Northern neo-soul duo Esk is vocalist/songwriter Evie Hill, and pianist/producer Ben Lawrence. Their distinctive and compelling debut album People In Their Simplicity was released in September 2023, combining the rural soundscapes in which they grew up with the jazz influences they discovered later in life. Following sold-out performances at the Vortex Jazz Club and Pizza Express Live Holborn in 2023, the duo will be touring their album throughout 2024. Esk owe their name to an area in Cumbria, where the duo wrote and recorded most of their debut album. The name also pays homage to the artists who have heavily influenced them, such as D’Angelo, Moonchild, Bon Iver, and J Dilla. Their style is
‘esque’: it captures these influences with a sense of longing and yearning that permeates their music. Evie’s lyrics explore the conflict between expectation and reality; Ben’s production combines electronic and acoustic elements which
synthesise opposing musical worlds.