So here it is, folks – your one-stop guide to all things Notts-tastic at the one and only SPLENDOUR.
MAIN STAGE:
THE AFTERDARK MOVEMENT
After their triumphant win at The Future Sound of Nottingham 2012 and rocking Wireless fest last week, THE AFTERDARK MOVEMENT are on fine form and manage to pave the way for a string of incredible performances on the Main Stage. Even so early in the day the energy in the crowd is buzzing and intensifies throughout their set, rounded off perfectly with the ridiculously catchy ‘Since I’ve Been Here‘. An effortless combination of urban, hip-hop and funk, these guys have created a sound that is completely unique and can only get better. Watch this space!
JAKE BUGG
Things are going rather smoothly for 18 year old country prodigy JAKE BUGG. Having just announced his invasion of the USofA alongside NOEL GALLAGHER and securing crowds in their hundreds at T in the Park, there’s no doubting this fresh-faced lad is on the cusp of superstardom and his Main Stage set shows everyone exactly why. Showcasing his versatility to perfection, Jake’s heart-stopping rendition of ‘Someone Told Me’ stuns a packed crowd into silence while fan favourite ‘Trouble Town’ has people dancing like nobody’s watching. If you havn’t caught Bugg Fever yet, you soon will!
JAGERMEISTER STAGE:
SINNERS HIGHWAY
After an explosive debut headline show that nearly caved in the roof of the Rock City Basement a month ago, SINNERS HIGHWAY are gaining a reputation for bringing a gourmet feast of rock n roll to the table, served with extra dashings of gusto & high energy impact – and their opening set at the Jagermeister Stage is no exception. Despite the early start, the band give an incredible performance and show a little slice of what is to be their upcoming UK Tour. If you want to find out more, check out their Future Session HERE.
THE BARNUM MESERVE
THE BARNUM MESERVE are something of a local hidden gem and live they are a treat to the ears; after gaining a priceless experience from supporting THE JEZABELS on their world tour, their magnificent onstage presence is a sight to behold and a force to be reckoned with. The vocals are raw and delivered with relentless power, and despite a mere 3 band members the wall of sound created is pure magic. If you haven’t seen these guys live yet, I highly recommend you do so soon!
KAPPA GAMMA
It’s been a good few weeks for KAPPA GAMMA – not only have they secured a loyal following in Notts, but they’re about to go National after their debut single ‘Wildfire’ (out August 13th) has been played on Radio 1. Not bad going, eh? Their complex and unusual sound, or ‘Geography rock’ as the band have dubbed it, is an efforltess mix of disjointed rhythms and quirky vocals and onstage is where it really comes alive.
RONIKA
Following her recent collaboration with HERVE producing the summer thumper ‘How can I live without you (make it right)’ and cementing slots at London’s legendary XOYO, RONIKA and her 80’s vibes are making synthy soundwaves throughout the Nation. Her electric rhythms have the crowd eating from the palm of her hand and there isn’t a single person not on their feet – it’s a vibrant performance from a soon to be superstar.
(Unfortunately we don’t have a photo from RONIKA‘s set. Our photographer was on Wayne Manor’s roof at the time…casual.)
LEFTLION COURTYARD STAGE:
JOSH KEOGH
Don’t be fooled by his boyish façade – JOSHUA KEOGH voice is one so deceptively innocent it can completely emotionally disarm you in a nanosecond. Despite having once said he harboured concerns that his songs were too dark and depressing, (don’t worry Josh, we wouldn’t have it any other way) he nonetheless carefully delivers each emotionally charged melody one by one and opens the Leftlion stage in style. If you want to hear more, watch his Future Session HERE.
OPIE DEINO
Flame-haired songstress OPIE DEINO has come a long way since doing her first ever session with Nusic all those months ago. Having made it to the Finals of last years FSON but narrowly being pipped to the post, this delicately voiced banterful lass has been going from strength to strength on the local scene. Each song is delivered with gusto and the audience are hanging on to every word –pure magic!
INDIANA
Next on stage is the shy but nevertheless captivating
SAINT RAYMOND
SAINT RAYMOND has managed to achieve an impressive amount in the last year; he already has a ‘The Beat’ BBC session and a headline gig at The Bodega under his belt, not bad for a lad of only 17. Unfazed by the more experienced artists that had taken the stage before him, his simple yet unfathomably catchy acoustic set is infectious and has soon plastered wide smiles on the faces of the audience. Definitely one to watch!
ROB GREEN
Despite the first song he learned to sing being ‘You Make Me feel like a Natural Woman’ by SHANIA TWAIN, ROB GREEN has thankfully managed to find other musical influences in the form of NAT KING COLE and BEVERLY KNIGHT and has one of the biggest voices (and personalities) on the local scene. His infectious endearing charm is unleashed and his gleaming confidence on stage is staggering to behold – there’s no doubting this ex-singing teacher was born to perform and the entire crowd is AWE. Belting out each track as if they were his last, the crowd are powerless to resist his magnetic charm and the result is a sea of shaking hips and palms in the air. An electric performance from a future superstar!
If you want to find out more, watch his Future Session HERE.
NINA SMITH
NINA SMITH is at the core of Nottingham’s soulful goddess’s, alongside the likes of HARLEIGHBLU and NATALIE DUNCAN. After initially being taken under the wings of hip-hop gurus during her first years in the industry,
NATALIE DUNCAN
NATALIE DUNCAN is the first Nottingham artist this decade to have released an album that is backed by a major record label – and it’s easy to see why. ‘Devil in Me’ is a compilation of dark and captivating melodies sung with a voice that is wrapped in smoky allure – complete with a retro jazzy twist. Although confessing hayfever had got the better of her, she battles on before sadly having to give up mid set, a real shame but Natalie you’re one of us, you’re doing us proud and we understand, get better soon!
This hereby concludes the musical notts-tastic musical extravaganza that was SPLENDOUR. Awash with talent in every form, this is only the tip of the iceberg and proves Nottingham is home to the most vibrant music scene in the UK – bring on Splendour 2013!
Yours in Love of New Music,
Cerys Owen x
#spreadthelove
