HARD LAUNCH @ The Hope & Anchor

London's best live new music event championing rising queer artists, unique voices and electric entertainment.

HARD LAUNCH is a series of music nights started to put up-and-coming artists on the London queer scene on stage. It is hosted by Well Well Miguel, the icon behind Slay The Night on Hoxton Radio championed by Well Well Miguel. The two are teaming up for an epic collaboration to create London's sickest queer event that you don't want to miss.

With sets from:

Sooks

Sooks are a queer alt-folk indie trio, performing a mix of covers and original songs. Comprised of Jasmine (lead vocalist/guitarist), Holly (bassist) and Sara (drummer), the trio are able to bring a big sound, big energy, and a generous helping of whimsy to the stage. With a 99 flake in one hand and their instruments in the other, the band pride themselves on delivering tongue-and-cheek sets, complete with witty onstage banter and type-A precision. Taking inspiration from the likes of CMAT, Courtney Barnett and Wet Leg, Sooks offers a unique take on the indie/alt scene. One of the least introspective bands you’ll ever listen to, Sooks will tell you exactly what they mean, even if it's just to say that ice cream vans have feelings too.

Lydia Shute 

Imagine if your next favourite artist also lived next door. Down to earth and armed with introspective and painfully intimate songwriting, Lydia is the conversational, authentic answer to 2026’s idea of an artist. Developing a bold and energetic style, drawing inspiration from iconic storytellers from Gracie Abrams and Billie Eilish through to Avril Lavigne and Joss Stone, Lydia is capable of crafting tear-inducing ballads alongside euphoric dance floor moments. With a blossoming visual identity to match her indie pop sonics, her honest lyricism takes you on a journey of exploring queer identity, the pitfalls of heartbreak and the conflicting emotions that change can ignite.

ettie

ettie is a lesbian pop punk artist whose caffeinated and angsty rock anthems about being judged and dismissed, living with existential fear and coming out touch a raw nerve with their honesty and truthfulness.

Fuelled by an extensive history of drinking wine and making questionable decisions, and with the mantra of “it wasn’t a phase, mum” Ettie’s music is like confetti at a party - playful, fun and lively. With a sound reminiscent of old school Avril Lavigne and Paramore, she is honest, poignant and raw, and pulls at your heartstrings.

Felicity Henry 

Felicity Henry is a queer singer-songwriter based in the Essex countryside. Her diary-entry-like songs explore themes of wlw relationships and heartbreak, and her instrumentation is as real and honest as her writing. Her sound is often compared to Lucy Dacus, Billie Marten and Clairo. When Felicity is not writing and performing, she is running her safe-space recording studio in the countryside, where she priorities working with FLINTA* and all marginalised musicians, ensuring they can produce their music in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

And many surprises to come...

It's a night you don't want to miss.