@zeitgeist.co.uk
About Somerset House
Step Inside, Think Outside
As the home of cultural innovators, Somerset House is a site of origination, with a cultural programme offering alternative perspectives on the biggest issues of our time. In 2025, Somerset House celebrates its 25th birthday, marking its extraordinary transformation to one of London’s best loved cultural spaces and home to one of the largest creative communities in the UK. To mark this milestone, there will be a special year of artistic innovation featuring genre-defying exhibitions, new commissions and events bringing audiences closer to the range of cross-disciplinary work from our unrivalled resident creative community, cementing Somerset House as a leading international arts destination.
From our historic site in the heart of London, we work globally across art, creativity, business, and non-profit, nurturing new talent, methods and technologies. Our resident community of creative enterprises, arts organisations, artists and makers, makes us a centre of ideas, with most of our programme home-grown. We sit at the meeting point of artistic and social innovation, bringing worlds and minds together to create surprising and often magical results. Our spirit of constant curiosity and counter perspective is integral to our history and key to our future.
https://www.somersethouse.org.uk
About Metropolis Music
Founded in 1985, Metropolis Music is one of the UK’s leading concert promoters and has been part of Live Nation Entertainment since 2017.
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.
About American Express ®
American Express ® is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, and youtube.com/americanexpress.
About American Express Experiences®
Through Amex Experiences®, Cardmembers have access to presale tickets, as well as the best seats and exclusive offers at some of the UK’s most sought-after entertainment events via partnerships with a range of institutions, including AELTC, AEG, Somerset House, The British Film Institute and the National Theatre. Amex Experiences is just one example of the powerful backing that American Express® provides its Cardmembers.