BIMM's Soundcloud profile picks out our favourite tracks from students, tutors and alumni.

Leipzig-London

Drummer, Artist, Phở Connoisseur

Norwich has delivered a new breed of Indie in the form of The Islas with upbeat rhythms, sharp melodies and thoughtful lyricism that hints at influences of The Smiths, Beautiful South, Paul Weller & Sam Fender. The songs are harvested from youth and the experiences British adolescents face throughout their journey into adulthood. The anxiety, happiness, sadness and first loves - and everything in-between. 

The Islas formed in the Autumn of 2018 and consist of:
Nathan Baverstock Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Ross Allen Lead Guitar
Granger Wittering Bass, Backing Vocals

In late winter 2019 the band traveled up North to Merseyside to work with production duo Sugar House (Corella, Larkins, Viola Beach) after the producers reached out to work together on the next releases. 2019 singles ‘Aileen’ and ‘Back of Your Neck’ were recorded and both were mastered by Alex Gordon at Abbey Road Studios. 

‘Aileen’ was released in May 2019 and received immediate positive response from blogs and websites across the UK. Spotify added the track to their ‘Hot New Bands’ playlist for six weeks and it was for a feature for Alex Rainbird’s October playlist. National promoter ‘This Feeling’ added the band to their London shows and included it as their Track of The Week with Gigslutz adding its praise. 

‘Back of Your Neck’ followed ‘Aileen’, released in August 2019. It gained a very similar amount of praise with specific highlights including the track being used on ITV’s This Morning, a feature on Vinyl Moon and Norwich City FC using the song for social media plays.

BBC Introducing in Norfolk have played both tracks and the initial EP throughout the year since The Islas released them. ‘Back of Your Neck’ was also used for Rob Adcock’s BBC Introducing podcast ‘Does My Music Suck’ where guest producer Olga Fitzroy said she “loved the track and would love to see the band live”.

The Islas ended their highly successful 2019 with their first performance outside the UK headlining ‘This Is England’ festival in Rouen, France. 

2020 saw the music world hold for months due to the coronavirus pandemic and The Islas had to halt their plans to take their music to venues across the UK. In the middle of the lockdown, The Islas had some time to write and reflect on the year to take inspiration. Linking back up with Norfolk Producer and friend, Tom Joy, The Islas recorded three tracks in the summer of 2020 - socially distanced, of course…

The Islas released their most successful single in September 2020. ‘Close’ received major recognition including BBC Radio play, over 50 reviews, a place in BBC Introducing’s Hot List of 2020 and receiving an Amazing Radio Number One:


“Passionate, Heartwarming & Poignant. The Islas’ “Close” is one of the best things to come our way. Honest, compelling and sentimental, this track will break your heart, make you think and have you hit the repeat button a few times” - The Other Side Reviews

“‘Close’ does what all my what all my favourite songs do. It’s heartbreaking and thought provoking but also made me wanna dance! And ‘Dancing with Daisy’ complements it beautifully. A lovely ballad, full of warmth and nostalgia” - Kitty Perrin, BBC Introducing in Norfolk

“The Islas have done it again. 'Close' beautifully combines meaningful lyrics with warm, gorgeous guitar melodies into a track that I know for sure will be making my Spotify playlists. I expected nothing less from this four-piece and you'd be a fool to not have them on your radar. 'Dancing with Daisy' is the perfect B-Side to accompany it. The Islas are a band making quality music that will stand the test of time. Just perfect”. - Danielle Booden, Eastern Daily Press

In December 2020, The Islas channeled their softer and emotional side. ‘Last Time Forever’ was the final release of 2020 and opened the band to a whole new fan base and cemented themselves as one of Norwich’s finest:

“Like a scream into the void in the middle of the apocalypse. This is how we can describe LAST TIME FOREVER, the song from the Brits THE ISLAS, a band that transcends with special care about its proposal, filling with a lot of electric potential in the guitars and the voice, which simulates a bearable loneliness, like someone who travels  little by little between the impossible and chaos.  It is one of those songs you listen to, to return to the state of nature in our music” - Indie Crollo

2021 saw The Islas release their debut EP, ‘Oblivion’. The EP acknowledged the strength already created with their singles but the chance was there to create something with more depth. This was produced and recorded with local favorite musician Tom Joy in The Mill Studios, Diss. An old windmill transformed into a studio in the outback of Norfolk. 

Oblivion was teased with releases ‘The Absence of You’ and ‘All The Same’, the latter featured another local musician Em Parish and was highlighted as a breakthrough track for the up and coming band. Oblivion caught the eye of major publishers including Rolling Stone, and the songs have been featured in major retail stores, spotify editorial playlists, television advertisements and even through major football stadiums in the country. 

The Islas rode the wave of their successful EP in 2022, adding ‘Keep Me In Mind’ to the catalogue and with a strong live set encumbered, took to the road with continually performing in their new home of South London. 2023 holds a new objective for trio, a debut LP and finding their feet in the capital. 



“The Islas will be your new favourite band. - One Unique Blog”

“Mr.Spaven does it again – much more than just rhythm with this man” Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio).

“Richard Spaven is one of the most unique artists in the world. Triple threat drummer, composer, and producer, his voice rings true with clarity and promise. He is the point where jazz meets the world” José James (Blue Note Records).


Prolific drummer Richard Spaven releases his first full length LP, following on from the acclaimed ‘Spaven’s 5ive EP’. This latest record ‘Whole Other*’ showcases the drumming artistry many of us associate with Spaven, combined with his own productions in the realm somewhere between Jazz, Electronica and Soundtracks.

Spaven has supplied the drums for many artists on stage and in the studio - José James, Flying Lotus, The Cinematic Orchestra, Guru’s Jazzmatazz, Gregory Porter to name but a few. Working closely with such a diverse range of artists must bare influence upon Spaven’s own compositions, in which some how the drums bridge the gap between the worlds of jazz and electronic music.

Spaven’s debut release ‘5ive’s EP’ (Jazz Refreshed) in 2010 quietly turned heads. Most recently it featured on best selling video game ‘Grand Theft Auto V’. With a guest appearance by José James on the hypnotic ‘Maz’, the record was seen by some as a jazz record but was also played out loud by many club DJ’s.

‘Whole Other*’ continues the journey. The music is rich and genre defying. Blue Note Trumpeter Takuya Kuroda appears on the record, playing soulfully amongst ragga tinged drums. GTA V collaborators ‘The Hics’ join Spaven on the albums title track ‘Whole Other*’. UK sounds to the fore – James Blake-esque moody vocals meeting Spaven’s edgy broken drums head on. Guitarist Stuart McCallum’s (The Cinematic Orchestra) signature sound is prominent – Spaven has been working with him since their meeting on stage with Cinematic a few years ago and he features throughout the record.

Richard Spaven – ‘Whole Other*’
Released on P-Vine, Japan 04/07/14
R.O.W. distribution by KUDOS 07/07/14


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