Biography

Yvonne Hercules is a singer-songwriter based in Cambridge UK. Her music has received nods from publications including Clash Magazine, The Line of Best Fit, Afropunk, and others and she has received support from PRS Foundation, Arts Council England towards her work.

Inspired by Folk, Blues, Rock & Soul, her songs are a culmination of these genres underpinned by honest, thought-provoking lyrics. She also draws on inspiration from visual mediums outside of music including art & film, with visual concepts often coinciding alongside her songs.

Every artist can pinpoint that specific moment in time that inspired them. For Yvonne Hercules, it was coming across footage of Lightnin' Hopkins performing that truly inspired her to want to hone her songwriting and playing ability. She became fascinated by the Blues, listening to pioneers such as Bessie Smith, Leadbelly and Howlin’ Wolf. This gradually led her on a path of musical discovery, exploring folk music and other alternative music genres. Born to a British Mother of Jamaican/Sierra-Leonian heritage and a Nigerian Father, Yvonne distinctively remembers traditional Nigerian music, Reggae, Motown & Soul all playing a part in her musical upbringing. Yvonne’s married these influences with her interests in Folk/Alternative and other music genres with artists including Leonard Cohen, Bon Iver, Brittany Howard, Fela Kuti & Moses Sumney all influencing her sound. A self-taught musician, her songs are underpinned by honest, thought-provoking lyrics. She also draws on inspiration from visual mediums outside of music including art & film, with visual concepts often coinciding alongside her songs.

Yvonne is set to release her single Phoenix on the 19th April 2023, supported by Help Musicians UK, Phoenix is the second single to be released as part of a five track EP, titled Olive due for release in June 2023.

Inspired by Alternative Folk/Soul, Jazz and Rock, Olive is a musical journey a musical journey through Black Femininity and its nuances in part inspired by the life & work of Black British feminist activist Olive Morris. Olive is supported by Arts Council England and will be released on Trapped Animal Records UK. To coincide with the release of Olive, Yvonne will also be embarking on a five date tour in Brighton, London, Bedford, Peterborough and Cambridge in June. Tickets for the tour are now on sale.