The Nottingham music scene sees a proper exciting mish-mash of performances over the next seven days, with an EP launch, a relaxed acoustic showcase and an alternative fest with over twenty artists featured.
GIG ONE
This Wednesday The Maze is hosting another of its HUSH acoustic night featuring six wonderful artists all from Nottingham.
LISA DE’VILLE starts the show with her enchanting folk melodies. Her eclectic music tastes shine through with elements of Blues, Rock and Americana all present in her haunting vocals.
MAKE A HALO will be bringing some Acoustic Pop sounds with an eccentric edge. Henry has been maintaining an element of mystery online but this social media enigma will very quickly draw you into his quirky yet catchy songs such as ‘Listen to the Frog’.
That familiar lass ROBYN HUGHES-JONES brings some warm soulfulness to the evening with her delectable vocals. Her influences can be seen within her sultry melodies, with whispers of Etta James to Amy Winehouse, her unique voice is definitely not to be missed.
LIAM O’KANE ups the tempo with his energetic Folk and Ska tunes. Not keeping all of his eggs in one basket, Liam is also the frontman of Reggae band JIMMY THE SQUIRREL, but his rich, gravelly solo vocals will fill the room and leave you intrigued yet satisfied.
TOM ASH pulls us back to pure folk with sweet guitar melodies and beautifully catchy choruses. His set is sure to pull at your heartstrings, in the best way, which is quite apt as his debut EP has the same name.
PHOEBE BALL rounds off the evening with her unique Acoustic Jazz stylings. Her wonderfully weird originals are enticing yet haunting at the same time. Prepare to be mystified.
Price: £3
Doors: 7:30
GIG TWO
This Friday sees the EP launch of the wonderful BEN HAYNES at Guitar Bar, with two rather sweet supporting artists for your delectation.
Ben’s EP ‘Whisper in My Ear’ is being released to the world, and we couldn’t be happier. The kind-hearted emotion present in his voice combined with a laid-back Folk vibe will definitely draw you into a journey full of heartbreak and longing. One of his standout tracks ‘Do You Think I’m Able’, became a sort of unofficial anthem to the 2012 Paralympics, with several athletes tweeting their love for the song. His lyrics are soulfully sweet, and his vocals are crisp, BEN HAYNES is definitely a name to look out for.
JOHN HARDY is one of the support artists for the evening and while his songs have a relaxed singer-songwriter feel to them, their lines such as “Chinzano mixed with 7’up” always bring out a smile or a laugh to the listener. He admits to his music being full of childhood memories but portrays them with a darkly humorous edge.
MO MORRIS brings an up tempo Americana/Bluegrass feel to the night with his earthy, heartfelt tones. You nay have seen him as part of MO MORRIS & THE STRUGGLING STRING BAND but tonight, the string band must be struggling more so than usual, cos we have him rocking it solo and stripped back. His music is the type you would expect to hear in a bar in Austin, Texas, so close your eyes, listen and you may just be transported!
Price: £5 (with free EP)
Doors: 8:15
GIG THREE
Our third and final gig this week is on Sunday and we’re going back to The Maze for IKE Productions Load of Meat Festival (Number two) which is full to the brim of Nottinghamshire Punk, Rock, Metal and other Alternative goodness over three stages!
MAIN STAGE
MIXED REACTIONS kick off the night with their American-influenced classic Pop/Punk sound, shortly followed by FSN 2014 finalists CROSA ROSA whose grungy psychedelic tunes are sure to mystify. GOODNIGHT ASTRONAUT are next up with their sweet anthemic Rock songs, while HELLO TOMORROW provide fresh choruses and clever rhymes which are guaranteed to have you jumping in no time! Finally, ON THE OPEN ROAD bring the night to a close with their unique edgy vocals and catchy guitar riffs. Dead Intentions from Derby will also play the Main stage.
UPSTAIRS STAGE
CASS kick things off with a unique mix of Blues and Metal, with plenty of awesome guitar solos, whilst TAKE THE SKY turn things up a level, describing their music as “glitter and whiskey”, an intriguing blend to say the least! 5 Days Of November from Burton, Brains For Breakfast from Walsall, Further Than Forever from Derby and Parasight also from Derby will also be playing the Upstairs Stage.
ACOUSTIC STAGE
DANIEL SCOTT’s rich voice and loop pedal skills will kick things off on the Acoustic stage before JOSEPH KNIGHT chills things out with his cute metaphors and heartwarming songs such as ‘Keep Your Head Up’. RICHARD JENKINS follows up next with beautiful soulful vocals, quite reminiscent of Paolo Nutini. Last but definitely not least ADAM ZAREBA takes the stage with his sweetly sung feel-good songs, speaking of damaged livers and drinking, I’m sure a few of you can relate! Amy & Lily and Those Two, both from Derbyshire, will also be on the Acoustic Stage.
Price: £6
Doors: 4:00
Yours in Love of New Music,
Izzy Marie Hill x
P.S SLEAFORD MODS will be playing two headline shows this week, both at Spanky Van Dykes. These guys put on an incredible live performance, and it definitely would have made the Top Three Gigs, however, both dates have sold out – hence why they’re not included. If you do have a ticket, prepare for an incredible gig!
