Red Tangent Records will present a night of powerful music and personal storytelling at Bristol Beacon on the 17th of May. The label was founded in early 2021 by the team behind the music-based rehabilitation charity Changing Tunes. This showcase brings together ten artists, each with a story shaped by struggle, transformation and creativity. Through genre-defying performances, the evening promises raw energy, connection and a celebration of music’s radical power.
Since its debut showcase in June 2022, Red Tangent has formed partnerships with organisations like Youth Music and the Prisoners Advice Service, focusing on young people aged 18–25 navigating difficult personal histories. Many of the artists involved have had limited access to education and resources, facing stigma due to their pasts. Red Tangent exists to challenge these narratives and show that where you come from doesn’t define where you’re going.
The label’s impact extends beyond the studio. It runs creative programmes in custodial settings like HMP Swinfen Hall, offering young men in prison the tools to develop artistic and professional skills. Through collaborations with community organisations, Red Tangent provides mentoring and creates inclusive spaces where music is not just a hobby but a future. Each part of the process is rooted in a trauma-informed approach, ensuring artists are met with care, dignity and real opportunities.
The artists performing have faced barriers often ignored by the music industry—many have been impacted by the criminal justice system, while others have grown up in poverty, trauma or systemic disadvantage. Yet, all share a deep commitment to their craft and a belief that their stories deserve to be heard. This event is more than a gig; it’s a statement that music can be a lifeline and a path to healing.
Inclusivity is the core of everything Red Tangent does. The label actively seeks out underrepresented voices, many from racially diverse and working-class backgrounds. Artists at Red Tangent are empowered to take control of their careers, co-writing their contracts and learning about their legal rights. With over 400,000 Spotify streams since its inception, Red Tangent is proving that audiences crave authenticity. These aren’t just numbers—they represent the growing demand for voices that too often go unheard, and the undeniable power of music to effect change.
The showcase at Bristol Beacon will feature a powerful mix of genres—from acoustic folk and grime to rap, pop and metal-infused hip-hop. Among the performers is Lanarkshire-born Ryan Kershaw, a singer-songwriter known for his moving alt-folk style. Early in his music career, Red Tangent Records offered Ryan a lifeline, providing the support and mentorship that helped him develop as an artist. Today, he is the Label Manager, building partnerships, scouting new talent and mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Also performing on the night will be Bristol’s EL01SE, a 20-year-old multi-genre powerhouse whose emotionally honest songwriting has already taken her to festival stages and support slots for artists like Will Young and Natalie Imbruglia. Rapper Nelly Nellz, with his intense and melodic flow, brings high energy after his debut track ‘Step Aside; gained traction. Barry Toghill, whose music is deeply rooted in lived experience, crafts songs that speak to resilience and hope. Krystina’s catchy pop and magnetic stage presence make her a must-see, while Luke McCarthy, raised in Birmingham’s Irish community, offers poetic reflections shaped by reggae and hip-hop influences. Konz369’s acoustic-rooted rap channels the spirit of Bob Dylan and The Specials, exploring life’s complexities with compassion. Lawless, a seasoned artist from Brighton’s underground scene, brings a unique blend of trap, grime and lo-fi. Londoner Prince Alfy, now based in Bristol, uses hip-hop to address themes of trauma, society and self-growth, with his latest project Prince of Gotham featuring over 20 collaborators. Finally, Wak Therapists, born in the prison system, close the lineup with their explosive Groove-Hop sound—a fierce blend of metal and rap that demands to be seen, heard and felt.
Tickets for the showcase are available here. A label playlist may be streamed here.
