We’re back with our second annual Lauren Mayberry top ten moments of the year and just like last year this was considerably difficult to narrow down our list to just ten. We had such a hard time that we actually have ten plus one which we will call 10B for a bonus. Certainly, a memorable year including highlights from CHVRCHES, TYCI, awards, cover songs, philanthropy and more! Without further ado continue reading below to see our Lauren Mayberry top ten moments of 2016.

10B. Enjoying some free time in the big apple after CHVRCHES wrapped up their tour Lauren appeared on Greg Barris’ variety show “Heart of Darkness” in November. During the show Lauren was interviewed by Greg and also covered songs by Don Henley, Ben Folds Five and Miley Cyrus.








10A. TYCI was a little quieter in 2016 but they were honored as part of the inaugural We Got Tickets INDIE50. This influential list of 50 winners were recognized as the best in the UK’s independent and local music scenes. Keep any eye on TYCI in 2017 for the relaunch of their zine and more!

9. During a stretch of five co-headlining shows between CHVRCHES and Death Cab for Cutie in June, Lauren twice joined the latter on stage for “Brothers on a Hotel Bed” and reprised this song once again at Firefly Festival. Also of interest, proceeds from the show in Charlotte were pledged to LGBT rights organizations Freedom Center for Social Justice and Southerners On New Ground (SONG) in response to North Carolina’s discriminatory bathroom law, House Bill 2, otherwise known as the “bathroom bill”.


8. In May, CHVRCHES released a new track called “Warning Call” for the theme song of the video game Mirror’s Edge Catalyst. We’re still crossing our fingers to hear this one played live someday.


7. In December, Lauren participated in The Ally Coalition’s third annual talent show to benefit LGBTQ homeless youth in New York City. During the show, Lauren covered songs by Joni Mitchell and Katy Perry followed by a fun group sing along to Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way”.






6. CHVRCHES’ “Clearest Blue” music video made its debut on MTV February 19th. A beautiful video directed by Warren Fu.


5. CHVRCHES’ philanthropy continued with support for WaterAid and Oxfam Stand As One campaigns. Contributions included a CHVRCHES limited edition water bottle and a live compilation album recorded at Glastonbury Festival.

4. CHVRCHES reunited with Hayley Williams of Paramore for “Bury It”. Back in March CHVRCHES joined Paramore on the Parahoy cruise, reprised the performance once again at Bonnaroo in June and then became animated super heroes in the official music video created by artist friend Jamie McKelvie with animation by Mighty Nice.




3. CHVRCHES’ Every Open Eye was nominated for the SAY Award longlist and shortlist. Although we certainly thought they were going to win it this time heartbreakingly they didn’t. Martin Doherty’s father was on hand to accept the shortlist nomination while the band was on the road touring.

2. Lauren Mayberry and Denise Mina spearheaded a fundraiser for Glasgow Rape Crisis Centre’s 40th anniversary. Funds are being raised to cut waiting lists and increase drop-in sessions to help victims of sexual abuse receive the support they need.

1. Our number one Lauren Mayberry moment of 2016 was CHVRCHES’ homecoming gig at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. Speaking to the Daily Record, Martin Doherty said, “We used to drive back from the studio on the southside and we would see it and joke about doing it on album two. I’d like to stress that we were joking. It wasn’t like we had that masterplan. Maybe in the back of our minds it was a proper dream.” Iain Cook added, “The prevailing sentiment is pride. Getting to play to that many people in your hometown is humbling. If you had said to us three or four years ago, that we would be playing a venue that size in our hometown, we wouldn’t have believed it.” Well dreams do sometimes come true and Glasgow certainly welcomed their hometown heroes to a near capacity crowd at the SSE Hydro on April 2, 2016.

Thank you for all the great memories, your philanthropy and all your hard work Lauren! We say it a lot but you do truly inspire all of us in many ways. With a memorable year coming to a close we now look forward to 2017.

This year might be coming to a close but TYCI have already announced their first scheduled event of 2017! After playing a sold-out third birthday show for TYCI in late 2015 Los Campesinos! return to Glasgow on Friday, April 28, 2017 at Stereo Café Bar. The band will be supporting their new album Sick Scenes due out February 24, 2017. Support acts to be announced.

Tickets are going fast so pick them up soon from Music Glue, See Tickets or Dice for £14 (+booking fee).

Two nights ago, an all-star cast of performers gathered at Webster Hall in New York City for The Ally Coalition’s 3rd annual talent show raising over $100,000 for New Alternatives’ work to support homeless LGBTQ youth in New York City. Performers included Lauren Mayberry of CHVRCHES, Bleachers, Lorde, Carly Rae Jepsen, Kesha, Lena Dunham, Hasan Minhaj, Charli XCX, Mike Birbiglia, Andrew Dost, Jordan Carlos and hosted by Rachel Antonoff.

Watch Mayberry cover Joni Mitchell’s “A Case of You”, Katy Perry’s “Firework” and then closing out the evening with a fun group sing along to Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” below.

TYCI have curated a wonderful lineup for Herland at Glasgow Women’s Library this Friday evening, December 16th from 7 PM to 10:30 PM. Enjoy music, art and words from Kathryn Joseph (toy piano/harmonium set), Marth Ffion (acoustic), Sue Tompkins, Gudrun Soley, Salonierre: Kristin Innes and the TYCI DJ’s.

Tickets for £10 are currently sold out but you can add your name to the waiting list for any returns by emailing your name and mobile number to emily.ilett@womenslibrary.org.uk.

With CHVRCHES currently on break between albums we didn’t expect to see them on stage anytime soon but last night they played a one-off, special gig at the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach in Miami Beach, Florida for Ritz-Carlton rewards members and invited guests as part of Art Basel weekend in Miami. Guests were treated to an intimate show thrilling fans with 13 songs from both of their albums. Take a look at their opener “Never Ending Circles” in the video below.