12 Jul 2025
After a career spent in banking, a devoted live music fan is fulfilling his dream of being part of the music industry.
James Berrecloth has organised the first Escape to the City all-dayer at St Albans’ iconic Pioneer Club on Saturday September 20, as a showcase for new up-and-coming local talent alongside amazing bands from further afield.
His love of music dates back to when he was just eight years old and discovered Ska, later embracing goth and the alternative indie scene, including bands like Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine and Sultans of Ping FC.
“I just really, really loved music, and then life changed. I was sent to Japan and Singapore with the investment bank I was working for, I got married, I had kids, and music was pushed out of my life for a period.
“And then my kids grew up, my career in banking is coming to its natural conclusion, and during Covid something in my brain switched. I realised I was missing out on things, started to contemplate my life and where it was going, and started to get back into listening to live music.
“I ended up going to the first Latitude Festival after Covid restrictions were lifted, and I started to realise there are an awful lot of new bands I’d never heard of out there, who are making really, really good music.
“That fuelled my interested, and I started to go to a lot of gigs and festivals, and once again I’ve become absolutely passionate about music. But I also go out of my way to talk to the bands, their management and their agents, and while getting to know them I’ve built up contacts within the live music scene.”
With his banking career coming to an end in a year’s time, James realised he couldn’t spend his time sitting around at home all the time, so decided to relaunch himself into the music industry and give something back.
“One of the things I want to do is get into a position where I can actually support the bands and focus on their success rather than personal gain.
“However, I couldn’t wait until I left banking to start my new journey, so I thought of putting on an event so I can build my experience. This is something I thought I could manage while still working, and then potentially expand into band management at a later date. I decided to start local with a view to and reinvigorate the local music scene at the same time.
“I wanted to have a go at doing a one-day music event, so I spoke to the Pioneer Club, sold them my vision and booked the space. The Pioneer Club has the same ethos as me in their role of giving back to the community through their charity work, so it felt like a good fit. Since then it’s been a bit of a roller coaster but I’m loving every minute of it!”
Escape to the City will see 13 bands across two stages, all playing alternative music, with the headliners a band called Picture Parlour, who are on the verge of becoming a household name after recently supporting The Last Dinner Party.
“I think there are a lot of people in and around St Albans who like music, but don’t get the opportunity to experience new material because going into London’s a bit of a faff and expensive. I think if you create something local people will give it a go, and if they enjoy it, they’ll try it again.
“So it goes from rock music all the way through to alternative pop and beautiful harmonies sung to just amazing soulful music, and everything in between.”
The line-up on the day includes:
Picture Parlour: Channelling the swagger of ‘70s glam with a modern bite through raw, electrifying rock’n’roll: “I’m lucky to have such a great act headlining the event.”
Kodi: High-energy indie rock influenced by the likes of Kings of Leon, Sam Fender and Catfish and the Bottlemen. “They’re all from St Albans and they’ve just released their second single.”
Leona Rue: A local act bending introspective storytelling with powerful, melodic hooks, exploring themes of self-discovery, heartbreak and resilience. “A little bit indie grunge with a just amazing, beautiful voice.”
Luna Maii: “Another local act who’s very soulful,” with an emphasis on cool vibes and heart-touching lyrics.
Dear Tash: Alternative powerhouse artist, more than just another female fronted rock band, with a sound that fuses raw alternative rock energy with deeply personal storytelling.
Kitz Fitz: An alt-pop artist who turns her most personal experience into captivating, cinematic soundscapes using enchanting synth-pop melodies and syncopated beats.
Kynsy: Cheeking indie rock that blends ‘90s influences with dancefloor energy, drawing comparisons to New Young Pony Club and Wet Leg.
Lilith Ai: Bringing together elements of bedroom pop, anti-folk and indie rock. “I seriously cannot stop listening to Lilith, she is sooo good.”
Lilo: Arresting harmonies and rich instrumentation reflecting the live of 20-somethings in and out of love and luck. “They’re beautiful. They’re my all-time favourite band.”
The Itch: Moody synth-pop and chaotic noise. “The best thing that has ever come out of Luton.”
Retrop*ssy: Hip hop and punk mixed with sweat and eye contact, exploring womanhood from the middle of the moshpit.
Y: An eclectic, unpredictable sound playfully described as “wonk rock”, “Gameboy thrash” and even “Egyptian wedding music”.
Bridget.: A force of nature, 23-year-old grunge powerhouse Bridget. effortlessly commands audiences with her electric stage presence.
Escape from the City is being sponsored by our very own EYES on St Albans, and owner Jez Levy said: “When James approached me with his ideas around Escape to the City supporting and encouraging grassroots music and making this a collaborative initiative for a whole day under one roof, I jumped at the chance of EYES on St Albans being involved.
“I understand tickets are already being purchased in advance, demonstrating the appetite for this kind of event, here’s to a successful days music paving the way to future local opportunities..!!’
Find out more at https://www.twohatsmanagement.co.uk/two-hats-festival-2025
For tickets visit: https://wegottickets.com/event/660035
