GET TO KNOW: Calva Louise (Ahead of Noizzefest 2026)

Back in 2024, BBC Radio 1 dubbed CALVA LOUISE as one of the “Artists You Need to Know”. In the past twelve months, they’ve proved that to be true and then some. Formed in 2016, London-based band CALVA LOUISE have showcased the malleability of music genres and creativity, synthesising punk, electronica, and Latin American folk music. Comprised of lead singer and guitarist Jess Allanic from Venezuela, drummer Ben Parker from New Zealand and bassist Alizon Taho from France, they bring a breath of fresh air to the UK’s music culture, showcasing the positives of our multicultural society and the beauty in community within the music industry. 

Their music showcases Allanic’s fictional world, conceived when she was 10 years old, as the listener follows the journey of the story’s central character, Louise. It doesn’t stop at music - they’ve published graphic novels, with art done by Allanic. Their creative force is not one to be reckoned with, and the world is starting to take notice of them.

They’ve built a name for themselves in the UK and international live circuit, continuing to grow in popularity and in their sound and identity. Headlining the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading and Leeds in 2021, as well as supporting artists like VUKOVI in their 2024 US tour and BLOODYWOOD in their 2025 sold-out EU tour, it could only go up from here for CALVA LOUISE. 2025 started with an electric performance at Shiprocked Festival in the USA, ending 2024 with festival performances at 2000 Trees, Download Festival and Sonic Temple. Last year, they joined the likes of MILITARIE GUN and WITCH FEVER to become Out OF Rage cover alumni.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDVQf25iyopvc&v=VQf25iyopvc

Set to tour the UK this Spring to commemorate their latest album, Edge of the Abyss, their journey hasn’t been easy in order to make it to where they are now, as one misstep would send them over the abyss. Their DIY grit, as demonstrated through Allanic’s sliding keyboard setup built by Taho and Allanic’s self-taught VFX and video editing skills to fully showcase the universe they were building, shows how determined they were to realise their musical style and creative worldbuilding. 

2026 is already off to a great start for CALVA LOUISE, as they’re set to headline Noizzefest in Cardiff, joined by HELL HOTEL, KNIVES and HAGGARD CAT, amongst others in a stacked lineup, set to grace the heart of Cardiff with their electrifying and energetic sound. Committed to supporting musicians in the UK and fostering community within the rock and alternative music scene, it’s set to be a day filled with killer riffs and lots of movement. 

Alongside their headliner tour across the UK and headlining Noizzefest, the rest of this year is set to treat CALVA LOUISE with the respect that they deserve, after a decade of hard work, creativity and constant living on the edge as three people from opposing corners of the world tried to make it work in the scene where they found each other. They’re set to perform at Copenhell this June, one month after they wrap up their UK tour, joining FAETOOTH, MASTODON, VOLBEAT and BRING ME THE HORIZON, among others in what’s sure to be a packed weekend at Copenhagen. With upcoming performances at Sun and Thunder Festival in Spain, Plane R Fest and Kave Fest in France, CALVA LOUISE’s multicultural and fluid sound is set to grace the European continent, and indeed the rest of the world.

Knowing what we know now about CALVA LOUISE, you’d be insane not to follow them by this point. We’re looking forward to seeing their universe and sound continue to grow, and their fanbase grow with them.

Words: Atoosa Salamat

Cover Photo: Simon Arinze for Out Of Rage