Celebrating International Women’s Day with some of the very best female talent in the UK.

Charlotte OC

Charlotte OC has long been celebrated for her ability to craft emotionally charged, cinematic music. Previously signed to Universal, she released two albums and built a devoted fanbase, earning acclaim for her darkly enchanting vocals and storytelling. Now, with a new home at Embassy of Music, she is ready to introduce audiences to a sound that is richer, bolder, and more personal than ever before.

Born to an Irish father and a half-Indian, half-Malawian mother, the Blackburn-raised artist has endured the highs and lows of the music industry, from being signed to a major label at 18 to carving out her own path after being dropped. Following years of personal and professional turmoil—including the loss of her father—she returned home, reclaiming both her identity and her music, resulting in what she calls her most authentic work to date.

Having spent years searching for solid ground, OC now stands on it with confidence. Her music—equal parts grit and grace—channels influences ranging from Patti Smith’s rock and roll spirit to Amy Winehouse’s unfiltered candour, all while maintaining a sound uniquely her own.

Lois

Carving out her own space in the pop landscape, Lois has quickly established herself as an important rising voice amongst the next wave of Northern artists. Navigating topics ranging from grief and trauma to self-exploration and identity through her cathartic alt-pop cuts, the Leeds-based songwriter has honed a lyrical eye for the emotions that often go unspoken. 

Having started songwriting in her teenage years as an outlet for processing experiences that were hard to describe with words, Lois left her small hometown of Morecambe at age 16 to study music in Liverpool. Since debuting with 2023 EP, ‘Strange Men’, the fast-rising singer has captivated audiences with her emotionally literate lyricism and infectious live shows, with sold-out headlines, support shows alongside The Lottery Winners, Etta Marcus, SOFY, and sets at Live At Leeds, and Liverpool Sound City.

Pairing her love for ‘80s pop in Prince and Talking Heads with today’s leading names in Self Esteem and Wolf Alice, Lois’ sophomore EP ‘SEVEN’ saw her let go of the experiences that once defined her and step into a new version of herself. Named as EP Of The Year by BBC Introducing Lancashire and Cumbria, it arrived alongside support from BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, DIY Magazine, The Line of Best Fit, Notion, as well as highlight sets at Kendal Calling and the Royal Albert Hall. Currently preparing for her first headline tour and a series of new releases, 2026 promises to be an exciting year for Lois.