By Emeli Meagher
London’s KOKO Camden was the place to be last Wednesday, as rising indie-pop star, Nieve Ella, delivered a breathtaking sold-out performance. Outside the venue, fans queued in winding lines for what seemed to stretch the entirety of Camden High Street. Upon entrance, many took the time to admire the architecture of KOKO Camden, a beautifully restored venue that somehow makes 1,500 still feel like an intimate setting.
Recently penned as one of Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch in 2025, Nieve is quickly gaining recognition in the indie scene. This stop at KOKO was just one part of her persistent Watch It Ache and Bleed tour, a journey that has seen her captivating audiences across the country.
Before Nieve took the spotlight, her good friend Fred Roberts delivered a striking opening set. The pair first connected during lockdown over Zoom calls, where they bonded over music and songwriting. Their friendship flourished as she helped him write his song, Runaway, a track that has since become a fan favourite.
Meanwhile, Nieve had been rapidly gaining attention through TikTok, where her heartfelt lyrics and raw storytelling resonated with a growing audience. Fans continue to follow her journey through her TikTok account, Shmella—a hub of minion-themed humor and behind-the-scenes tour moments. The minion craze has become a shared inside joke between her fans, evident in the sea of yellow hats bouncing along to the music, adding an extra layer of camaraderie to the night.
As Fred stepped onto the stage, he was met with eager cheers, his presence instantly filling the room. His performance, featuring a mix of melancholic, yet hopeful, ballads, had the audience swaying and singing along. Tracks from his latest project resonated deeply, showcasing his knack for vulnerable lyricism and soaring vocal delivery. By the time his set concluded, the crowd was ready for Nieve Ella.
As the opening chords of Anything rang out, the crowd erupted. Nieve emerged with an effortless confidence, her presence commanding the stage from the very first note. Backed by her dedicated band, featuring Finn Marlow on guitar, Matt Garnett on drums, and Fran Larkin on bass, she jumped into a setlist that spanned her discography, seamlessly weaving in both beloved classics and exciting new material.
A particularly special moment came when Nieve performed Good Grace. Though still unreleased, the track has already become a tour favourite, with fans singing along to every word.
Keeping the momentum flowing, she wowed the audience with a cover of Look at That Woman, by Role Model, putting her own indie-pop spin on the track.
Later in the set, she debuted the first-ever live performance of Lucky Girl an electrifying moment that left fans in awe, solidifying its place as an absolute tune. It’s safe to say that the members of the audience felt lucky being the first to hear it!
Then came a highly anticipated moment, where Fred Roberts returned to the stage for a stunning duet of The Reason. As Nieve and Fred sat down in front of the drums, the two poured their hearts into a passionate rendition, where tears were shed amongst the fans. The heartfelt collaboration was met with deafening cheers, cementing their long-lasting friendship in front of a mesmerised audience.
During Sweet Nothings, Nieve brought out her close friends to the stage to dance and embrace in the bask of KOKO Camden, a touching and joyous moment that had the entire crowd cheering along. The camaraderie on stage mirrored the unity felt throughout the room, making it one of the night’s standout memories.
As the final songs of the set played out, she delivered the fiery Ganni Top (She Gets What She Wants), an anthem of confidence that had the crowd moving.
With the crowd still buzzing, Nieve returned for an exciting encore. Among the final songs was Sugarcoated, a track she wrote about life on tour. The song’s soaring melodies and cathartic energy made for the perfect finale, sealing the night with a moment of pure exhilaration.
As the last note rang out and the lights came up, the crowd stood in awe, knowing they had just witnessed an artist in her prime.
From viral success on TikTok to a sold-out show at KOKO Camden, Nieve Ella’s journey is one of undeniable momentum. Her ability to translate raw emotion into electrifying performances proves why she is one of indie’s most exciting new voices.
This wasn’t just another night on tour, it was a celebration, a testament to her connection with her fans, and a glimpse into an even brighter future.
As the crowd spilled out into the streets, still singing her lyrics, one thing was certain: there is much more to come out of this indie pop icon.
Photography & Text Copyright 2025 © Emeli Meagher/ADRENALINE Magazine.
Chloe Morris 
Alisha Lawton 
Tyler Whiting