THE ISLA AND LOUISE COOK STAGE
@ COBALT STUDIOS
SUNDAY 7th JUNE

Sunday at Cobalt Studios showcases world music traditions, particularly those from marginalised and refugee communities
This stage is named after Isla and Louise Cook. The sisters were born in Sunderland and grew up in Alnwick. In the years leading to World War II, they rescued 29 Jewish families from Germany as the Nazis’ rose to power. Working alone, without the knowledge or support of the British government or an international agency, they risked their lives traveling to Germany to meet with members of the resistance and refugees. They smuggled out valuables belonging to these refugees and upon returning to London, sold them, using the money for financial pledges to support their immigration to Britain.
MORE ARTISTS TBA

  • JAWARI

     JAWARI is a multi-disciplinary collective redefining the boundaries of contemporary global jazz. Led by sitarist and composer Tommy Khosla, the core lineup features Latin Grammy awardee and Aterciopelados (Europe) member Gregorio Merchán on percussion, Taylor Frost on guitar and Billie Sophoclides on saxophone. Grounded in Indian Classical tradition while embracing global influences, JAWARI’s sound is both expansive and intricately woven.

    Their debut album, ROAD RASA, released in December 2024 with support from Help Musicians and the British Arts Council, showcases the collective’s unique musical vision. Following sold-out gigs across London, performances at the Paris Olympics, and a standout set at SXSW, JAWARI is rapidly establishing itself as a bold voice in the global jazz scene.

    With a commitment to collaboration and musical exploration, JAWARI continues to craft immersive sonic experiences that transcend genre and tradition.

  • HROMADA COLLECTIVE

    Hromada Collective is a Ukrainian folk singing group that practices polyphonic tradition from all over Ukraine. They came together in August 2024 to perform at the opening of Noel Faucett's documentary photography exhibition "Take only what you can carry", bringing an emotional level of awareness of Russia's war to the art world. Ever since then, Hromada have been working together to learn and share Ukrainian folk singing tradition through performances, fundraisers and workshops.

  • MANDRAKE HANDSHAKE

    “Mandrake Handshake model their range on bygone tropes, with one foot in the present and another in the intergalactic ether.”
    9/10 The Line Of Best Fit

    “This is a debut that is hard to describe and that works in its favour, it is a fascinating listen that defies categorisation but never derails. These are musicians of the highest order and clearly this is a labour of love that has been a long time in the making.”
    9/10 Clash Music

    The Mandrake Handshake is a hypnotic psych collective formed in Oxford in 2018. Influenced by krautrock, funk, Japanese animation, and Latin pastoral poetry, they have created a unique style called 'Flowerkraut'. Their music can be danced to with wild abandon or used for meditation, serving as a fluorescent soundtrack for exploring the inner worlds of the mind.

    Having partnered with cult indie label Nice Swan for their 'Introduces...' series last year, Mandrake Handshake has quickly become one of the most exciting new acts in the UK psychedelic scene. They have found label-mates in Opus Kink, Malady, and Anorak Patch.

    Their aim is to bring listeners to the zenith of psychedelic high-fidelity and help them fully understand what they may only hint at knowing. This is just the beginning of their journey - this is 'Flowerkraut', this is the Mandrake.