Festivals Finn Mungo, Bayboards & more: Meet the acts playing the BIMM Music Institute & DIY showcase at The Great Escape 2025 

That’s not all that BIMM will be up to at this year’s edition of TGE: they’ll be kicking things off at Patterns tomorrow (Wednesday 14th May) for a special opening party with the likes of Goetia, Chitchat and more, before their Alt Escape showcase takes place at North Laine Brewhouse all day on Thursday. We’ll also be teaming up for a special industry drinks event (by invitation only, ooh la la), on Thursday evening, ahead of our joint showcase at Dust on Friday. Plus, as ever, there’ll be a host of BIMM buskers performing live across Brighton for the duration of the festival, so keep your eyes peeled for them! For more info on everythijng that BIMM have happening across the fest, head to their Instagram page. 

As ever, our showcase will be open to anyone with a festival delegate badge or wristband. While we’ll be kicking things off at 12pm on Friday 16th May, if you wanted to do your homework, now’s the time - get a little more familiar with the artists playing below.

The Midland’s own Leah Wilcox is a gritty glitterball of a songwriter. With undeniable quirk, her heartfelt lyrics share love, the female experience and wine in her Indie Pop-rock style – what she calls ​‘Countrygaze Pop’. Starting open mics at 15, Leah borrowed equipment from school until she could buy her first acoustic guitar – a sentimentally selected marker of her sound. Now at 21, Leah draws on 70s sounds to share her journey through life.

With splashes of choreography, sweeping harmonies, synth beds, and passionate, often raspy, vocals, Leah nods to the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Big Thief, CMAT and Wunderhorse to shape her sound.

Formed in late 2022 by lead singer Anais Vacariu and drummer Isac Strand, Kings & Pills are a Berlin-based rock band (who attend BIMM Berlin) consisting of members from Romania, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Germany. The young band gained local attention with their debut EP ​‘Chemical Meltdown’, which introduced the band’s signature sound of catchy hooks, loud guitars and angsty vocals. With their new and matured sound, the band released their debut album ​‘Feast on Us’ just a couple of months ago. 

An all-female four-piece band based in Dublin, Martina and the Moons recently signed to Rubarb Music (Ruadhri Cushnan, Camden Studios), have supported Porridge Radio in the main room of iconic Dubbers venue Whelans, as well as Thumper in a sold-out Workmans. More recently, the quarte played main stage at Whelans’ Ones to Watch event in January, and have been named by Hotpress Magazine as one of their Hot For ​’25 acts. 

With lyrics about alienation and yearning for connection, the band combine the lyricism of the singer-songwriters from the ​’60s with a soundscape reminiscent of the 90s’ Britpop bands; last year’s single ​‘Omnibus Boners’ is a whipsmart rumination on the over-sexualisation and under-estimation of woman at large.

Manchester’s Bayboards have earned notoriety through their electric live shows up and down the north of England, with the four-piece often dragging all of Manchester’s indie kids out with them. While live, their songs are full of power and energy, on record, the band are reminiscent of the best guitar bands Britain has birthed in the last two decades, including Sundara Karma, Circa Waves and The Wombats.

After iconic sell-out shows at esteemed venues such as Manchester’s Academy 2, in addition to completely selling out their first UK tour, Bayboards have big things in store for the future. 

Fusing hip-hop, R’n’B and spoken word, Wiltshire-born G U Y began writing and producing his own music at 16, using his piano background to create his personal sound. Recognised for his versatility, singing and rapping ability and connectable lyricism, he draws influence from artists such as Dave, Berwyn and Loyle Carner. 

Since moving to Bristol, G U Y has continued developing his craft by performing around the city with his band and as a solo act. He has already performed at major festivals such as Glastonbury, Love Saves The Day and Boomtown, and a big year lies ahead for him, with lots of releases and a second project coming up.

Finn Mungo — a 21-year-old indie pop artist — is building a strong presence in London’s music scene. Having performed at Boardmasters Festival and shared stages with artists like Loyle Carner and Tom Grennan, in 2023, he had his own set, a key moment in his journey. With sold out shows at venues like The Dublin Castle and Camden Assembly, his audience is growing. 

Now signed to Young Poet, he’s preparing to release his debut EP this year, offering a mix of heartfelt lyrics and polished sound ensuring Finn’s music continues to connect with listeners as he moves forward. His recent single ​‘Stand For You’ is a warm confessional that optimises his relatable approach to writing. 

Tags: News, Festivals, The Great Escape