Independent Band Night @ Kola

Join us in Pompey on the 22nd of October for a special independent band night. We have three local Portsmouth-based bands on the bill, as well as alternative musician and event host Charlie Smith. If you like to support unsigned bands and check out some local talent on the music scene, this is the event for you.

This event is part of the 'When I grow up I don't want to be anything at all tour' which seeks to promote local grassroots music, not only by featuring talented musicians but also by fundraising for the music venue trust. Charlie Smith will be donating £1 for every album and T-shirt sale to support the vital work that they do. Thanks in advance for your support.

Tickets are priced at £8 ADV and £10 OTD, with all profits from the event going to the bands playing on the bill.

Come along and support the local scene.


Tea With Florence
Five lads from Portsmouth playing alt rock bangers. Formed from humble-pop-project-beginnings in 2022, Tea With Florence has grown into a chaotic ensemble of alt rock power that has stomped around Portsmouth since. Followers of melodic principles blending dynamics both subtle smooth, and thrashing trash; while being supported by a rhythm section that likes a dirty groove. We aim to have fun and break your heart. Previously loved at Icebreaker Festival, Recfest, Express FM and across Portsmouth and Brighton. For fans of Nothing But Thieves, Foals and Wunderhorse.

Dead Authors
Weaving introspective lyrics with dynamic soundscapes, Dead Authors explore the human experience through music, each track a new story in their sonic anthology. Known for their genre-fluid sound, they blend rich vocal harmonies with everything from life-affirming folk-rock to tempestuous progressive epics. The band’s studio journey began with the release of their debut singles "Spinning" (2019) and "Honesty" (2020). Following a prolific string of singles throughout the early 2020s, to 2023. The band captured the raw energy of their stage show with the 2024 live album Buried Alive, recorded at The Harlington in Fleet. This momentum culminated later that same year with the release of their anticipated debut EP, First Draft. Never ones to stand still, Dead Authors are currently back in the studio crafting their next musical instalment. Their follow-up EP is slated for release in February 2027, promising to turn the page on a bold new era of their evolving sound. FFO: Alkaline Trio, Placebo, Alexisonfire, Nirvana, Deaf Havana



Charlie Smith
My name might be common, but my style is alternative. I’m Charlie Smith, a singer-songwriter from Romsey, Hampshire. I perform solo and have experience playing and hosting my own independent shows at venues such as The Railway Inn, Flack Manor Brewery, and The Platform Tavern. I am super passionate about grassroots music and regularly participate in action to grow my local scene. Fiercely independent, I record and produce all my music with a true DIY ethos. In April, I hosted six gigs in England as part of my music venue trust fundraiser tour. I managed to fundraise £575, including events in Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool & Leicester.

Loulu V
Rising British singer–songwriter, known for blending folk, pop, punk rock, and indie sounds. Began her musical journey singing and writing songs primarily on the ukulele. Over the past couple of years, she’s been performing at notable festivals such as Victorious Festival and Wycombe Festival, and is now touring the South Coast, bringing her dynamic music across various events. Her repertoire includes both original songs and covers, and she appears versatile in genre and style—comfortably moving between heartfelt folk ballads and high-energy indie/punk-inflected pop