Did you know eating kiwis helps you sleep better? Nope, that’s fine, at least you’ll know after this what a week Notts has in store for music. We have HARLEIGHBLU’S album release show on Wednesday, the freshest Hip Hop, Rap and Grime talent from YMCA Digital on Thursday and to top it all off THE INVISIBLE ORCHESTRA’S long awaited album launch on Saturday – we’re so ‘effin excited!
WEDNESDAY
HARLEIGHBLU started writing songs aged seven, working with producers aged twelve, signed a record deal with Tru Thoughts aged 21, released a debut album ‘Forget Me Not’ aged 22 and nooooow at the ripe old age of 24 is about to release ‘Futurespective’ – an accumulation of tracks from her acclaimed ‘Futurespective’ digital EP series and a previously unreleased track. Charting a move into a more Electronic infused sound, Harls keeps pushing the boundaries whilst still retaining a soulful, gritty, Winehouse-esque core. Just back from supporting Hot 8 Brass Band, the show will unveil the beauty and bones behind our queen of Hip-Hop and Soul. It’ll also probably make you wanna pre-order her CD – just sayin.
Rough Trade
Doors: 7pm
Entry: free
THURSDAY
Fancy hearing some dope Hip Hop and Rap from Nottingham’s young and upcoming? Well YMCA Digital are back presenting the showcase performance from The Young Promoters project. Based in New Basford and Long Eaton, YMCA Digital have been delivering weekly music sessions to young people and igniting raw talent. In fact, we first heard our most recent Future Session artist A-DEE (FS out 13/06/16) at one of these nights.
You’ll also get a chance to hear from YMCA Digital staff BRU-C, RAPHAEL BLAKE and MOTORMOUF amongst others. A lyrical firestorm, BRU-C has become well established in the UK Grime scene. Having played at festivals such as Outlook and Boomtown, he’s also supported the likes of Dizzee Rascal and Katy B. His new track ‘GVNMNT [politics as usual]’ is razor sharp and evokes feelings first felt when we heard SCORZAYZEE’S ‘Great Britain’. Raphael is ‘more than poetry, more than poetry, more than poetry’. Get the picture? His spoken word can be layered over Neo-Soul vibes, Drum and Bass music or even House beats but nothing takes away from the essence of what is – the words. The words from this former Mouthy Poet leaves nothing to be said… apart from RAPAEL BLAKE. Get to know. Beatbox pundit MOTORMOUF has energy levels only Duracell bunnies possess. Armed with a mic, loop pedal and a crowd, he becomes unstoppable. His wicked lyrical wizardry will have your ears burning – burning for more…not on fire (we hope).
With an open cypher with band as well, this night will be FIYAH!
For full lineup, click HERE.
Nottingham Contemporary
Doors: 6pm
Entry: free
SATURDAY
Back at the Masonic Hall, our favourite 24-piece Orchestra (and Artist of the Month for June) are celebrating the release of their debut album ‘Champagne Taste Lemonade Honey’. Two years in the making, this album has been a labour of love for Nottingham’s most notorious ensemble. Even getting together to rehearse can turn into a raucous affair when you have insane vocalists, a grammy award winning Hammond organist, saxophonists, tubists, sousaphonist, trumpeters, cornets, drummers, double-bassists, percussionists, congaists, guitarists, a pianist, string quartet players and trombonists (*she gasps*). Straddling Funk, Soul, Afrobeat, Latin and more, THE INVISIBLE ORCHESTRA are a vortex of sound that makes it impossible to sit down. Huge, badass brass sections, a high-impact rhythm core, soulful vocals and down and dirty funk beats – it’s orchestral gold I tell you. On the night they’ll be collaborating with rapping Stalwart SCORZAYZEE and current world DJ Champion Mr Switch – it will be LIVEEE! Having done seven Nottingham shows and each selling out.. I think you know what to do.
Masonic Hall
Doors: 8pm
Entry: £15
You can buy tickets HERE.
Yours in Love of New Music,
Anna Butler x
