Tonight on The Artist Hour, we feature Pale Waves, the Manchester band whose darkly romantic blend of indie pop, alternative rock, and 80s-inspired shimmer has made them one of the defining acts of the past decade’s British guitar scene.

Formed in 2014 by Heather Baron-Gracie and Ciara Doran, Pale Waves first gained attention through their connection with The 1975, who helped produce their early material. Their debut album My Mind Makes Noises (2018) introduced a distinctive mix of glossy synths, confessional lyrics, and neon-lit melancholy, a sound that resonated deeply with fans drawn to its mix of pop immediacy and emotional edge.

With Who Am I? (2021) and Unwanted (2022), Pale Waves sharpened their identity, trading dreamy pop for a more guitar-driven, punk-inflected sound. Tracks like Change, Lies, and Jealousy capture that evolution, louder, rawer, and more self-assured while still steeped in the heart-on-sleeve storytelling that defines their music.

Led by Baron-Gracie’s unmistakable voice and lyrical honesty, the band continue to explore love, identity, and the complexities of growing up under the spotlight, all with a cinematic sense of melody that’s both nostalgic and forward-looking.

Tonight’s Artist Hour brings together highlights from across their catalogue, from the glittering early singles to their grittier recent work, an hour celebrating a band that have carved out their own lane in modern alt-pop.

The Artist Hour featuring Pale Waves. Tonight at 8 PM on Today Radio.