GROOVE & STEEL: The Soulful Rise of Take Four
Up-and-coming Sheffield band, Take Four (Image: Benji Wilson)
Finding the Groove
Sheffield band Take Four are an up-and-coming unsigned outfit who have been steadily building momentum across local venues and events over the last few years.
They have recently delivered notable performances at Sheffield Tramlines Fringe events—including Hagglers Corner (Grassroots Fringe Friday) and The Washington (Washinglines 2026)—as well as securing a support slot for Smoove & Turrell in May 2026. The band pull a distinctive, groove-heavy sound from a rich blend of soul, blues, funk, R&B, and jazz.
A soulful four-piece outfit led by singer Gertruda Briedyte, the band initially bonded over a shared passion for classic and modern rhythm-and-blues. Their early jams featured covers of influential figures like Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Fleetwood Mac, and Amy Winehouse, alongside contemporary touchstones like Hiatus Kaiyote, Scary Pockets, and Vulfpeck. Those initial sessions naturally evolved into songwriting, as they began crafting original material that incorporates these varied influences.
The Sound and the Singles
Take Four press shoot for the newest single ‘Red Dress’ (Image: Benji Wilson)
Take Four’s catalogue kicked off with their debut track "I Fled" in October 2025, followed by the March 2026 single "Red Dress"—both penned by the band.
Both tracks have earned valuable industry attention. Gary Oliver featured "I Fled" on Crag Radio’s Unsigned Sessions, DJ Azza championed "Red Dress" across social platforms, and "I Fled" earned a spot on Tidal’s Spotlight programme, which curates standout releases from independent artists.
Production-wise, "I Fled" was recorded at Hybrid 3 studios and produced, mixed, and mastered by Johnny Keating. "Red Dress" was tracked at 2Fly Studios with Alan Smyth, with mixing and mastering again handled by Keating at Hybrid 3.
Both singles are strong offerings - “Red Dress” has a steady and insistent groove that Gertruda’s soulful vocal latches onto with conviction, “I Fled” is more laid-back and sombre, as it warns “Oh, you better watch him, or he’ll do the same” as it conveys feelings of hurt and disappointment as well as the hope and freedom an escape allows.
In addition to standard streaming platforms, where both singles can be found, their Bandcamp and SoundCloud pages also features a select run of covers, including a soulful reading of John Mayer’s "Gravity," a funky take on Stevie Wonder’s "I Wish," a wistful arrangement of Gnarls Barkley’s "Crazy," and Bill Withers’ evergreen "Just The Two Of Us."
The Launchpad: Hybrid 3
Hybrid 3 is a Heeley-based recording studio, audio hub, and social enterprise dedicated to supporting local musicians and creative community projects.
Take Four were hand-picked for Hybrid 3’s flagship Artist Development Programme. Funded in part by Arts Council England via Grassroots Music grants, the scheme provides selected local acts with free rehearsal space, professional recording sessions, mixing and mastering, and 1-on-1 industry mentorship—culminating in professionally produced releases and paid showcase gigs inside the venue itself.
As the band themselves note:
“Take Four are extremely proud and grateful to have been granted an opportunity to be a part of the Artist Development Opportunity run by Hybrid 3 Studios. Winning a spot on the studio’s program gave the band access to professional rehearsal and recording facilities, industry advice and mentoring sessions with the incredible K.O.G. It is also important to highlight the expansion of the band’s network within the local music scene, which was one of the best parts of this opportunity: jamming, collaborating and spending time with incredible local artists and industry professionals.”
What’s Next on the Horizon
Speaking with Gertruda, the band’s immediate focus is clear: writing more original material, more singles and maybe an EP establishing the band’s sound. Touring and live events will then make more sense against the backdrop of a wider catalogue of material to draw from.
The Verdict
It is fantastic to see the direct impact of investment in Sheffield’s grassroots music scene through initiatives like Hybrid 3. If Take Four is any indication, this infrastructure is nurturing formidable local talent and providing a genuine launchpad into a challenging industry.
As for Take Four, they are undeniably one to watch—especially as the band continues to refine its craft through new recorded original material.
Take Four press shoot for the newest single ‘Red Dress’ (Image: Benji Wilson)
