Speakers Corner Quartet are a band rooted in community, collaboration, and an unshakable DIY spirit. Formed in 2006 as the house band for the legendary Brixton Jamm open mic, the group—flautist Biscuit, drummer and percussionist Kwake Bass, violinist Raven Bush, and bassist Peter Bennie—have spent over two decades making music together. In that time, they’ve become a cornerstone of South London’s musical landscape, carrying forward the energy of past generations while creating space for the next. Their collaborative reach extends from working with Sampha, Kae Tempest, Tirzah, and Shabaka Hutchings to nurturing emerging talent like Joe Armon-Jones.

The band embraces its hands-on approach to music-making: building, dismantling, and reimagining in real time. This spirit has shaped everything from their Ivor Novello Award-winning single 

 featuring Kae Tempest, to orchestral performances at Meltdown Festival, experimental residencies at the ICA with hand-built robotic instruments, and sold-out shows at the Barbican and Bourse de Commerce celebrating Arthur Russell. They’ve even scored the two-time BAFTA-winning BBC series 

For Speakers Corner Quartet, music is an ongoing experiment shaped by instinct and collaboration. They treat each performance as a chance to deconstruct and rebuild, letting their improvisational interplay lead the way. This fluidity keeps their sound alive, unpredictable, and entirely their own.

Speakers Corner Quartet

At a time when we wearily have to dodge festivals financed by 

 – and when events that put music and community before capital are an increasing rarity – 

 stands out like a beacon. In its third-year, the festival maintains the homegrown ethos that has made it become so beloved by the local community of music lovers, curating stellar acts unafraid to drift away from the mainstream lens to make diverse music with soul, spirit and passion. 

Taking place in Southwark Park on August 23, 

 has a distinctly South London feel, bringing together artists local to the area including MOIN, Bassvictim, and Mia Koden. Another distinctly local act includes Speakers Corner Quartet, who weave elements of jazz, spoken word and hip hop into their rich sonic soundscapes.

, where they'll be playing one-off tribute to cellist Arthur Russell, the collective share their top South London spots. If you're heading to the festival and in the area, be sure to check them out!

London

An independent recording and rehearsal studio based in Hither Green. It's a very special spot for us because we use it for most of our rehearsals. There's a huge sense of community, and it's where we've centred our music. If you know, you know. Everyone from Dennis Bovell, Tirzah and Sampha have been through the doors. We'll be rehearsing for our Rally show there too.

The Room Studios is run by a great team with an incredible level of care. It is also situated in an artist studio hub. You might go in to record or rehearse and come out with a newfound sense of inspiration and like-minded collaborators. 

When we're rehearsing at The Room Studios, you'll find us at Saka Maka, with our bellies and hearts full. Saka Maka's Nithin has provided us with a food home for years now. The menu is tandoor-centric, a mixture of modern and classic British Indian food. The service is warm and the food comforting. It's been such a landmark spot for us that we also shot some press photos there! 

One of our favourite record stores in South London. A great overall variety of genres and you'll always be able to find gems there. It's the kind of record shop where you'd just hang out for the day. Lorenzo makes you feel at home and if you're not sure what you're looking for, his recommendations are always on point. 

Silk Road is the worst kept secret in Camberwell. An institution for Xinjiang cuisine and an ode to the legacy of the Silk Road route. We thought we lost this gem in 2023 but they're back! This is simple, no frills traditional cooking that packs a punch. This is not a place that welcomes the European idea of slow dining haha, enjoy your food and go. We always order the charcoal-grilled cumin lamb shish skewers, the hand-pulled noodles, the dumplings and the home-style cabbage. The portions are generous and great value and it's great place to start the night before you move on to whatever quests you've got planned.

Great spot for second-hand gems of the audio-visual kind. the shop is run by good peeps with even better intentions for the creative community. This is a huge goldmine for diggers looking for cameras and lenses! There's also MPCs, hi-fis, vintage synths, drum machines, musical instruments, you name it, if you take your time, you'll find treasure!

There's a lot of debate on what constitutes a good Jamaican spot and everyone has their opinions. We chose Maureen's because it's like going to your Aunty's house for a meal. There's something very special about it, because you're literally in her yard, it makes you feel like you're home. Maureen's a formidable woman, she's always giving back to the community in so many ways, and shows so much care and love. Look out for the jerk pan smoke billowing behind her wall and you're in the right place. If the weather is good, you'll also be able to pull up to eat too.

All the classics are great there, curry goat, jerk chicken, fried chicken, oxtail. There's also a very naughty option to have a platter if you can't decide. Go hungry and show Maureen some love.

This is a very special spot, again run by good people with great intentions for the community. We need more people like this to run record stores like this! It's a special trifecta of record store, bar and dub-plate cutting!

Records wise, this is a haven for underground dance and electronic music. It's a proper community feeling thanks to Dexta. It's a place you go to listen to what's new in music, hang out and sink a couple of beers. The events program is pretty solid too, there's an open decks night as well. 