Sarah Johnsone

Rising North East artist Sarah Johnsone’s alluring vocals may conjure the likes of Amy Winehouse with its loaded provocation and spacey vibe, but the Newcastle-based artist’s punchy sound has more in common with music makers Wet Leg, Siouxie and the Banshees and The Black Keys thanks to a defiantly angular alt. rock edge.


Debuting as a solo artist, and gaining serious plaudits for wistful single Tonight – from Spotify's prestigious New Music Friday UK playlist to being featured on the soundtrack to Frank Berry’s seething drama movie, Aisha – Johnsone’s trajectory saw her partner with a full band and enter full-blown anthemic indie rock territory on second release Don’t Wanna Be Your Girl and perform at prestigious venues including Sage Gateshead and Ronnie Scott’s.

Support slots with Prima Queen, CIEL, Swim School and She Drew the Gun followed, not to mention festival appearances at Victorious, Twisterella and Stockton Calling, helping to solidify Sarah Johnsone's place as one of the region's most exciting new acts - an opinion shared by BBC Music Introducing in the North East who made her one of their tips for 2023.


From timeless influences to modern inspirations and lyrics which are indicative of life for a young woman in the North East, the juxtaposition of soulful yet urgent sounds comes from an upbringing of eclectic listening habits which span jazz and soul to R&B and blues, merging with later influences which come from a distinctly punk aesthetic.