Ruth Lyon

“Future Artists” BBC R1 / Jack Saunders

“Chamber pop artist and songwriter Ruth Lyon positions herself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry” – Wonderland Magazine

“A refreshing slice of leftfield alt-pop that’s full of heart” – Rhys Buchanan, Glastonbury Emerging Talent

“A fitting star for a city that shines brighter than most” – Secret Meeting

Newcastle’s Ruth Lyon celebrates strength in vulnerability and the allure of imperfection, challenging societal norms and igniting a journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment – all unravelling through offbeat anti-folk, commanded by her soulful vocals and witty yet raw lyricism; influenced by such acts as Fiona Apple, Aldous Harding and Regina Spektor.

Lyon grew up in North Yorkshire, before moving to Newcastle Upon Tyne to study Fashion Design. Meanwhile, she began fronting the cult folk-rockers Holy Moly & The Crackers, with which she has toured the UK and Europe extensively.

She began developing her solo music in 2020, when she was invited to be artist in residence at The Glasshouse. Soon after came lockdown, and while she was shielding, she slowly built a new musical identity from the confines of her bedroom. For her last release Direct Debit To Vogue (2022), Lyon collaborated with Bristol producer John Parish, who has notably worked with PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding and This Is The Kit.

Another key inspiration came when Lyon made her USA debut at SXSW TX in March 2022. She spoke on a panel and performed at a showcase with fellow Disabled artists Eliza Hull and Lachi, from Australia and the US respectively. Here, she heard brand new perspectives on community and accessibility, and was deeply moved to witness the performances from her fellow artists which spoke to their own experiences. “It was almost like a spiritual thing for me,” she says. “I came back and realised this career is so much bigger than myself. I think I have a duty to push this as far as I can and to be as honest as I can.” She harnessed this in a burst of writing upon her return, completing Direct Debit To Vogue with a new commitment to her authentic voice. She says, “I wanted to evoke the feeling of the kinda music that just punches you in the gut — I want to emotionally drag some stuff out of people.”

Since the release Lyon has received accolades from the likes of PRS Women Make Music and has received airplay from BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music, as well as invites to perform at The Great Escape, Latitude Festival, Secret Garden Party, Greenbelt and Glastonbury. She has been nominated and shortlisted for the 2024 Disability Power 100. She has just returned from recording her debut album, again with John Parish, for release in 2025, as well has recording an exclusive BBC live session at Abbey Road.

Over the years, Lyon has established herself as a key and active member of the Newcastle music scene, including in her role on the Board of Trustees at The Glasshouse. “Because there isn’t a lot of industry up here, it can feel like you have to move to London to be successful,” she says. “But I’m really proud of the musicians that are trying to make it so we can be established, we can be successful, and we can make good art in the North.” She has also advocated for the Disabled community in her work as an ambassador for Attitude Is Everything, a charity that aims to improve accessibility for Deaf and Disabled people in live music; Lyon herself has been a wheelchair user since the age of 21.