Varv (IT)
Varv is a duo composed of Andrea Cappi on keys and Francesco Mascolo on drums, and it’s a crossover project in which the jazz background of both musicians is stripped of its traditional characteristics and used to explore more experimental territories, between electronica and progressive. Their music tends to evoke slightly dystopian landscapes, in which written song parts alternate with sound manipulations and improvisations. In 2022, they released the first single Permeability. In 2024, they released the single Limestone, which anticipates the first album Lowlands, published by the belgian Off Record label in the same year.
Leona Berlin (DE)
Berlin-based singer and producer, Leona Berlin, mesmerizes with her atmospherically dense alternative R'n'B. Rooted in hip hop and soul, she effortlessly blends genres, crafting a unique sound universe of passionate melodies and groovy dance tracks. Leona's authentic lyrics resonate with many, as she aims for depth and honesty in an era dominated by social media.
Following her debut with Warner Music in 2018 she has collaborated with artists such as Snoop Dogg and Ray Angry from The Roots. Her second album titled "Change" (November 2021) features contributions from NYC rapper Stimulus and LA keyboardist Rob Araujo earning a spot on the German Record Critics Award" bestlist for 2022. Other artists Leona collaborated with include Casey Benjamin (Robert Glaser Experiemnt), Gregory Hutchinson and Karriem Riggins, which testify to her incredible musical range as a singer, songwriter and producer. Her third studio album is underway, with the first single „WHO?“ released in October, followed by more in the coming months.
Leona has graced various stages and festivals, including Women of the World Festival, TEDx, and Xjazz Festival. Supporting acts like Al Jarreau, PJ Morton, and Lisa Stansfield, she leaves a lasting impression on her audiences.
Realized with the support of the National Cultural Fund and Liveurope.
Call Me Unique is a singer / songwriter heavily influenced by jazz, soul and the forgotten art of jazz scat-singing. Combining these elements with modern rap, beautiful melodies and soulful, thought-provoking lyrics, delivered by a voice of breathtaking beauty over her subtle guitar arrangements, her sound truly is "unique". Described as merging the sounds of Ed Sheeran "loop pedal style" and Ella Fitzgerald inspired scatting - clever hints of idols Lisa Lopes, Lauren Hill and Ella Fitzgerald, her shows always leave her audiences wanting more.
Born in Manchester and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham. Call Me Unique aka "Callmeunique" has sung from a very young age but picked up the guitar at 16 years old. Ever since has been travelling around Europe often solo but occasionally backed by full band. Renowned for her love of scatting and impromptu performances, whether it be a bus shelter or a stadium of 1000's, she has always aimed to portray an honest and heartfelt performance to any willing crowd. "Call Me Unique" has had the opportunity to play at such well known UK festivals as Glastonbury 2013 and even European Festival's such as NewSkoolRules 2015 (Hip Hop Fest in Rotterdam) and Music Camp 2013, supporting Polish superstar Bednarek. From this to regular touring in and around Hungary as guest vocalist on stages with Budapest favourites: "Amoeba Band" / "Soulclap Budapest" and many more, 2015 saw Call Me Unique reach many stretches of Europe for many a musical collaborations, appearances and adventures.
The "Genting Arena" (formally titled the "LG Arena") in Birmingham have had Call Me Unique as one of their regular's, opening the Genting Forum's for international artists such as: Rihanna, Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Jessie J and many more!
Alongside being heavily backed by the support of BBC 1XTRA's DJ Target and the 1xtra team as "1 to Watch" she has been BBC 1xtra playlisted as TRACK OF THE WEEK with her signature single: "The Wife" by BBC INTRODUCING. Then following the BBC 1xtra playlisted the single collaborative track "Time To Love" by Monkeyneck feat. Call Me Unique (Nov 2015). Call Me Unique is currently supported by PRS for Music Foundation for the distribution, promotion and tour of "Urban Gypsy 2" EP (2016-2017).
