The biggest night in the Nusic calendar is rapidly approaching so make sure you don’t miss the Future Sound of Nottingham Final on Sunday and why not check out Sounds on the Downs and Live & Local too!
GIG ONE
If you want all the fun of a festival without spending the pennies then do we have treat for you. Nottingham Uni’s ‘Sound on the Downs’ one-day festival takes place on the 13th June and features two stages brimming with local talent.
On the acoustic stage we have the ever enigmatic GEORGIE ROSE. With her wistful lyrics and that stunning voice, this girl never fails to bring her audience to a complete standstill, an artist not to be missed. Check out her beautiful Future Session from last month if you need further convincing. Also taking to the stage will be the happiest four-piece around STUCK IN 2ND. Their reggae infused guitar riffs and dutty beats are guaranteed to raise your spirits and come rain or shine these boys will get you in that summer feelin’. With his own sound of bluesy folk, BONSAI PROJECTS will throw some sensitivity into the mix. Armed with his trustee acoustic, this one-man band will draw you in and not let go, captivating you with his mesmerising vocals and delicate melodies.
As if that wasn’t enough, the main stage will also be playing host to five of Nottingham’s finest. TIMESTEALERS will bring a smile to your face with their tongue-in-cheek lyrics (see their song The Pursuit) and their latino flair. Unashamedly fun, these guys are the perfect festival band. Also sharing the stage are local five-piece THE ORANGE FANDANGOS. With a sound reminiscent of indie heroes The Foals, these boys serve up some indie pop tunes you can really bust a move to. Hailing from Forest Fields, the fresh sounds of UJAHM promise to brighten your day. With influences that range from Jamaican and British ska to dub, soul and hip hop, these guys are Nottingham’s answer to The Specials. Now if you fancy something a little bit mentally fun, then MANIÉRE DES BOHÉMIENS are here to add that certain je ne sais quoi. Stating a range of influences from Debussy to Gogol Bordello, these boys provide their own unique take on gypsy folk jazz that’ll have you hooked from the start. Rounding up this already incredible line up are CECILLE GREY. Having perfected their own brand of alternative pop with touches of folk, this band are undeniably compelling, and their reflective lyrics and silky vocals will resonate with you days after.
With such an amazing display of acts, Sound on the Downs has something for everyone- miss it at your peril!
PRICE: FREE
START: 12.00
GIG TWO
On Friday June 15th we have Live & Local featuring MUHA, FRANKIE RUDOLPH and THE GOLDEN TROUBADOURS at Nottingham Playhouse.
Getting sick of all the footy already? Well its numbingly inevitable that England are going to crash and burn so you might as well save yourself the heartbreak and get some live music in your system instead.
South African born FRANKIE RUDOLPH is one of Nottingham’s top young up and coming singer/songwriters. He takes inspiration from the likes of BEN HOWARD, COLDPLAY and BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB which has influenced his sound, helping to create a distinctive style which he describes as being “somewhere in between soulful acoustic & indie folk.” A Unique, chilled and feel good style of music.
Stemming from eastern roots, MUHA layers and mixes the sounds of different traditions, influenced by the multicultural society that they inhabit in the UK. The band is a great live act, entertaining with musicianship and engaging with audiences through a variety of languages and catchy grooves. Combining the melodic beauty of Eastern European folklore, North Indian Kathak rhythms, Cuban beats, Western European influence and original lyrics from Hindi to old Russian and modern Ukrainian, they mesmerize with a musical feast rooted in the Slavonic tradition but cultured from the world.
THE GOLDEN TROUBADOURS are a dreamlike acoustic band from Nottingham who write unique soulful songs with shades of flamenco, folk, soul and blues performed with passion and feeling, which leave the heart-strings lovingly played.
With wistful, and often souring, vocals from Matthew Taylor, layered atmospheric guitar playing from both Lee Noon and Jade Bowman that compliments the beautifully melodic bass lines of James Pheasant and the percussion of Jason Allum, THE GOLDEN TROUBADOURS don’t miss out.
DOORS: 7.30PM
TICKETS:£8 (£6 for concessions.)
GIG THREE
It’s here. The day that we’ve been holding our breath for. The day that has had us here at Nusic running around like headless chickens. The day that has seen mammoth love spreading and incredible fresh talents compete for…THE FSN FINAL @ Rock City!
19.00 IN THE NORTH WOOD
Kicking off the night in style are top love spreaders IN THE NORTH WOOD. After securing their place in the semi’s through an epic spreading of love to a variety of other Nott’s artists and then bossing them Semi Final voting stage. IN THE NORTH WOOD have proven to be as musically gifted as they are popular with their youthful folksy blues.
19.30 THE AFTERDARK MOVEMENT
The only urban act left in the competition, THE AFTERDARK MOVEMENT have broken the mold to bring you their mix of stylish hip-hop funk. Their infectious grooves and upbeat lyrics are set to create a serious buzz, and after seriously impressing both the expert judges and the public these guys are on their way to becoming local urban legends!
20.00 CRASH JACKET
CRASH JACKET are bringing an edge to the stage with their fresh take on indie rock. With experimental dance and funk influences and their live performances bringing to mind the likes of festival legends Kasabian, this band are a sight to behold and a treat to the ears. Expect Rock City to be shaking to the foundations.
20.30 TOM WARDLE
With classic tunes as slick and sharp as his suits, TOM WARDLE is set to impress with rumours of a suave on-stage surprise to knock you for six. A gigging regular, Tom has proved his popularity with the Notts massive by sailing through the public vote to the Final. Prepare to get your swoon on!
21.00 THE SPECIES
Dark and delicious vocals combined with simple anthemic riffs have lead to THE SPECIES being described as ‘The Arctic Monkeys evil little brother’ – minus the hardcore Northen accents. Still attending college, these lads are young but are showing great potential to be the next brooding British rockers. Watch this space!
21.30 JOE DANKS
The youngest lad left in the competition, doc-marten clad folkster JOE DANKS shows maturity beyond his years in providing soulful and sophisticated folk-pop melodies that will get your toes a’tapping. Joe is the last act of the night and upbeat tunes are the perfect ending to a night of pure Nott’s gold!
We are very excited to announce that the incredible INDIANA will make a very special guest appearance at the end of the night whilst the judges consider their scores. This girl is an unbelieveable talent and can’t wait to her THAT voice on the legendary Rock City sound system. Check out our review of INDIANA‘s performance at Dot to Dot Festival last weekend HERE.
Just to clarify INDIANA is not in the competition.
With last years Final proving to be a massive success, the last stage of 2012’s FSN final is well on it’s way to becoming an incredible night with an electric atmosphere and a wealth of Nott’s talent performing. PEOPLE OF NOTTINGHAM, SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND COME TO THE MOST EXCITING GIG OF THE YEAR!
Check out our coverage of last year’s FSN Final HERE.
Price: FREE ! Just Rock up!
Doors : 6.30pm
Yours in Love of New Music,
Tom Hadfield, Cerys Owen, Maddie Hammond and Ashleigh Bossman x
#spreadthelove
