This week, Secret London is bringing together a group of rising musicians and creatives to be part of a four-band bill at legendary underground Soho venue, The Social.
Today (Wednesday, February 25), you can step into the venue to see a pair of Irish acts, Thumper & Joe Butler — the former a six-piece psych-pop outfit, and the latter a 19-year-old alt-pop star – alongside the sharp Indie pop of HUNNY BUZZ and the dreamy sounds of K-rock outfit, Yangbans.
It comes as part of Soho Calling, which is back for its fourth year, and sees over 25 acts primed to take the stage in Central London at the same time. For those unaware of the concept, seven venues simultaneously host shows, each with its own four-band bill that offers a chance to catch up-and-coming new artists, while celebrating the variety of spaces to watch music in Soho.
Each venue celebrated by Soho Calling has its own story, and is a key part of London’s grassroots DNA.
Soho Calling at The Social
The Social has been open for almost 30 years, and has continued supporting rising artists at its Little Portland Street space throughout its lifetime. It’s hosted artists including The Chemical Brothers, Wolf Alice, Young Fathers, Lily Allen, and many more, and there’s no doubt that many artists performing at The Social now can go on to be as revered as these names with the right support and development.
Like each event for Soho Calling, this one takes place this evening, and you can catch the acts once doors open at 7pm. Alongside the strong musical bill, you can also grab a bite from Junk Burgers, who are providing food at the venue for the evening, as well as browsing the merchandise and even picking up original works from artist Nacho, whose work will be sold on site at the event.
Even if you’re not familiar with the names on the bill, it’s the perfect chance to scratch the itch of finding new music, all while supporting the grassroots scene in London. The aim of each event at all seven of the participating venues for Soho Calling this month is to showcase emerging talent and support the new wave of musicians coming through.
Here’s a bit more about each act, should you wish to check them out before the night itself.
Thumper
🔊 THUMPER’s sound: With their six-piece lineup, the Dublin band create a wall of sound with guitars crunched up in the mix, a snarling vocal line, and drums that are, well, thumping.
🎶 Which song to check out: Bad Mood. The laxadaisical swoon of I’m so sorry / but you’ve got me in a bad moooood will be stuck in your head on a loop.
HUNNY BUZZ
🔊 HUNNY BUZZ’s sound: If Indie-pop is your bag, Bristol band HUNNY BUZZ are a name on the lips of many, capturing attention through singer Lyd Read’s spiky pop delivery.
🎶 Which song to check out: Hush Hush. From HUNNY BUZZ’s 2025 EP, Growing Pains, it captures their potential and is one certain to deliver at the live show.
Yangbans
🔊 Yangbans’ sound: Their musical ethos is ‘Pungryu – Wind & Flow’, and the K-rock band capture this through hazy, captivating verses and songs that take you to the reflective space that Yangbans refer to as ‘Myoh (妙)’.
🎶 Which song to check out: Through The Tunnel. A floating intro with a lush guitar plucked over a relaxing vocal and drum pattern before a euphoric chorus.
Joe Butler
🔊 Joe Butler’s sound: Despite still being only 19, Butler has collaborated with several artists in Ireland’s alt-pop scene, and has already released a lot of music with an upbeat vocal style.
🎶 Which song to check out: Iknowthatyoudontknow. The first track on his debut EP, Will It Matter Next Week, instantly grabs your attention with a varied performance and a tasty hook.
Find The Social at 5 Little Portland Street, London W1W 7JD (nearest station is Oxford Circus). You can also purchase an all-access venues wristband, which allows you to enter all the Soho Calling events on February 25. Get the info here.