Usually found tearing up the UK’s alt rock scene, ALT BLK ERA are taking a well-deserved breather as they chat with M during a stop on their European tour with Pendulum. It’s been that kind of year for siblings Nyrobi and Chaya Beckett-Messam, though — a blur of relentlessness, self-discovery and triumph.
Starting off by dropping their debut album Rave Immortal in January, the duo announced themselves as one of the most defiantly original new acts in the country, thanks in part to their fusion of heavy riffs with pop drama and electronic soundscapes. It’s a record that amalgamates genre in a way that feels both cathartic and confrontational, pulling listeners into an unrestrained and sonically rich world.
‘Rave Immortal was a very personal album for us,’ Nyrobi explains. ‘It was about my struggle with a chronic illness that led me to being registered with a disability. It was about lost friendships and loneliness, but also rebellion — transcending into a world beyond pain.’
Earlier this year, Nyrobi spoke publicly for the first time about living with chronic fatigue syndrome, a revelation she admits was ‘terrifying’ to share: ‘I remember when we were in the studio writing one of the songs and never imagining it leaving the hard drive. Then, suddenly, release day came, and I realised: “Holy cow, now everybody knows.”’
Her honesty has made ALT BLK ERA a lightning rod for representation in rock, a space still often dominated by narratives that centre on able-bodied experience. ‘I think the one reason why I actually felt comfortable coming out with my disability was so I could empower other people,’ she says. ‘I'm hoping that others aren't going to feel like they have to hide like I did.’
If Rave Immortal is a record about finding strength through suffering, the former is often derived from family. Her younger sister Chaya has been instrumental. ‘I would not be where I am today without my little sister,’ Nyrobi says, glancing over at Chaya, who is playfully making a face at her. ‘I was totally reliant on her, especially in those early few years when I was really, really sick. Our mum is our manager, so she makes sure I’m looked after.’
'One reason why I felt comfortable coming out with my disability was so I could empower other people.' - Nyrobi Beckett-Messam
The sisters’ dynamic powers their sound; a collision of angst and affirmation powered by an experimental and forward-facing approach. Chaya notes the band have ‘grown into’ themselves since their early days.
‘Since 2022 we've been experimenting with a lot of different genres, from heavy metal to dark pop,’ she explains. ‘With this album, and going forward, we know where we are musically. In terms of our performance and what we wear, I feel like we're pretty confident in ourselves. We're still blending genres as we did back in 2022, but I feel really comfortable where we are right now.’
ALT BLK ERA’s rise has been blessed with ample accolades and milestones, from a MOBO Award to a Later with... Jools Holland appearance. Last month, the duo took home the New Artist trophy at Music Week's Women In Music Awards 2025.
‘It was incredible,’ Nyrobi says of the ceremony. ‘To be celebrated by women who’ve been trailblazing in the industry for years was so inspiring. I said this in the speech, but we just really, really want to pay these kinds of moments forward to other artists coming up. Since we’ve been putting out music, we’ve dreamt of making an impact in the way that the women that we were in the room with have. I think even just chatting to everyone afterwards and learning more about them, having a bit of a laugh talking about experiences, was just so empowering.’
Even with the trophies stacking up and the industry clearly taking note of their commanding energy, both sisters are wary of declaring they’ve ‘arrived’.
‘We’ve got a long way to go,’ says Chaya. ‘It’s just the beginning.’ Nyrobi nods in agreement: ‘I think the things that we cherish the most have been connecting with people, and our fanbase are so special to us. They're what fuels us to keep going.’
For all the accolades, it’s evident that the sisters are most moved by this idea of connection. Nyrobi recalls one notable acoustic set they played earlier this year: ‘I remember performing Coming On Outside, and there were more disabled people there than I've ever seen at one of our shows. They all sat in the front row, and I was holding back the tears of all the oceans in the world. As I sung I was looking into their eyes and they were tearing up, and I was tearing up. That moment reminded me why I do this.’
In addition to their successes, ALT BLK ERA remain fiercely independent in spirit and have learned to protect their creative freedom. ‘Have a strong team,’ Nyrobi replies when asked for their advice for young musicians. ‘People who believe in your vision, not five people telling you five different things. Be firm in who you are. Say no when something doesn’t align. Everyone’s going to try to push a boundary — you have to say, “Hell no.”’
That sense of self has also shaped their relationship with PRS, who have helped the duo build their career from a financial perspective.
‘Streaming doesn’t pay enough, so PRS royalties fill the gap,’ Nyrobi explains. ‘But beyond money, it’s the network — the mentors, the friendships, the collaborations. PRS is so much more than I think people believe it to be. I think we're so privileged that we've been able to tap into so many aspects [of PRS support], such as PRS Foundation funding.’
'We’ve got a long way to go. It's just the beginning.’ - Chaya Beckett-Messam
Even as Rave Immortal continues to find new ears, ALT BLK ERA are already deep into their next phase with the recent release of their single Okay (Cyber Racing). ‘It’s still definitely, undeniably ALT BLK ERA.’ Nyrobi notes. ‘It's got the rock element. It's got a little bit more of a pop-rap situation going on, with the electronic vocals from Chaya as well. I think it's really exciting.’
The duo also can’t help but look ahead to what will no doubt be a full and fruitful 2026, with Nyrobi hinting: ‘I think one thing that we've always really wanted to do is collaborate with some of our favourite artists. Whether that’s with rappers, DJs, pop artists, whatever — we’re just looking forward to exploring our sound that way.’
For a band barely three years into their career, ALT BLK ERA already feel like a seismic force in the alternative scene. Not just in terms of their loud, ambitious and anthemic sound, but in their emphasis on breaking barriers, as Nyrobi affirms: ‘We’ve broken a few stigmas just by existing in this space. People say, “Oh, I didn’t know disabled people could do that,” and honestly, I didn’t either, because I grew up in a society that showed disability one way.
‘Disability is a spectrum,’ she continues. ‘Hidden, visible, everything in-between — and we’re showing that you can’t box it, or us, in.’
