Breakthrough Week

TAM Announces Breakthrough Week: A Celebration of London’s Future Sound

June 2–8, 2025 | Temple of Art & Music, Elephant & Castle

As London gears up for a summer of cultural innovation, the Temple of Art and Music (TAM) proudly announces Breakthrough Week — a 7-day celebration of live music, discovery, and independent artistry. Taking place from June 2–8, TAM’s 5th-year milestone event will shine a spotlight on the raw, the bold, and the next wave of musicians shaping the sound of London.

The week coincides with London’s global festival energy, offering a grassroots counterpoint to the tech-and-trend buzz of the city. While Shoreditch looks outward, TAM is recording what’s being born right here in South London.

Breakthrough Week also marks the launch of TAM’s Made in London initiative: a curated archive of live-recorded sets, EPs, and video sessions from breakthrough and legacy artists alike.

Festival Highlights:

🎸 Monday, June 2 – Unsigned & Dangerous
An explosive showcase of unsigned talent that’s ready to break — featuring dangerously good artists waiting to be discovered. Expect future stars, captured live for Made in London: The Next Wave.

🎹 Tuesday, June 3 – Asha Presents: Word of Mouth
A global jazz-fusion collective led by Asha 'Keys' Elfenbein. A night of genre-blending improvisation, rooted in jazz, rare groove, house, salsa and more — with an open jam for visiting musicians.

🎤 Wednesday, June 4 – TAM Open Mic + Showcase
Where the unexpected takes centre stage. Voices, verses and virtuosity from across the capital. The audience becomes the scene.

🎹 Thursday, June 5 – Blues & Boogie Woogie Jam with Dino Baptiste
Dino, who played alongside Dana Gillespie at SXSW Austin, returns to lead a night of pure musical joy. Think Ray Charles energy in an underground London club.

🌍 Friday, June 6 – The Clave: Global Sounds of London
A cultural collision of salsa, drill, afrobeat, rap, and soul. A genre-crossing celebration of London's sonic identity.

🎸 Saturday, June 7 – The Great Blues Jam (Tech Meets Tradition)
Featuring artists staying relevant through AI, tech and modern tools — a meeting of heritage and innovation. As part of the evening, TAM will debut a groundbreaking AI-generated music video for Dana Gillespie’s Andy Warhol (Live), reimagining the legendary track written for her by David Bowie. The video, created using advanced AI, symbolically brings Bowie and Warhol back to life — a tribute to creativity, nostalgia, and what the future of music can become. In the spirit of SXSW, which celebrates the convergence of art, tech and music, this moment stands as a cultural time capsule and creative provocation.

🎶 Sunday, June 8 – Singers: Real Voices x New Tools
Closing with a night of soul, connection, and singer-songwriters who are embracing new creative frontiers.

Headline Release: Dana Gillespie – Andy Warhol (Live)

A major moment of Breakthrough Week is the release of Dana Gillespie’s Andy Warhol (Live), recorded at TAM. Originally written for her by David Bowie, and performed after her landmark SXSW Austin debut, the track is part of TAM’s Made in London campaign.

"We're not officially part of the big tech festivals — and that’s the point. We’re documenting real music in real time, from a city that has always led from the underground," says TAM’s founder.

About TAM

Located inside Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant & Castle, the Temple of Art and Music has hosted over 1,400 shows and welcomed more than 50,000 attendees. Now in its 5th year, TAM is committed to recording, releasing, and amplifying the voices that shape London’s creative future.

TAM is a proud member of the Music Venues Alliance, part of the Music Venue Trust, working to protect and champion grassroots music venues across the UK.

Disclaimer

Breakthrough Week at TAM is not affiliated with SXSW London. While our event takes place during the same week and shares similar themes of music, technology, and cultural convergence, it is an independent celebration of London’s grassroots music scene. Some of our featured artists, such as Dana Gillespie and Dino Baptiste, have previously performed at SXSW Austin. As a proud grassroots venue and member of the Music Venues Alliance, we warmly welcome all visitors to SXSW London and invite them to discover the raw creative power thriving in South London.