The weather may have been wack till last week but musically it’s been an awesome summer here in the Great County of Nottinghamshire. Lots to smile and get excited about, our scene has never been more vibrant. To quote some paper called ‘The Guardian’ we are a city on the rise!
Splendour rocked, a rare hot day combining with nine fabulous Nottingham artists to create a truly memorable day. Our Future Sound of Nottingham winners THE MONEY smashed it out the (Wollaton) Park, opening the main stage in front of at least 3000/4000 Nottingham music lovers. Over on the ‘JAMES WARING stage’ HARLEIGHBLU, ROYAL GALA and SWIMMING all looked born to do it, nailing it in front of the biggest crowds they’ve ever played in front of. All topped off with DOG IS DEAD stepping up as ‘Nottingham Headliners’ to entertain a good 5000/6000 peeps, playing in front of such numbers is going to be a regular experience for them next summer fo shizzle (looking forward to these secret recordings they’re rumoured to be doing in a Arboretum Church, thanks for the tip-off Father!). In-between Waring Stage sets a quick jog up the ‘Alpe De Wollaton’ got you to the LEFTLION Courtyard stage where GALLERY 47, THE PETEBOX, CECILLE GREY and JAKE BUGG all did Nottingham proud, oh speaking of Jake Bugg…
Jake has become the fourth Nottingham act in six months to sign to a Major Label, and not any ole major label (we’re not talking near bankrupt EMI here), we’re talking Mercury Records the home to up and coming artists like Arcade Fire, The Killers and U2(!). Exciting news for Jake and for the whole scene too as we seek that Nottingham Number One, check out his interview with EG Contributor Mary Ann Pickford HERE, I wonder who’ll be next? (To sign to a major label not to get interviewed by Mary, that’s one of these next ladies…).
NINA SMITH and RONIKA must be two of the bookies favourites. They both have new EP’s/ Singles out which might as well have been called “come and get me major label big boys” so loudly do they scream “we’re ready to be incredibly successful would you like us to make you rich?”. KIRK SPENCER fresh from obliterating it on the BBC Introducing Stage at Reading/ Leeds is also creating quite a buzz as are SPOTLIGHT KID (Guardian’s ‘New Band of the Day’ and ‘New Band of the Month’ no less) plus the CRS supported JAH DIGGA/ 2TONE/ DJ VIMTO combo, all are rumoured to have secured management and/ or big gigs off the back of their Introducing appearances. And if ya want a Kirk Spencer remix these days, add a few zeros to the cheque!
Speaking of Nottingham’s urban scene THE ELEMENTZ have been strangely quiet over the summer, doubly so when you consider the fact their MC prodigy SKIMAN received his first Radio One play and long time collaborator KARIZMA has been playing some of the UK’s biggest festivals, Lovebox anyone?! We can only conclude something very big is brewing in the heart of their Lace Market studio, keep your ears peeled.
Back to the bands FRONTIERS seem to be returning from hibernation having slipped in a much-acclaimed sneaky London show at Koko with none other than Jane’s Addiction. Speaking of London shows (they’re a vital part of the music industry greasy poll, deal with it) the aforementioned RONIKA (our Artist of the Month) nailed her showcase last week where hopefully a major label A+R finally came to their senses and is currently pondering exactly how much cash to chuck at her.
Several of the above acts put in an appearance at the second annual WATERFRONT FESTIVAL. Hundreds and hundreds of local New Music Lovers turned out again for what is now firmly established in the Nottingham music calendar as the Hockley Hustle of the Summer, such a great event and all for charity. Man this city rocks, respect to Will Robinson, Hannah Larham and James Waring for making this even happen.
More excitement for the scene generally in the form of tasty national press coverage, DOG IS DEAD and RONIKA (she was also in the Mirror!) were both in this week’s NME whilst LeftLion’s own Al Needham popped up in The Sunday Times (him and Rupert are tight) singing the praises of Notts and have you seen the massive Guardian piece on our scene yet? Another piece of the pie as we reach out and evangelise beyond the River Trent, respect to EG regular Mike Atkinson who got the Guardian to take note, check it online.
Before I go I can confirm:
a) Yes LATE OF THE PIER are rumoured to be returning-ish. At least two of the band working on the new video for a secret project brewing near the Hockley part of town.
b) We too have heard those very disturbing rumours that REBEL SOUL COLLECTIVE are to be let loose on the people of China, should we really be letting those madmen lose on a nuclear power??
Assuming RSC do not start WWIII I’ll hope to see you at the ‘Nottingham Class of 2011’ LeftLion covershoot on Oct 4th or our next Nusic Workshop at Antenna on Oct 18th, this one is on the killer question, ‘how do I make money from my music?’. I’ll certainly be taking notes!
Yours in Love of New Music
vlr
x
To hear the above artists and find out more about any of them head to www.nusic.org.uk.
