Wow. What a night. Tonights climax of The Future Sound of Nottingham 2013 at Rock City was one of the most intense, exciting and mind-blowingly awesome finals we’ve seen yet, an incredible celebration of this city’s talent. We can now announce that the winners of this year’s competition, bagging themselves the opening slot on Splendour’s main stage as well as the metaphorical FSN crown, are……THE GORGEOUS CHANS! A massive congratulations to them, and to the other finalists who made this night such an inspiring showcase of Nottingham’s new music – we salute you. Here’s what went down at FSN 2013…
THE GORGEOUS CHANS
First up to the legendary stage are nine-piece (I swear they’ve multiplied since I last saw them…) THE GORGEOUS CHANS. If they’re intimidated by the task they sure as hell don’t show it, launching into their set with the joyous enthusiasm that has made them regulars on the Notts gigging circuit. They instantly fill the front of the stage, their tight harmonies and infectious choruses utterly joyous and smile-inducing. Closing number ‘Night in Graceland’ is packed with brilliant brass and an unforgettable refrain that will no doubt be right at home on the Splendour main stage. Well done lads!
HUSKIES
Our furry little friends HUSKIES bound on stage next. Channelling the residual charm left from the Chan’s, their set is packed with atmospheric Indie and touches of Pop that is an instant hit with the Rock City crowd. They’re the only band I’ve ever known to start a set by blowing bubbles into the crowd, but hey, it works. Second track ‘Together Whatever’ sees frontman Antonio Panzera ditch his guitar and prance around the stage like a gazelle in 90s clothing, a beautifully unexpected but completely compelling addition. By their final track, HUSKIES have the audience in the palm of their hands (paws?), their magnificent chorus bringing the set to a glorious close that is worthy of any main stage act.
TASHA DEAN
As soon as TASHA DEAN opens with her first track, she makes it painfully obvious why she was one of the two acts to get the judges straight-through vote. Pop-filled R&B with touches of Soul, this girl turns 8 Talbot Street into Funk City and the crowd are lapping it up. ‘Hooked for Life’ is easily one of the standout songs of the night, an 80s-esque track of pure pop gold that has already hit the airwaves of 1xtra. Tasha leaves the stage beaming from ear to ear, a smile that is only matched by the hungry-for-more crowd.
SAM JONES
Following Tasha’s Funk filled set, SAM JONES’ Indie Folk is just the tonic. Dancing is exchanged for foot stomping as Sam and his guitar fill the Rock City rafters. It may only be one lad up there, but Sam and his lungs of steel create a beautifully rich sound that has an unmistakable air of Frank Turner surrounding it. As Sam gets deeper into his set, more and more heads turn to look at this incredible vocal, nodding appreciatively as they do so. There is such an unrestrained, raw passion to his performance – from the grit in his voice to his ferocious strikes at his guitar – it’s a wonder how his hands and throat weren’t bleeding. He may just have missed out on the top spot, but there’s no doubt that SAM JONES has won himself a few hundred extra fans tonight.
LOOPHOLE PROJECT
Our second straight-through act is also the youngest. LOOPHOLE PROJECT may have only been around for a short-while but they’re already sending ripples of excitement through the Notts music world. The trio step onto stage with the air of a band who have done this a thousand times before and the tightness of their set would have believe so too. It’s an intoxicating mix of Electro hooks, soft vocals and beats that reverberate around City that’s enough to leave your head spinning. It’s an incredible performance that is saturated with unlocked potential – this trio are ones to keep an eye on.
FRANKIE RUDOLF
Last but by no means least, FRANKIE RUDOLF strolls on stage with his guitar and drummer in tow. Having been gigging since the tender age of 14, the mop-topped singer puts this experience to good use in a set which is as tight as his curls. Frankie’s Acoustic Folk has a certain edge and is all the better for it, the stick-in-your-head refrains and upbeat guitars further heightening the already buzzing atmosphere. Two tracks in, we are treated to perhaps Frankie’s most popular song ‘Heart on Fire’, it’s chorus bouncing euphorically from wall to wall. It’s a brilliant performance and the perfect finish to a phenomenal final.
The final audience vote is cast and the tension of the final result trembles throughout the room. Special guest SAINT RAYMOND is just the cure to those nerves however. As soon as he steps up, his impossibly catchy Indie Pop has the audience’s focus back on the main stage. Callum Burrows gives a beyond impressive performance filled with the cheeky charm that has turned SAINT RAYMOND as one of the acts to watch. Firm favorite ’Bonfires’ is completely welcomed by the crowd, the ‘woah-oh’ joyfully chanted back. You can see a quick interview with SAINT RAYMOND before his performance HERE.
FSN 2013 has come to a close and it has been an incredible experience. None of it would be possible without the support from our comrades at DHP, Confetti, Leftlion, JCF and of course you – the amazing supporters of new Notts music. We love you.
Yours in Love of New Music,
Maddie Hammond X
