Iris & Steel

Introducing Iris & Steel, an English indie folk group who blend soulful strings, sophisticated songwriting and rich vocal harmonies to create a timeless and original sound. Based in London, the all-female quartet comprises guitarist Lydia Higman, lead vocalist Olivia Poust, cellist George Lloyd-Owen and violinist Athena Hawksley-Walker. Iris & Steel performed to a packed-out stage at Latitude Festival in July 2023, after being personally invited to perform by George Ezra, who discovered the band on Spotify earlier this year. They formed part of Ezra’s specially curated line-up for The Alcove - the stage billed by Latitude as discovering the stars of tomorrow. Musically, Iris & Steel draw their inspiration from the likes of Big Thief, First Aid Kit, The Chicks, Johnny Flynn and The Staves, though the band are much more than a list of influences; their music bears its own distinctive style. Blending the heartfelt intimacy of indie folk with touches of Americana, country, blues, rock, and even punk, what sets Iris & Steel apart is their unique combination of instruments. Each plays a clear and essential role which, coupled with storytelling lyricism and warm, soulful melodies gives the band a rich and dynamic sound that deeply resonates with listeners and captivates live audiences. Iris & Steel began composing and performing together at University in 2017. After first sharing their music via YouTube and Instagram during lockdown in isolation from their respective homes, and recording, self-producing and releasing their debut single ‘Two Steps Behind’ entirely remotely, the band funded their debut EP ‘What People Do’ via Kickstarter last year, an entirely self-recorded and self-produced project.