NCH Presents: Tanita Tikaram

Support Act: Lucy McWilliams

Tanita Tikaram shot to fame at just 18 years old with a unique string of hit songs that showcased her remarkable voice and reflected the independence of the late 1980’s/early 90’s, defying previous female music stereotypes and defining her in the eyes of music history. Twist In My Sobriety has racked up over 73 million streams.

Embarking on her first full tour since 2019, Tanita Tikaram explores her extraordinary back catalogue in new ways, showcasing her journey from the 18-year-old who released multi-million selling ‘Ancient Heart’ through to sequel ‘LIAR (Love Isn’t A Right)’ which will be released on 10 October 2025. 

Tanita will be backed on the tour by a specially created 21st century chamber band featuring Helen O’Hara (Violin, The Charlatans/Dexys midnight Runners), Marc Pell (Drums, Mount Kimbie), Andy Monaghan (Bass, Frightened Rabbit), Zosia Jagodzinska (Cello), Midori Jaeger (Cello), Chris Roberts (Guitar)and Bartek Glowacki (Accordian).

The long-awaited new album reveals the emotional and societal differences between the woman Tanita was to the woman she is today, taking in four decades of life experience. It is an album of haunting beauty and exquisite musicianship underplaying her unique voice that tells a masterful story of emotional, political and personal truths.

When it was released in 1988, the multi-million selling ‘Ancient Heart’ was the story of an uncertain 18-year-old brown gay woman living in middle England feeling like a stranger in her own home. Almost 40 years later that same woman, now feeling like a stranger in her own country as politics and society become more divisive. ‘LIAR (Love Isn’t A Right)’ is a full circle moment: a comment on community and its importance for all our futures and the perfect accompaniment to her classic breakthrough.

Lucy McWilliams

Ireland has a rich history when it comes to storytelling. And so, it’s perhaps no surprise that Dublin-born singer-songwriter Lucy McWilliams makes music steeped in candour, her sweet vocal lithe and mellifluous as she sings about the joys and pains of letting yourself be open to love. Her songs – which have over 16 million streams on Spotify alone – do not sit neatly under one genre; expansive indie, slinky R&B, swaying acoustic pop, ‘90s-rom-com-style rock, all find a home in her sound. “I think the sound changes a lot, because singing is my instrument,” “I’m really influenced by what’s around me, what I’m listening to, but I think the themes I’m talking about through my music are always the same.” What unites McWilliams’ music is a knack for heart-on-sleeve dissection of her thoughts; be it singing about loneliness, relationships, mental health, these are magic songs that, at their core, are about the act of loving.

After moving to London, she was ready to release music, collaborating with her producer friend Charlie Hugall on a slew of singles that have garnered plenty of buzz with their soft intimacy. 2024 saw the release of her EP, Third Second Chance, featuring work from Zach Dawes (known for his work with the likes of Lana Del Rey and The Last Shadow Puppets). Travelling to LA to work with Dawes, their collaboration has allowed McWilliams to explore her sharper edges.

This is the sound of an artist stepping into a new era, still open and tender but with a sense of assured self-respect running through it. Having already supported the likes of Arlo Parks and Jake Isaac, Inhaler and Two Door Cinema Club as well as playing festival dates and gigs across Ireland, London and Paris, this is just the beginning of Lucy McWilliams’ journey. But while the sounds might change along with tone and mood, the central philosophy of her work will always be the same.

Presented by NCH