NOVEMBER is set to be an outstanding month for live music fans in South Cumbria as we welcome two exciting young acts as part of the Get Loud in Libraries series.

Indie rock four-piece Vant are set to play Barrow Library on Thursday 9, before Welsh singer-songwriter Betsy plays Kendal library on Friday 24.

What to expect from Vant

Vant are a London-based quartet playing punchy, socially-conscious indie rock. Originally launched as the solo project of frontman Mattie Vant, the line-up expanded to four in 2014 when guitarist Henry Eastham and bassist Billy Morris were joined Swedish drummer Martin Söderin. David Green replaced Söderin on drums in 2015.

The band signed a deal with Parlophone in 2015 and released 'The Answer', a track Annie Mac named her Hottest Record in the World on BBC Radio 1. A series of festival appearances followed in 2016, including Glastonbury and Reading and Leeds Festivals, along with dates supporting Biffy Clyro and Catfish and the Bottlemen.

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The show presents a precious opportunity to experience the band, as earlier this month Vant announced an indefinite hiatus after their live shows in October and November. The upcoming tour will cover "tiny venues, in often overlooked towns", acknowledging the small-town roots of each of its members.

Who is Betsy?

The Welsh singer-songwriter arrives at Kendal Library direct from a goose farm in rural South Wales, via Paris, London and New York. Born in Pembrokeshire, she initially followed a love of fashion to study design at Central Saint Martins, soon landing a job in Paris as a designer for prestigious fashion house Balenciaga.

But the 26-year-old decided to forego a career in high fashion to pursue her music dream. Some initial success came when Hot Chip's Joe Goddard reworked one of her early demos into the acclaimed single Endless Love. After swapping parties at the Louvre for her brother's caravan in Wales, Betsy embarked on an intense period of songwriting, penning the tracks that comprise her self-titled debut released in September this year.

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In an interview with Vogue she reveals admiration for Annie Lennox, Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday and Amy Winehouse. These influences are evident in her work - sumptuous, soaring vocals conveying the raw emotion in her lyrics.

Why are the gigs being held in libraries?

The dates are the latest in the award-winning Get Loud in Libraries project, first launched in 2005 to provide unique, intimate venues to showcase a broad range of talented bands and artists.

The likes of chart stars Lucy Rose, Sinkane and We Are Scientists have visited Barrow Library for hugely popular shows, whilst Kendal Library hosted up-and-coming singer-songwriter Stevie Parker last month.

For more information and ticket details, visit getitloudinlibraries.com