Introducing :: SOAK

First release on the new label set up by CHVRCHES, Goodbye Records, comes from 17-year-old Derry songwriter SOAK, aka Bridie Monds-Watson. Her new EP, ‘Blud’ is set for release on March 17. SOAK, who has already been playlisted by the Radio 1 Introducing team and premiered her new single across Noisey/Phil & Alice's show, will also support the BBC-Sound-of-2014-shortlisted George Ezra in February. Further details on the ‘Blud’ EP will be announced shortly.

Born in Belfast but raised in Derry, SOAK has spent the last two years splitting time between her studies, the local skate-park, and her songwriting. There was significant acclaim for 2012’s ‘Sea Creatures’, which saw her offered slots at Glastonbury and Other Voices, support Tegan & Sara on tour, and complete a Biology GCSE moments after playing the City of Culture launch for Derry.

‘Blud’ sees her ascent from raw talent into a unique artistic voice. More atmospheric and textured than her earlier work, ‘Blud’ was written after overhearing an argument and explores the possibilities of change thereafter. The effect is curiously uplifting, seemingly as inspired by a childhood of Joni Mitchell albums as the brooding productions of Cat Power. A counterpart to her burgeoning songwriting, Bridie also played every instrument on ‘Blud’ herself (bar the bass), which was produced in Donegal by Mercury-nominated Villagers’ guitarist Tommy McLaughlin.

SOAK has teamed up with CHVRCHES for the release of ‘Blud’, who will follow 2013’s top-10 charting ‘The Bones of What You Believe’ with further signings to their own label, Goodbye Records. On working and touring with the Scottish trio, Bridie comments: “I’m a big fan of the band, their songs are brilliantly structured. I also like the fact that Lauren’s accent shows: she has a voice that you’d know anywhere, and CHVRCHES generally don’t sound like anybody else.”


17 February
NME Awards Show @ London, Scala

19 February
Dublin, Sugar Club w/ George Ezra

20 February
Belfast, McHughes w/ George Ezra

02 March
Birmingham, Hare & Hounds w/ George Ezra

03 March
Bristol, Fleece w/ George Ezra

04 March
London, Dingwalls w/ George Ezra

05 March
Dublin, Academy w/ CHVRCHES

07 March
Newcastle, Academy w/ CHVRCHES

08 March
Glasgow, Barrowland w/ CHVRCHES

09 March
Leeds, Metropolitan University w/ CHVRCHES

10 March
Birmingham, Institute w/ CHVRCHES

12 March
Cambridge, Junction w/ CHVRCHES

13 March
Cardiff, University Great Hall w/ CHVRCHES

14 March
London, Forum w/ CHVRCHES

15 March
London, Forum w/ CHVRCHES