Heron Island sparked into existence on a narrow boat trip on the River Avon in the summer of 2023. Chaz Thorogood and Giles Nuttall, best friends and lifelong musicians, came together after years of performing in other people’s projects to write, record and gig songs which drew on their shared experiences of childhood in the south Devon countryside and their love for honest music built around the guitar. They set themselves a mission for their debut EP - inspired by a late night viewing of the Jackson Browne Tiny Desk concert and influenced by the sounds of Ray LaMontagne, Eagles and Fink, they aimed to create a stripped back selection of songs with a bedrock of melodic guitar where the vocals and lyrics could take centre stage. With this EP now released by Extreme Music and a 2026 calendar lined with festivals and gigs, this is a fantastic opportunity to see some pure music from an up-and-coming band.