both hands

Instagram

"Great minimalist synth-pop" – Roddy Hart, BBC Radio Scotland

“Infective playfulness, truth-filled lyrics, and heart-stopping sounds” – Snack Mag
 
“Their songs sit in the gaps between Portishead, Post Coal Prom Queen, and Pumarosa, resulting in a weirdly thrilling experience” – The Skinny
 
“Crunchy Mark Bell-era Björk electronics meets beautiful Kate Bush melodies” – Morning Star

Both Hands are an Edinburgh-based synth-pop duo comprising vocalist Hailey Beavis and producer Brian Pokora. Though both were already familiar faces on the city's independent music scene – Hailey as a solo singer-songwriter and founder of OK Pal Records, Brian through atmospheric electronic-pop outfit Slim Wrist – it wasn't until a chance exchange of messages a few years ago that the pair began making music together. What followed was an immediate creative spark: ideas, melodies and voice notes flying back and forth as the duo quickly discovered a shared love of adventurous electronic pop, from Sylvan Esso and Christine and the Queens to Grace Ives and Caribou.

Built on friendship, curiosity and a healthy sense of play, Both Hands create music that balances emotional depth with infectious energy. Their debut album, Be Like A Mountain In A Moonlit Way, emerged during a period of significant personal upheaval for both musicians, becoming a source of solace, resilience and joy along the way. The result is a collection of shimmering synth-pop songs full of big hooks, wonky electronics, yearning vocals and unexpected turns – music that's deep and strange, but also warm, welcoming and enormous fun. As heard on singles including 'Sea Spray' and 'Lips Parted', Both Hands occupy a sweet spot between dancefloor euphoria and heartfelt human connection, inviting listeners to lose themselves in the music and, ideally, dance a little too.

Upcoming Dates

VIDEOS

Music you can buy ...