London’s back in one of those moods where everything’s happening at once. Avalon Emerson is trading techno for something softer at Islington Assembly Hall, JID lands in Brixton with his trademark, experimental rap built on funk and soul, and 2manydjs are back at KOKO promising a show as fresh as it was in 2002. There’s also the genuinely exciting new(ish) indie band in Slag, plus Bradley Zero and a disco night that insists you bring an Easter egg.
Can’t make any of them? Have a look at what else to get up to this weekend: we regularly compile guides to enjoy the capital — from activities that don't include drinking, things to do on a budget, or hidden gems for those who believe they’ve worn out the city (they haven't).
The best London gigs this week
Top Pick: Avalon Emerson
Islington Assembly Hall, April 2
For anyone who associates the name Avalon Emerson with thumping techno, her transition into the 2026 answer to Phoebe Bridgers might feel a little disorientating — but the established American producer and DJ, pictured at the top of the page, is well and truly a woman who can do both. In fact, you’ve probably already heard her delicate astrological love song, Jupiter and Mars, which has gone viral thanks to its TikTok and Reels popularity. Don’t let that put you off: she really is very good. She’ll be playing this version of herself at Islington Assembly Hall, so don’t go hoping for any oonts-oonts, I’m pretty sure she’s left them at home.
Slag
The George Tavern, April 3
When five friends clasped hands on Brighton beach in 2023 and vowed to finally release their music, Slag was born. The fledgling indie rock band have been steadily making waves in the three years since, particularly following the recent release of their debut EP, Losing, which is their most developed work yet. With androgynous vocals and whimsical math-rock tendencies, Slag are exactly what the indie music scene needs right now, evoking the spirit of the early 2010s (Foals, Swim Deep) while also maintaining a more modern newness (Fontaines DC). Curious? They’ll be playing at The George Tavern on Good Friday night.
JID
O2 Academy Brixton, April 2
East Atlanta rapper JID made a name for himself in the late 2010s as he carved out a space in the US rap scene away from the pervasive dominance of trap. Inspired by his parents' collection of classic funk and soul LPs, JID’s sound was fuller, more experimental, and featured an impressively fluid rap style. His releases have caught the attention of J Cole, who signed JID to his label Dreamville Records back in 2017, and critic Anthony Fantano, who hailed The Forever Story as “the best rap album of the 2020s”. All of that is to say: JID’s kinda a big deal.
2manydjs
KOKO, April 4
There comes a time in every great DJ's career when they decide they’ve earned themselves an alter ego. Caribou is also Daphni, Four Tet is also KH, Deadmau5 is also Testpilot; you get the idea. For dance-punk and electro-clash duo Soulwax, that alter ego is 2manydjs, and it's existed for nearly as long as Soulwax has (take this as a mark of their brilliance, honestly). Their first EP, As Heard on Radio Soulwax Pt 2, remains a cult classic today – the kind of mix that earns constant “Who’s still listening in 2026?” comments on YouTube – and 2manydjs remain as plugged in as they were back in 2002. For a guaranteed good time, get yourself down to Koko to see them spinning this Saturday.
Rhythm Section with Bradley Zero
Palais, April 3
Which is the best new club in London? Lost? Palais? The XOYO refurb? Firstly, thank god that there are any new clubs given the current state of nightlife affairs. All have their own appeal, but Palais is really starting to emerge as head and shoulders above the rest. The 500-person capacity club features a state-of-the-art Funktion-One sound system, phone-free dancefloor, and stylish bar-cum-listening space up top. It’s also got some very good upcoming programming, including local legend Bradley Zero’s Rhythm Section night this Friday.
Don’t F*** With Disco
Magazine London, April 4
This does-what-it-says-on-the-tin London club night has been running for four years and has built up quite a fanbase for its silly funk and soul-infused parties. For example, the Don’t F*** With Disco nights often come with their own dress codes or rules. This time around that rule is “No egg, no entry”, with all Easter eggs surrendered set to be donated to food banks. Meanwhile, the dress code is “colour, sparkle, colour, sparkle”, with the added guidance of “This is a disco... not a funeral.” You know the music, you know the rules, you know what to wear – now you just need a ticket.
