ATTENTION MUSIC LOVERS: Christmas is coming early this year as Nottingham brings you not one, not two but THREE home-grown artists preparing to release debut albums this autumn. First up is the long awaited ‘Devil in Me’ from the piano-playing songstress NATALIE DUNCAN. Relentlessly captivating, Miss Duncan’s songs exploit her lyrical prowess, their influences ranging from destructive relationships and heartbreak to the ramblings of a local in the pub, from uplifting thanks to the influence of Gil Scott-Heron. ‘Devil in Me’ promises to tug at the heart strings, and we challenge you not to fall head over heels for this girl. One of the many reasons this soulful singer is our artist of the month this July.
Having returned from flying the Notts flag on their UK tour, DOG IS DEAD have confirmed the album that everyone’s been holding their breath for. Trev and his ginger locks had this to say: ‘We’re very pleased to announce that our debut album will be coming out in a matter of months. “All Our Favourite Stories” will be the title, we’ve taken it from the lyrics of Two Devils. We feel it sums up the work we have done since the start of DOG IS DEAD. The Album has been recorded in parts around London but the majority has been recorded in Nottingham’s very own Random Recordings.’ With anthemic choruses (Glockenspiel Song, anyone..?) and nostalgic lyrics to boot, this debut is guaranteed to be flying off the shelves. Could this be the hallowed Nottingham number one we’ve been dreaming of?
Last but by no means least is Nottingham’s most talked about troubadour JAKE BUGG. Following a set on Jools Holland, a live session on Radio 1 and a European tour, the fresh faced singer is slowly taking over the world, and we could not be more excited. With a sound reminiscent of an early Dylan and far more mature than his 18 years would suggest, Bugg has already established himself as a rising star with folk anthems like ‘Trouble Town’ and ‘Lightening Bolt’ gaining regular national radio play. His self-titled album is set for release in the latter half of this year and with such firm favourites under his belt, fans are left to wonder what else this young talent could possibly offer. Keep your eyes peeled for his upcoming tour dates, too!
Forget the Olympics, the Jubilee and The European Championships, 2012 is Nottingham’s time to shine. A musical force to be reckoned with.
Yours in love of new music
Maddie Hammond
#spreadthelove
