Just for Fun Launch New Single in Shoreditch Basement Show
Just for Fun’s single launch transformed the basement of Time, a Shoreditch barber shop, into a vibrant house-party vibe that perfectly matched the duo’s indie-electronic energy. The intimate space, decked out with posters to scribble on and even a photobooth nestled inside washing machines, felt like a secret gathering rather than a typical gig - setting the tone for an evening that was as much about community as music.
Just for Fun was born out of a chance meeting at a songwriting camp, where Charlotte and Neave quickly clicked. Before the show started, Charlotte told me - tucked away in the basement - that the name Just for Fun isn’t just a clever placeholder; it’s the whole ethos. “It really is just for fun,” she laughed, half in disbelief that this casual collaboration has grown into something people are now packing out basements to witness. That off-the-cuff spirit runs through everything they do - from their fluid mix of indie and electronic sounds to their wildly improvised stage presence - making the project feel both effortless and alive.
Neave’s actual barber - yes, really - kicked off the evening with a surprisingly tight and tasteful DJ set, spinning a laid-back selection that mirrored the venue’s offbeat charm. There was something quietly poetic about it: the same person who usually fades Neave’s hair now fading in house tracks, warming up a crowd tucked beneath a barbershop floor. Following him was Glimji, whose set ramped up the energy with an eclectic blend of experimental electronica and groove-heavy cuts. By the time Charlotte and Neave stepped up, the basement was humming with anticipation - ready not just for a live set, but for one of those moments where the boundaries between performers, friends, and crowd dissolve.
From the moment they started, their chemistry was undeniable. Charlotte commanded the room with her radiant, dynamic vocals and infectious energy, dancing on the coffee table and moving freely through the crowd. Neave was the perfect foil - cool, composed, and laser-focused behind his decks, grounding the set. This contrast between Charlotte’s kinetic performance and Neave’s calm presence created this electric tension.
Opening with the punchy beats of Catwalk, they immediately set a confident tone. Always On Top followed, an anthemic indie-pop infused track that had the crowd moving.Tracks like Boring and Blue Mascara moved fluidly between playful irreverence and melancholic introspection, revealing the duo’s ability to navigate emotional nuance while maintaining a distinct sonic identity. The undeniable (and personal) highlight was Boys, a shimmering synth-pop gem and personal favorite of many in the room. Live, it unfolded with a glowing intimacy - Charlotte’s voice weaving effortlessly through dreamy melodies, Neave’s layers unfolding with perfect timing. The energy then ramped up with the Daddy’s Version remix by Marlon Hoffstadt x Just for Fun, which plunged the track into deeper house territory, it was unexpected but instantly enjoyable.
Just for Fun’s new single Catch Me If You Can marks a confident evolution in the duo’s sound, pairing Charlotte’s urgent, intimate vocals with Neave’s sleek, layered production. Where Boys holds warmth and nostalgia, this track leans into tension and momentum. The chorus lands with polished intensity, offering a bolder, more dramatic take on their indie-electronic style. The basement’s warmth, combined with playful touches like the washing-machine photobooth and community poster art, made it feel less like a show and more like a gathering of friends, fans, and collaborators.
Though Just for Fun have only played together live a handful of times, their debut EP launch revealed a duo already confident in their chemistry and vision. Charlotte’s energetic stage presence and Neave’s measured, skillful production form a dynamic live pairing that’s impossible to ignore - with a standout single, and the ability to hold a room with their infectious energy.
Photography by Katie Riley