Upcoming shows:
Cambridge Indiepop Alldayer, 14 November 2026
Sheffield, with The Sweetest Ache, 16 January 2027
Singer-songwriter Nat Johnson has been making music since the 00s, including as the leader of folk-pop band Monkey Swallows the Universe and indie outfit Nat Johnson and the Figureheads. She can boast, when pushed, of a string of acclaimed albums, BBC 6 Music and Radio 4 sessions, commissions and festival appearances (Green Man, Latitude, End of the Road and more). She has collaborated with Dave Rotheray (The Beautiful South) and supported the likes of Low, Adem, Marika Hackman, Jesca Hoop, Richard Hawley and Camera Obscura. Previously based in Sheffield, she now lives on the North East coast.
“A very beautiful record indeed” – Lauren Laverne on Neighbour of the Year
“A treat for fans of PJ Harvey and Alela Diane” – Subba Cultcha
Dirty Rotten Soul (Steve Lamacq single of the week, 2008)
Neighbour of the Year (LP, 2014)
Lonesome Lake (EP, 2015)
The Liberty System (EP, 2016)
BANDCAMP / SPOTIFY / FACEBOOK
Monkey Swallows the Universe were a folkpop band based in Sheffield, active from 2004-2008
“Nat Johnson has a voice that can do withering as well as whimsical...Proof there’s more than one primate-monickered South Yorkshire outfit worth listening to” – NME
“Bloodline is reminiscent of Stereolab’s Ping Pong, but MSTU’s heart still lies with stripped-down folk, Nat Johnson’s gorgeous vocals draped over acoustic guitars, cello and violin.” The Guardian
“Ravishing … you can’t help thinking The Beautiful South — but there’s no doubt this lot are way cooler.” – The Sun*
*don’t buy The Sun
The Casket Letters (2007, Loose Music)
Bloodline single (2007, Loose Music) video
Little Polveir single (2006, Loose Music)
Science single (2006, Thee SPC)
The Bright Carvings (2006, Thee SPC)
Sheffield Shanty II (2018) video
BANDCAMP / SPOTIFY
Nat Johnson and the Figureheads
“Former Monkey Swallows The Universe front gal Nat Johnson has a sly but resourceful style – sensitive Smiths-inflected guitar rock with a splash of Americana.” – The Mirror
“Past comparisons with Emma Pollock and Chrissie Hynde are well substantiated on Roman Radio; Johnson’s voice is honey-thick, bitter yet gentle, and captivatingly subtle.” – Wears the Trousers
The Rabbit (single, 2026), I’m Across, I’m Ashore (LP, 2012), What the Heart Pours Into (EP, 2011, Damaged Goods), Roman Radio (2009, Damaged Goods), Wasted (2010, Damaged Goods)
Damaged Goods
BANDCAMP / SPOTIFY
Baker Island
In 2026, Nat joined Baker Island on synth.
Noisy indie pop from Newcastle upon Tyne.
Baker Island shows:
Cambridge Indiepop Alldayer – The Blue, Moon, 14 November
