Credit: Nici Eberl
VILLANELLE begin 2026 with a host of international tastemaker support at press and an inclusion in Radio 1’s Future Artists Ones To Watch With Sian Eleri plus repeated spins from John Kenndey at Radio X and SiriusXM. Now the British trio continue that momentum as they announce the May 6th release of their debut EP ‘Measly Means’ and share new single ‘Placebo’.
After releasing their first two singles, ‘Hinge’ and ‘Measly Means’, VILLANELLE have emerged as one of the standout ones to watch on the young alt-rock scene. And ‘Placebo’, only amplifies that: a maelstrom of gritty riffs and explosive sonics with an instantly-addictive hook. Ben Taylor (guitar) and Jack Schiavo (bass) provide the heavy wall-of-sound foundation that allows Gene Gallagher’s charismatic vocals and guitar to lead the charge.
Of the new track, Gene says, “’Placebo’ is about heightened visualizations of post session anxiety.”
VILLANELLE’s three tracks to date will feature on their debut EP ‘Measly Means’ (out May 6th), alongside two new songs. The EP marks the band’s first major release, drawing on influences from Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins,resulting in a forward-thinking collection of raw, coolly confident songs.
On the live front, 2025 saw the band playing a run of sold-out headline shows and gigs with the likes of Pastel and Overpass. VILLANELLE started 2026 finishing up a tour with Miles Kane and confirming a BBC Music Introducing Presents show at London’s Lower Third on March 5th. The rest of their touring plans so far include high profile festivals such as Boardmasters, Neighbourhood Weekender and Victorious Festival plus international dates at the Governor’s Ball, Bonnaroo and Mad Cool Festival.
More dates to be announced soon but confirmed dates are as follows:
March 5th – London, Lower Third – BBC Music Introducing Presents show
April 4th – Stockton-On-Tees, Stockton Calling Festival
May 11th – Dublin, Road To The Great Escape
May 15th – Brighton, The Great Escape
May 24th – Warrington, Neighbourhood Weekender
June 6th – New York City, Governor’s Ball
June 12th – Tennessee, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
July 8th – Madrid, Mad Cool Festival
July 18th-19th – Nottinghamshire, Splendour Festival
August 8th – Newquay, Boardmasters Festival
August 29th – Portsmouth, Victorious Festival
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