Newcastle’s Ruth Lyon celebrates the power of vulnerability and the beauty of imperfection, challenging societal norms and embracing a journey of self-acceptance and empowerment.

Her offbeat anti-folk sound – featuring soulful vocals and witty, raw lyrics – is inspired by artists like Fiona Apple, Aldous Harding, and Regina Spektor. Lyon’s 2022 EP, Direct Debit To Vogue, produced by the legendary John Parish (PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding, This Is The Kit), marked a creative partnership that is continued on her debut album, Poems & Non-Fiction, set for release on Pink Lane Records on June 5, 2025.

Lyon has earned accolades from PRS’s Women Make Music, BBC Radio 1 and BBC 6 Music airplay, plus support from Line of Best Fit, The Independent and Wonderland Magazine. Key performances include The Great Escape, Latitude, Secret Garden Party, Glastonbury and an exclusive live BBC session at Abbey Road Studios. After her US debut at SXSW (2022) Lyon returned to accept a Danny Award for Best Music Video for her song Clown, performing at New York Town Hall. Lyon advocates for the Disabled community as an ambassador for music accessibility organisation Attitude Is Everything; Lyon herself has been a wheelchair user since the age of 21, and is shortlisted for the 2024 Disability Power 100. A key presence in the North-East music scene, she serves on the Board of Trustees at The Glasshouse and has shared her industry insights on panels and in speeches, most notably at the House of Lords.

Ruth will be coming to The Met with songs from her debut album Poems and Non-Fiction. A mesmerising blend of analogue and angular anti-folk, the album reached Top 20 in the official album breakers chart, cementing her reputation as a singular voice in the contemporary music landscape; one that dares to challenge, comfort, and captivate in equal measure.

Support comes from Basset.

Canadian folk duo, Basset, are full of timeless heart, with stunning duo harmonies reminiscent of the early folk revival, and deeply human lyrics that blend age-old stories and myths with modern everyday life. Their live performances are both sincere and disarmingly funny, with warmth enough to soothe anyone ready to lean in.

Their cinematic début album In the Clay was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award, and earned nods from NPR and the CBC, plus a performance at Celtic Connections in 2023. The band are touring the UK with their brand-new record One of Many.

Please note that previously announced support Maddie Morris is no longer able to appear.