In this episode of The Next Wave Podcast, Alicia Tomkinson sits down with Scottish-born artist and producer Cyrano to explore the evolution of his sound and the stories behind his new EP, Limitations. Known for crafting “music for late-night overthinkers,” Cyrano reflects on how each track maps a different city from his travels, revealing the emotions and experiences that shaped his songwriting.

In this episode of The Next Wave Podcast, host Alicia Tomkinson speaks with artist Lois about her musical journey, the evolution of her identity as an artist, and the importance of empowerment through music. Lois shares her experiences growing up in Morecambe, her transition from the artist name Juju to Lois, and how her life experiences have shaped her music. They discuss the challenges of navigating the music industry, the impact of social media, and the significance of physical music sales in an era dominated by streaming. Lois emphasizes the supportive music community in Leeds and reflects on the importance of authenticity in her artistry. The conversation concludes with Lois sharing her thoughts on embracing uncertainty in life and music.

In this month’s Next Wave Podcast, we sit down with George from Big Image—a band rewriting their story, one stage at a time. Formerly known as Ivory Wave, Big Image talk candidly about how a name change during lockdown became a bold new chapter, how they're navigating the wild west of the modern music industry, and why nothing beats the buzz of a sweaty festival tent full of new fans.

In this episode, host Alicia Tomkinson sits down with London-via-New Zealand producer, multi-instrumentalist, and sonic explorer Anna (aka AUNCE). Since relaunching her career in 2024, AUNCE has been busy stitching together shimmering analog synths, field-recorded textures, and fearless collaborations that amplify women and gender-minority voices in music. From dismantling hierarchical studio culture to embracing AI as a creative co-pilot, she invites us into a workflow where curiosity—not convention—sets the tempo.