With so much hype surrounding Nottingham as ‘the capital of music’ (BBC Radio 2) and the upcoming #NottinghamRocks event at the Theatre Royal, it seems only appropriate that we should pay tribute to the female forces that Nottingham has to offer. From RONIKA to NATALIE DUNCAN, NINA SMITH to punk band THE SMEARS, the Maid Marians of this city rock as hard and loud as anyone, and can do it in heels.
A girl who we gave her first play to, songbird NINA SMITH is knitted tightly into the core of the Notts soul scene. Since she came to our attention over four years ago, Nina’s stripped back soulful pop and whispering vocals earning her the description of ‘one of the most exciting talents in the East Midlands’. Catch Nina at the #NottinghamRocks event this Saturday.
Electro Princess RONIKA has already established herself as the artist everyone wants a piece of, with collaborations with dance legends Herve and Mylo safely tucked under her neon belt. Dubbed the ‘Madonna of the Midlands’, RONIKA’s sugary sweet electro pop is sending synthy shockwaves throughout the UK and further afield, as we write this she is out east for gigs in Moscow and Warsaw!
Having released her debut ‘Devil In Me’ back in July and an upcoming appearance on Jools Holland, it seems the sky’s the limit for soulful chanteuse NATALIE DUNCAN. With a voice so smoky sweet and lyrics that would tug at the hardest of hearts, Natalie’s bluesy piano sits somewhere between Nina Simone and Alicia Keys. A irrefutable local gem, catch Natalie back by an orchestra at the Theatre Royal this Saturday. Oh and then there is an appearance next week on a certain TV show that could power her album into the Top 40.
She may only be 17, but GEORGIE ROSE is making tsunami-like waves for herself. Having recently won the Peacemix Relay and playing Camden Roundhouse off of that, Georgie is prickling the ears of industry professionals with her deftly understated folky pop. Armed with just an acoustic and a simply stunning vocal, there is no questioning Georgie as a soon-to-be superstar. You can see her first ever session, with us HERE.
The final act of the #NottinghamRocks event and the most talked about unsigned artist in the UK, INDIANA is on an unstoppable path to the top. Since her first ever live performance at this year’s Future Sound of Nottingham Semi-finals, she has since been picked up by one of the UK’s leading management companies, gained a hoard of fans here and across the Atlantic and been hotly tipped as the one to watch. Gifted with an oh-so serene voice, INDIANA wins the hearts of those who listen.
Smashing any misconception that girls can’t do punk are THE SMEARS. Like the love-children of Courtney Love and Sid Vicious, these women do punchy riffs, raucous guitars and anarchistic choruses as well as anyone and all without smudging their lipstick. Having already bagged a support slot to Punk giants The Buzzcocks, this trio are an upcoming tour de force on the Notts alternative scene.
Another Nusic first play, HARLEIGHBLU delivers old-school R&B with a modern twist. With a stripped-back approach, her soulful voice is backed by slick hooks and deep bass lines making for something completely immersing. Such an exciting musician on the rise, HARLEIGHBLU means business. I know my boss is mega-excited to hear her debut LP which is due any month now.
The Notts scene is on fire and the girls are at the forefront. With the likes of fiery songstress OPIE DEINO, Radio 1xtra hit TASHA DEAN and sister duo THE HARGREAVES as well, I think it’s time for the boys to step aside and let these female forces show ‘em how it’s done.
Yours in Love of New Music,
Maddie Hammond X
#spreadthelove
