FIFTY3FRIDAYS: THE ROAD IS LONG
Updated: 23 minutes ago
That the road is long is a truism for so many independent and grassroots artists so it is a pleasure to report on acts who progressively find their tribe and grow their audiences. When this involves not just rising streams, plays and views but also attracting people to shows who have not just hopped on the Tube but travelled substantial distances to get there, it is even more rewarding. One such artist is British-Spanish songstress Nadia Sheikh whose career has seemed on the cusp of a big breakthrough ever since she embarked on rebuilding it after the pandemic of 2020/1.
Nadia has truly put in the hard graft to self-promote her new single, “Fade Away”, and to sell out her headline show at London’s Water Rats on 22 October using an array of social platforms. Originally, I hoped to bring you a review of that show but illness prevented me travelling on the day. I hear tell though of a packed room, a terrific atmosphere, great energy on stage and a passionate performance all round from Nadia and her ace bandmates, Rowan Davies (bass) and George Gardiner (drums).
Photos of Nadia Sheikh at Water Rats kindly by @framesbyfrancesco
Hear is how Nadia summed up the evening: “The headline show was an absolute dream! I don't think I've yet processed it. We had people coming from all over to see us: Belgium Norway, Scotland, Newcastle, Leeds...it blows my mind that people will travel far and wide to come and see us play live, and it truly humbles me to see and know what the songs mean to people and how much we've grown since the last show in February. I'm excited for what's to come!”
Nadia Sheikh’s latest single features added guitars from Bastille's Will Farquarson who also joined her for some songs at Water Rats. “Fade Away” is Nadia’s first new music since her 2025 EP Done & Dusted on the back of a breakout year that saw her support Bastille at a sold-out Brighton Centre and open for Texas at Noches del Botánico in Madrid, plus have her music featured on the Hallmark US series, Twelve Dates till Christmas. The new song takes a swipe at the noise, speed and expectations of social media – ironically, something she has herself become adept at managing. However, the wish to break from it to choose her own path, to fade away from it all is heartfelt. It is an infectious song which combines Nadia’s trademark indie rock light and shade, her lyricism (“My borderline addiction to facial recognition”) and her ear for a great melody.
Photo of Eloise Carter by HLD Media
A new name to Fifty3Fridays next in the shape of South Coast alternative rock band Eloise Carter who released its debut EP, Balcony House, on 16 October. With regular support from BBC Introducing, the four-piece, named after lead singer and songwriter Eloise, has enjoyed a stellar year, playing at both Isle of Wight and Victorious Festivals, plus a headline set at Icebreaker Festival. Support slots include Echobelly, Coach Party and Prima Queen, while the band is set to headline at Dingwalls 2 in London with This Feeling next April, with a wider headline tour planned for later in 2027.
“Facing It” is the closing song on an EP which reflects different stages of growing up, relationships and change. Eloise’s childhood home and the university house where she met her bandmates both had balconies, tying in the transition Eloise made from being a solo artist to creating a tight-knit collective project. The four songs share a heart-on-sleeve character yet display different aspects of the band’s sound. “Facing It” endorses collective responsibility fuelled by the realisation that you don’t have to carry everything alone. Staccato lyrics are pitted against racing guitars to create a euphoric song with real momentum and dynamics. This will sound equally great live, I’m sure.
