Billie Marten

Billie Marten Live at Manchester Academy 2

Manchester, get ready for an unforgettable evening as the ethereal voice of Billie Marten graces the stage at Manchester Academy 2 on Thursday, 13 November 2025. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the delicate artistry and profound songwriting of one of the UK’s most captivating musicians. With her unique blend of folk sensibilities, introspective lyrics, and a voice that can soothe and stir in equal measure, Billie Marten promises a night of intimate performance and compelling musical storytelling. Her return to Manchester is a much-anticipated event, offering a rare opportunity to witness her evolving sound and connect with her deeply personal sonic world in the heart of this vibrant city.

About Billie Marten

Born Isabella Charlotta Elizabeth MacGowan, professionally known as Billie Marten, emerged onto the music scene as a remarkably fresh and insightful songwriter at an exceptionally young age. Hailing from Ripon, North Yorkshire, her distinctive folk-infused indie-pop sound quickly garnered attention, setting her apart from her peers. Her debut single, “Soar,” released when she was just seventeen, was a beautiful introduction to her introspective lyrical style and delicate vocal delivery, hinting at the profound emotional depth that would become her hallmark.

Her first album, Welcome Home, released in 2016, was a critical success, earning her widespread acclaim for its maturity and artistic vision. Tracks like “As Long As” and “Green” showcased her ability to craft poignant narratives and evocative soundscapes, earning her comparisons to established artists like Nick Drake and Joni Mitchell, yet firmly establishing her own unique identity. Marten’s music is characterised by its nuanced exploration of themes such as love, loss, self-discovery, and the complexities of human connection, delivered with an understated grace that draws listeners into her world.

Over the subsequent years, Billie Marten has continued to refine her craft, releasing a string of compelling EPs and albums that demonstrate her artistic growth and fearless evolution. Her sophomore album, Flora Fauna (2021), saw her embrace a more experimental and expansive sound, incorporating electronic elements and a bolder sonic palette while retaining the emotional honesty that fans have come to cherish. Her latest work continues to push boundaries, showcasing a confident and mature artist at the height of her powers. Notable hits and fan favourites include “Alice, Where Art Thou?”, “Bird,” and the emotionally resonant “Garden of England.” Billie Marten’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to authentic self-expression and her ability to translate the subtlest of human experiences into universally touching music.

Venue Information

Manchester Academy 2 is a renowned and beloved live music venue situated within the bustling Oxford Road corridor of Manchester. Known for its intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics, it has a long-standing reputation for hosting a diverse range of emerging and established artists, providing an ideal setting for an artist like Billie Marten to connect with her audience. The venue’s design ensures a close-up and engaging experience for every attendee, allowing the nuances of live performance to shine through. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an evening of profound musical introspection and breathtaking vocal performance when Billie Marten takes to the stage at Manchester Academy 2. Her live shows are celebrated for their intimate and almost spiritual quality, offering a stark contrast to the often bombastic nature of modern touring. Marten possesses an extraordinary ability to create a palpable sense of connection with her audience, drawing everyone into the quiet contemplation of her lyrics and the delicate beauty of her melodies.

You can anticipate a setlist that masterfully navigates her discography, weaving together beloved older tracks with compelling new material. Expect to hear emotionally resonant anthems like “As Long As” and “Bird,” which have resonated deeply with fans for their raw honesty and exquisite lyricism. Her more recent work, perhaps drawing from Flora Fauna and any forthcoming releases, will likely showcase her evolving sonic palette, demonstrating a confident embrace of new textures and arrangements that expand her signature sound without ever sacrificing its core emotional integrity. Tracks that highlight her more experimental leanings might introduce subtle electronic flourishes or atmospheric soundscapes, adding further depth to her performance.

Marten’s performance style is characterised by its understated power. She commands the stage not through grand gestures, but through the sheer force of her vulnerability and the captivating clarity of her voice. Her live renditions of songs often feel even more potent, imbued with a present-moment intensity that can send shivers down your spine. The intimacy of Manchester Academy 2 is perfectly suited to this style, allowing for the subtle shifts in her vocal dynamics and the intricate beauty of her guitar or piano arrangements to be fully appreciated. Expect moments of hushed reverence as she delivers her most poignant lyrics, followed by swells of gentle applause as the emotional weight of a song settles.

The duration of the performance is typically around 75 to 90 minutes, offering a substantial and satisfying experience for all attendees. Throughout the set, Billie Marten invites her audience on a journey, exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and the quiet observations that colour our everyday lives. It’s an opportunity to step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in a world of thoughtful, beautifully crafted music. Her stage presence is one of genuine presence and a quiet, magnetic charisma that draws you in, making you feel as though you are sharing a private moment with the artist.

FAQs

Q1: Will Billie Marten play songs from her debut album, Welcome Home? A1: Absolutely. Billie Marten often includes fan favourites from her earlier work, and Welcome Home contains many of her most beloved tracks. You can expect to hear cherished songs like “As Long As,” “Green,” and “Soar” that have been central to her career and resonate deeply with her audience.

Q2: What is Billie Marten’s typical stage presence like? A2: Billie Marten’s stage presence is known for its intimacy and authenticity. She is not one for elaborate stage shows; instead, she captivates with her vulnerability, her sincere delivery, and the sheer power of her voice. Her performances are often described as deeply personal and incredibly engaging, creating a strong connection with the audience.

Q3: Can I expect to hear new material from Billie Marten? A3: Given her active recording career, it’s highly probable that Billie Marten will be performing songs from her latest album or potentially previewing material from upcoming projects. Her live shows are a great platform for artists to share their evolving sound and showcase new creative directions.

Q4: How would you describe the typical audience at a Billie Marten concert? A4: Audiences at Billie Marten concerts tend to be appreciative of thoughtful songwriting and intimate performances. You’ll find fans who connect with the emotional depth of her lyrics and the delicate beauty of her music. It’s generally a respectful and attentive crowd, creating a wonderful atmosphere for enjoying her artistry.

Q5: Does Billie Marten typically perform solo or with a band? A5: Billie Marten often performs with a band, which can range from a small, intimate ensemble to a more expansive setup depending on the album and tour. This allows her to recreate the rich sonic textures of her recordings while also offering live interpretations that can be both faithful and dynamically exciting. The band complements her voice and songwriting beautifully, adding layers of instrumentation that enhance the overall experience.