PAYOLA are a London five-piece born in the backroom of The Argyll Arms just off Oxford Street — the kind of place where shared record collections turn into shared ideas, and the spark of a band catches fire. Formed in early 2024, the lineup of Robbie Capel (Rhythm Guitar), Craig Edmonds (Drums), Dave Farley (Lead Vocals), Scott Forsyth (Lead Guitar) and Matt Peel (Bass Guitar) bonded through The boys in the band (L-R): Craig Edmonds, Matt Peel, Robbie Capel, Scott Forsyth and Dave Farley a mutual love of 60s rock’n’roll swagger, soul grooves, 70s punk attitude, and 90s indie/Britpop bite. The band spent 2024 In the rehearsal room, writing relentlessly, carving out a sound that hinges on grit, melody and heart. Across five singles, they’ve grown into one of the most exciting emerging guitar acts in London, racking up over 14k Spotify streams and building a loyal grassroots following. 2025 was Payola’s live breakthrough. This was a year of stages, sweat and momentum — from Spice of Life to The Dublin Castle, 93 Feet East, The Troubadour, and Camden Assembly, each show sharpening their reputation as a tight, full-throttle rock’n’roll band. Their high-energy set even brought the house down at Liverpool’s legendary Cavern Club, a moment that hinted at a band destined for much bigger rooms. In 2026 Payola have carried on where they left off, with the release of their brand new single Ivory Tickler, on Thursday 9th April. With a packed live schedule for the year which includes gigs at The Water Rats, The Bedford, Tunbridge Wells Forum, The Hope & Anchor as well as returns to both the Troubadour and Dublin Castle the year is looking good for the London five- piece as they continue to spread their gospel of swagger, soul and rock n’ roll.