GIG ONE
The Road to Splendour series that has got our blood pumping for the big event comes to its grand finale on the 11th July at The Bodega, and as always, is packed with the crème de la crème of local talent.
Kicking the night off in folky style is one-man band HEATHENS. With just an acoustic and a kick drum, Luke Barton’s ‘twisted folk’, his percussive guitar and vocals laden with fragility will make you fall in love. Get on down early to catch Nottingham’s own Ben Howard.
Following with their blues-infused folk, INJURED BIRDS take to the mic. Signed to home-grown label and Huw Stephen’s label of the week Denizen Records, frontman Sam Kirks’ beguiling vocals backed by an eclectic mix including a harmonium, xylophone and other instruments you can hit with a stick give INJURED BIRDS their distinctive sound. Imagine the lovechild of David Byrne and Bon Iver being hit over the head with a ukulele and then you’re getting close. An exciting band on the rise, look out for their ep ‘Silver Birches’ out this autumn.
Headlining this event and preparing for the Splendour stage are the ever enthralling OPIE DEINO. Following May’s release of their ‘Facing Up’ ep which saw OPIE DEINO upgrade from solo act to fully-fledged band, their indie acoustic pop is now ‘a bit more danceable and a bit more fucking rad’. With driving force Sian Alexandra’s flawless vocals, plucky guitar and the occasional rap, they’ll take you on one hell of a journey-raising a smile one minute and a tear the next. Something special and not to be missed.
If you haven’t been to one already, then make sure to get to The Bodega on the 11th for the final instalment of The Road to Splendour, the pinnacle of what has been an explosive series of shows exploring some of the best of what Notts has to offer. Bring on Splendour 2012!
Check out our Splendour Special Podcast out on Monday.
Doors: 7.00pm, 14+.
Price: TBA
GIG TWO
It’s fair to say that Nottingham is the place to be at the moment. With SOO much talent emerging and so much love sprouting it brings tears of joy to our eyes. So if you’re looking for some tips from the top on all things Notts, then keep the 11th of July free in your diary as The Industry Face to Face event at The Broadway Cinema is not to be missed! Whether you’re music crazy, want an insight into the music/media industry or you simply love Nottingham’s culture, then we urge you to be there.
The day will be packed with live music, workshops and debates hosted by special guests including Nusic’s founder Mark Del, soulful singer NINA SMITH, writer Parisa Pyrcia, MC Lee Ramsay and DJ and producer ILL MANA amongst others. The headline speaker is Cassius Henry, the man from everyone’s most recent Saturday night fixture The Voice alongside a mystery celebrity guest. And if that wasn’t enough, there will be live performances from local artist’s reppin’ the Nottingham music scene. There’s even the chance for you to get involved and win yourself some dollar- if feel you’ve got a natural lyrical flow then sharpen up your best bars for the ‘best verse performed’ competition and be in with a chance of bagging the £100 cash prize.
With live music, the chance to mingle with some key figures in the Notts creative scene and free refreshments, it’s a win-win situation.
PRICE: FREE
TIMES: 10am-3pm.
GIG THREE
On Sunday 15th July at Long Eaton Silver Prize Band Club, C&R Promotions bring you KNIGHTFEST – presenting the best of the best of local talent and a day and night of incredible live music! Here are the Notts artists to watch out for:
THE ACOUSTIC LOUNGE
FRANKIE RUDOLF
In the Acoustic Lounge at 12.45 is our favourite prodigy FRANKIE RUDOLF. ‘Almost too young to be this good’, Frankie’s honey-like vocals backed by warm, soothing chords on the guitar are the perfect start to the day. Utterly compelling, you’ll struggle to believe this talent is only 15. We sure as hell still can’t believe it!
JOSH KEMP
With a goal to ‘bring real music back to the mainsteam’, Josh’s uplifting tracks are full to the brim with honesty and are sure to sweep you off your feet. If catchy melodies and smooth n’ silky vocals do it for you, catch his set on the Acoustic Stage at 13.45!
DANIEL DOBBS
Repping the final slot at the acoustic stage is DANIEL DOBBS. Despite his small stature, Daniel owns the room with his powerful voice and has gained himself a reputation as one of the most engaging performers on the local scene. Retaining a stripped down sound that emphasises the mature honesty of his songs, this guy is a raw talent and is guaranteed to blow you away!
THE DAY STAGE
DISTURBING THE DEPTHS
Second up on the Day Stage, 4 piece rockers DISTURBING THE DEPTHS are getting ready to disturb the peace with their unique blend of genres that are ‘guaranteed to melt your face’. If face melting is up your street, catch these guys at 12.15!
THE RIFT
Finishing off the Day Stage in style, these indie rockers will stick in your mind like superglue. With catchy melodies, gravelly vocals and high-energy performances, THE RIFT always deliver an unforgettable live set. Look out for their debut ep ‘What We’re Here For’.
THE KNIGHT STAGE
THE CITYKNIGHTS
Possibly the cheekiest four piece around, THE CITYKNIGHTS are sure to belt out one hell of a set. Well known for energetic performances and lively stage antics, their sound is alight with influences ranging from The Libertines to Oasis and is guaranteed to bring a fresh vibe to the night. Catch them on the Knight Stage at 9pm.
PRICE: EVENING TICKET/DAY TICKET £3
DAY + EVENING TICKET £5
DOORS: 11am (MORNING) 6pm (AFTERNOON)
Yours in Love of new Music,
Maddie Hammond, Cerys Owen, Ashleigh Bossman and Dan Potts x
#spreadthelove
