Heartstop

Heartstop formed in London with Ava Kennedy on vocals and guitar, Ethan Carter on drums, and Theo Hamilton on bass and vocals. Their debut album 'Awake' featured the title track, which became an early hit with its wrenching guitars and Kennedy's haunting vocals. Songs like 'Don't Wake Me Up' and 'Sweet Wonder' helped define their sound, which leaned toward introspective rock.

In 2018, a stage collapse at a hometown concert injured several band members and fans. The incident brought a sobering reality to their work, though they continued performing and recording afterward. Their lyrics sometimes carried political messages that drew both praise and criticism.

Later albums included 'Echoes' and 'Ignite', which maintained their focus on emotional, guitar-driven material. Kennedy's vocal delivery, ranging from soaring to shattered, remained a central element alongside Hamilton's brooding basslines and Carter's energetic drumming.