hmv is set to put on free gigs in 110 shops across the UK this Saturday as the entertainment retailer marks National Album Day. More than 160 gigs will be taking place – all featuring local unsigned talent as part of the hmv Live & Local programme. The full list of gigs can be found on the hmv website.
Since the start of the year, more than 1,000 hmv Live & Local gigs have taken place, spotlighting talent and in many cases offering artists their first live platform. India Arkin, the first signing to hmv’s 1921 Records label and a National Album Day ambassador, will perform at the Newcastle store where she was discovered by staff in the first performance of her eight-gig tour.
The tour is in support of her debut record, ‘Home Truths’, which is available in a hmv-exclusive limited edition of 500 and can be pre-ordered online for home or in-store delivery using this link.
India’s ‘Home Truths’ is the first album to be launched on 1921 records, a label that sees hmv harking back to its roots as The Gramophone Company. India was picked as 1921 Records’ first signing after staff saw her perform at the hmv shop in Newcastle and were impressed, describing her as having a similar sound to Laura Marling and Billie Eilish.
The 22-year-old singer-songwriter, originally from Bath, balances writing and performing music with studying Fine Art at the University of Newcastle. India even designed the cover of her new album herself, and the record was mastered and manufactured by Hoxton Vinyl.
India said: “The reception to being signed by 1921 Records was absolutely crazy, and I’m really excited to tour with my incredible band across hmv’s stores. Nothing beats performing the tracks you wrote live, and I can’t wait to show everyone my new music.”
