Felt Music Continues Showcase Series with Poppy Ajudha and Tamzene

Almost a week ago Felt HQ was, once again, transformed into an intimate music venue. This time linking up with Believe & Sentric for the second instalment of the ‘Felt x Presents’ showcases and believe us, it was a show not to be missed. 

After the success of the first performances with PIAS, featuring Morgan Harper-Jones & Katy J Pearson, it was a paramount that things were kept on an upward trajectory and with the artists that were lined up, in Poppy Ajudha and Tamzene, it certainly felt like a big night.

Tamzene (above) was first on stage, an extremely talented singer-songwriter hailing from the coastal Cromarty in the Scottish Highlands. She instantly had the audience wrapped up in her aura, performing songs full of longing and emotion about heartbreak, moving on and many of the difficult circumstances we find ourselves having to traverse throughout our lives. Tamzene played keys alongside her friend and co-contributor Will on acoustic guitar, making their way through ‘What Sundays Are For’, ‘sleeptalking’ and a personal favourite ‘Holding Onto You’ all featuring on Tamzene’s current album. By the end of their performance they really did have many of the audience doughy eyed and brimming with emotion.

Poppy Ajudha

Next, was the one everyone had been waiting for, as Poppy Ajudha made her way on stage to much acclaim. With Poppy’s new acoustic version of the single ‘Lean On Me’ dropping just the week before and her ability to show true vulnerability within her music, this stripped back and raw interpretation of songs that will feature on the self titled sophomore album ‘Poppy’ was truly breathtaking. A voice for the ages that really does make the hairs on your arms stand up as she controls the room and the stage with an undeniable presence. Again, supported beautifully by Hattie on acoustic guitar it really was the performance everyone had been hoping for.

We caught up with Gemma Farrington (Sentric) who helped with securing the artists and organising; she said ‘As a huge fan of both artists, it was a captivating way to experience their music! With the stripped-back performance and intimate setting, the whole room got to delve deeper into the clever songwriting and emotion behind the words. We were all blown away by their vocals, bringing to life the unique timbre of Tamzene's voice and Poppy's mesmerising stage presence. What a night, thanks team Felt!’

If you want to hear more (of course you do) from either artist, as mentioned above Poppy’s self-titled sophomore album will be landing on 22nd Nov, with some acoustic in stores the following week at Rough Trade East on Tuesday 26th November, Resident Brighton on Wednesday 27th November and Banquet Kingston on Thursday 28th November as well as a full UK Tour, dates of which can be found on her Spotify. Tamzene’s current album ‘In Any Weather’ is out now, she is also named amongst other acts at the Scottish Live Music Awards 2024 for Acoustic Live Artist of the Year and has plans to release new music in early 2025. 

Felt will be back soon with part III of the series, keep an eye out for who we will link up with next.