Luce Mawdsley

Hailed as “the Merseyside Morricone” by Uncut, Luce Mawdsley’s dramatic Americana soundscapes refracted through a Northwestern English coastal lens find their fullest, most moving form yet on a record dedicated to Luce’s late mother. Six wordlessly poetic compositions for guitar, lap steel, strings, horns and percussion, made in the shadow of grief and a search for solace and meaning. Originally from Formby, Merseyside and now based in Liverpool, Luce first started making music as a percussionist in school, forging an early love for the soundtracks of Western movies and television shows through whipping a chair with a belt to the theme tune from Rawhide. Upon picking up the guitar, they began to find their principle and most potent vessel of expression – first with the prog band Cavalier Song, then as part of experimental duo Mésange together with violinist Agathe Max. Experiences each which not only helped open Luce’s mind to music making in all its limitless possibilities and forms, but also “changed my life, how I felt in my own body, how I could feel,” they reflect, “all of which had an impact on me later coming out as nonbinary”. Luce Mawdsley’s first album under their own name, 2024’s Northwest & Nebulous – released on their own label Pure O Records – was widely hailed by critics for its “heady, droney atmospheres” (The Quietus), “fluid, folk-tinged instrumentals” (Mojo, ★★★★), and “triumph of imagination” (The Skinny, ★★★★). It was followed in September 2026 by the three-track EP Dream, Baby Butch, composed for Becky Manson’s film on Catherine Opie, all proceeds from which will go to Liverpool LGBTQ+ charity Sahir.