Jazzcat: An Introduction

Jazzcat are an indie-shoegaze band who formed during their time at BIMM Birmingham in 2021 as diploma students. With Jamie Jagger (vocals and guitar) and Eddie Guthrie (guitar and backing vocals) at BIMM Birmingham and Jack Brannon (bass) and Josh Hudson (drummer) now at BIMM London, they are active in both their respective local scenes. Performing at a range of small venues across Birmingham, the band have recently expanded their live presence to the London indie circuit.

Creating original music since 2022, Jazzcat released their debut single ‘Robyn’ in August of 2023. ‘Robyn’ introduces audiences to the signature elements of Jazzcat’s sound, opening with an initial distortion that gives way to rich production, layered vocal harmonies, and funk inspired bass. Their second single ‘Tea & Coffee’ takes a more alternative angle, artfully structured. Alongside their most recent single ‘My Whole Life’, the track has received radio play on BIMM Radio Birmingham. ‘My Whole Life’ brings yet another fresh angle to their catalogue, the pushed timing and distinct surfer vibe of this track letting their funk influences shine through. 

The band draws on influences across a range of genres such as rock, indie and jazz, including Title Fight, Her’s, and Oscar Jerome. Fans of Inhaler and Wallows may enjoy their music.

The final song in their self-titled EP ‘Kill Me Slow’ was released on 26th April. It represents a shift in their artistic direction: the band move away from their shoegaze and funk roots to explore an indie retelling of 80s synth pop. It is easy to see how this song will translate into an enigmatic performance, one not to be missed by fans of The 1975 and Bleachers.

Keep an eye out over the summer for upcoming shows by this budding indie powerhouse!