Bethany Ley (Fka. STANLÆY) is an independent multi-instrumentalist based in Bristol, known for her versatility as a producer, composer and vocalist. Their sonic world circulates intricate arrangements informed by Bethany’s eclectic musical background as both a classical instrumentalist, and an avid producer, creating “sublime twilight electronica” (Music is My Sanctuary).
Inspiration stems from the textures and harmonies of Indonesian Gamelan, Debussy, and Alice Coltrane to the popular voices of Cocorosie, Aphex Twin, and FKA twigs. The combination of virtuoso arrangements and intriguing granular sound design comes together to create an otherworldly and hypnotic sonic landscape, one which is both ethereal and intimate.
Bethany has performed frequently with Ishmael Ensemble (BBC6 Album of the Year), and featured with artists such as Snazzback and Alabaster DePlume. Live appearances as a solo artist and guest include Southbank Centre, Jazz Stroud, O2 Academy, The Jazz Cafe & Glastonbury Festival's West Holts. Their long awaited Debut EP ‘Sundial’ is released with Lo Recordings on 24th May, with support from BBC Bristol and BBC Radio 6.
SUNDIAL
'Sundial' is the debut EP from Bristol-based producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Bethany Ley, released via Lo Recordings (Grimes, Aphex Twin) on 24th May 2024.
The EP, which Ley describes as “an OST of body-memory”, establishes Bethany as a world-crafting producer, someone whose music excavates the spiritual and emotional elements of one's psyche, producing uniquely immersive musical offerings which dare to create beyond this plane of experience.
Live
9 May Listening Room Session St George’s, Bristol
26 May Jazz Stroud, SVA Goodshed
1 June Possimiste x Bethany Ley Cloak, Bristol
15 June A Fairly Feral Fable, Abergavenny, Saturday 6.30pm (UK)
2 Aug Wilderness, People's Front Room, Friday 3.25pm (UK)
9 August, The Alfred Arcade Gallery, Southampton
25 August Shambala Phantom Laundry, Sunday 6pm (UK)
31 August Newly Minted, Corsica Studios, London 6pm
6 Sept Exhibition Opening Rattle and Brash, Stroud
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