About

Bastedo formed in 2010 as an acoustic outfit specialising in Suburban Blues and Acoustic Soul.

There are recognisable blues themes, sensibilities and sentiments to much of Bastedo's work, but with a fresh soulful twist… by way of the London suburbs. Lead singer and songwriter Alex Watson has coined the term SQUISH, to describe the song writing and performance style, that is. Soulful, Quirky, Unique, Intelligent, Sophisticated and Heartfelt

Who are Bastedo?

Bastedo members are lead singer and founding member Alex Watson with vocalists Sophia Toomey and Celia Chriette providing additional vocal harmonies and aural treats. "We work with a range of musicians depending on the project or occasion, but the guitar and 3 vocals is our main line up.

Bastedo perform mainly original numbers written however in amongst their original work you will often hear a selection of carefully chosen covers which inspires audiences and provides knowing reference points infused with Bastedo flavour, that is gorgeous 3 part harmonies and indomitable spirit…."It would be a shame not to take advantage of the massive catalogue of amazing and beautiful songs out there in the ether. We love singing and performing and more often than not, we include cover versions of songs we like and feel will inspire our audience and provide knowing reference points alongside our original material." So

Lead singer/ songwriter for the band Alex Watson formed the group in an effort to find a platform with which she could perform her heartfelt songs. Alex has collaborated on some great projects and worked with some great and well known musicians and producers. Chaz Jankel (Ian Dury and the Blockheads), Ray St John (Sade’s Smooth Operator) Ray Keith, Border Crossing (More to Life, Freedom of Speech), Mentat, Harry Shotta, Martin Brammer, (Lifted, Lighthouse Family). Touring with the likes of Border Crossing, Harry Shotta, Roots Manuva, Jimmy Screech and Ricky Ranking…to name but a few. Alex is a songwriter who writes top lines for a range of projects; pop, drum and bass, garage, hip hop etc. Bastedo allows me to sing some of my own songs. That’s where Bastedo comes in.

Sophia has varied background consisting of a previous album release, various studio recordings, live solo performances, group performances, supporting other artists on tour and working on live radio. From the intimacy of small night clubs to the big arena stages, her vocals have reached the R’n’B, Soul, Dance and Garage scenes. Sophia puts no limits on her ability to reach out to other genres.

As a teen, Celia learned Spanish guitar, keys and sang in the choir. A little later she became the lead singer of a cover band in Paris, and played 70’s and pop rock music. When she moved to London, she joined the hip-hop rock band Yomundo performing as the backing vocalist. She has had the chance to play at the Secret Garden Festival, and 93 Feet East.

Love of music has brought Bastedo together, but friendship and the shared love of music keeps them together. Bastedo has given each member of the band a platform to get out there and perform to their strengths. Great original songs, beautiful guitar and tasty melodies….its a perfect match made in heaven. Being part of this group somehow feels right to all of us. Over the time we’ve been together, we’ve grown in confidence and gone from strength to strength. The feedback we get from our live performance is reward in itself. There’s definitely room in the market for what I like to call SQUISH: Soulful, Quirky, Unique, Intelligent, Sophisticated, Heartfelt music, Alex.