BRYDE

Bryde, aka Sarah Howells, is a woman and an electric guitar, crafting songs that oscillate between fierce and fragile. Swaying from vulnerable to uncompromising within the space of a single verse and chorus, her music is defined by an honesty and furious authenticity that cuts straight to the core.

This dynamic range has drawn comparisons to a remarkably diverse array of artists, including Stevie Nicks, The Cranberries, Jeff Buckley, Lucy Dacus, and even Taylor Swift. Intrigued by psychology and the inner workings of relationships, Bryde's songwriting holds a defiant and life affirming quality. Described as being about "entangling and unravelling," her tracks move seamlessly from tender and delicate to tough and unforgiving, keeping listeners constantly on their toes.

Bryde established her ethereal indie rock sound early on, working with esteemed producers such as Jolyon Thomas (Royal Blood) and Bill Ryder-Jones (Saint Saviour). This foundational work quickly garnered significant radio support, reflected in backing from the likes of Huw Stephens on Radio 1, regular airplay on 6music, and a coveted spot on the BBC Radio Wales playlist.

Over the course of three albums, Bryde has built an impressive live career, opening for Rufus Wainwright, performing at Green Man and Latitude festivals, selling out several London headliners, and touring extensively across Europe and the US. Her debut album, Like an Island, was mixed by Catherine Marks (boygenius, Alanis Morissette), while her third album, Still, released in July 2021, earned a nomination for the prestigious Welsh Music Prize.

Since then, Bryde has maintained a steady stream of new music, releasing everything from covers of Tori Amos's classic "Silent All These Years" and The National's "Brainy," to her recent Change Your Mind EP. Critics have been equally effusive in their praise;

Sunday Times hailed her "feral guitar, torn from the chest lyrics... sensational,"

Consequence of Sound noted that "hers is a voice that deserves attention in and of its own right," 

Pitchfork affirmed that "the songwriting is strong enough to make every moment distinct."