As her UK tour rolls through cities with raw energy and uncompromising spirit, Billy Nomates—aka Tor Maries—returns to the stage with a vengeance. Kicking off on 24th September with a homecoming show in Bristol and culminating in London on 9th October, this run marks a pivotal moment in her career: the live unveiling of Metalhorse, her third studio album, and a reaffirmation of her place as one of Britain’s most vital alternative voices.
Born and raised in Leicester, England, Maries’ early years were steeped in the grit and grind of working-class life—a backdrop that would later fuel her lyrical bite and sonic defiance. After a series of musical false starts and a period of personal struggle, it was a Sleaford Mods gig that reignited her creative fire. She relocated to Bournemouth to write and record, eventually landing in Bristol to craft her debut album with Portishead’s Geoff Barrow.
Her stage name, Billy Nomates, was born from a moment of social alienation—an insult hurled at her for attending a gig alone. It’s now a badge of honour, a symbol of her independence and refusal to conform.
Billy Nomates’ music is a collision of no wave minimalism, post-punk urgency, and sprechgesang-style vocal delivery. Her sound is stripped-back yet confrontational, often built around stark beats, jagged synths, and lyrics that dissect class, consumerism, and cultural decay. Think Patti Smith meets The Fall, with a DIY ethos and a distinctly British lens.
Billy’s breakout moment came with her feature on Sleaford Mods’ 2020 track “Mork n Mindy” Her deadpan delivery and lyrical interplay with Jason Williamson added a new dimension to the Mods’ sound and introduced her to a wider audience.
Here’s a quick rundown of her discography to date;
Debut Album: Billy Nomates (2020) A lo-fi manifesto of defiance, featuring standout tracks like “No” and “Hippy Elite.” It earned praise from BBC Radio 6 Music and critics alike for its raw honesty and political edge.
EP: Emergency Telephone (2021) Released via Barrow’s Invada label, this EP expanded her sonic palette while retaining her lyrical sharpness.
Second Album: Cacti (2023) A more introspective and melodic turn, Cacti explored vulnerability and resilience with tracks like “Balance Is Gone.”
Third Album: Metalhorse (2025) Her most ambitious work to date, Metalhorse dives into surrealism and metaphor, blending spoken word with synth-heavy textures. Standout tracks include “Vertigo Valley,” “Horsepower,” and “The Last Myth Alive”—each a testament to her evolving artistry.
Across her three albums, Billy Nomates has evolved from a political provocateur to a conceptual storyteller. Her early work was direct and defiant, tackling societal issues head-on. With Cacti, she turned inward, exploring personal struggles with raw honesty. Metalhorse pushes further into abstraction, using surreal imagery and sonic experimentation to explore universal themes. What remains constant is her voice—both literal and metaphorical. Whether spitting truths over a drum machine or weaving mythic metaphors with a live band, Billy Nomates continues to challenge, provoke, and inspire.
In 2023, Billy Nomates made headlines after requesting the BBC remove footage of her Glastonbury set. The reason? A wave of online abuse targeting her use of backing tapes. Critics accused her of lacking authenticity, but the truth was far more pragmatic. Performing solo with backing tracks was a cost-saving necessity—allowing her to appear at Glastonbury without the financial burden of hiring a full band, crew, and equipment. In an industry where major festival slots often favour artists with label backing and deep pockets, Billy’s choice was a radical act of self-sufficiency. Her decision sparked a wider conversation about the economics of live performance and the double standards faced by independent artists.
Tonight saw her roll into Exeter to perform her new record Metalhorse in its entirety as a trio. The Phoenix was rammed by the time I arrived and the atmosphere was electrifying, I was certainly looking forward to seeing her in action, my first time doing so and my expectations were high.
Opening the evening was Emily Sadler, a circus performer whose jaw-dropping feats—contortion, glass bottle balancing, aerial hoop spinning—set the tone for a night that refused to play by the rules. It’s not every day you see a circus act warm up a crowd for a post-punk poet, but Sadler’s presence was magnetic, and the audience leaned in with curiosity and delight.
Then came Billy Nomates—aka Tor Maries—flanked by bassist Mandy Clarke (KT Tunstall, The Go! Team) and drummer Liam Chapman (Rozi Plain, BMX Bandits). What followed was a 19-track odyssey through Tor’s discography, including the full sweep of her latest album, Metalhorse. From the first beat, it was clear: this wasn’t just a gig, it was a statement and everyone was involved.
Tor commanded the stage with ease, her connection with Clarke and Chapman palpable. Whether snarling through verses or dancing between synth-laced hooks, she radiated confidence. “I wouldn’t have minded if she’d turned up with a backing tape,” one fan mused, “she’s that good.” But live, she’s electric—equal parts vulnerability and defiance, with vocals that cut through like steel.
The crowd responded loudest to the singles released ahead of Metalhorse—proof that the new material is already resonating. And as the set unfolded, you could trace Tor’s evolution: from the raw urgency of her early work to the nuanced, fearless storytelling of her latest. It’s as if she’s shed old skin, now standing taller, more assured, and more willing to explore the full spectrum of her voice.
Billy Nomates continues her UK tour until 9 November before heading to Europe for a run of dates through to 27 November. If you get the chance to catch her live, do. Whether she’s backed by a band or spinning solo, it’s a performance that stays with you.
