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NEWS
Everyone You Know – The Cookie
Friday 3 April
Everyone You Know are Rhys Kirkby-Cox and Harvey Kirkby, brothers from London. “Everyday poets, musical adventurers… they sound like nine at night and seven in the morning.” – Steve Lamacq (BBC Radio 6 Music). Tickets on sale on Friday.
The Stranglers – De Montfort Hall
Tuesday 10 November
One of the UK’s most exciting, credible and influential British groups, The Stranglers have announced an extensive full production UK tour later this year. The band have stated that this will be their final extensive tour of the UK and whilst they may not be checking out completely just yet this will be the last opportunity to see them playing together in a comprehensive touring format. The band promise a set that will be covering tracks from their extensive catalogue spanning over 45 years. Tickets on sale on Friday.
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THIS WEEK
Open Mic – The Soundhouse
Tuesday 28 January (and every Tuesday)
The weekly open mic happens at The Soundhouse every Tuesday night from 7.30pm. The night is hosted by Rhett Barrow and acts are encouraged to arrive early if hoping to get a slot. Each week there’ll be a featured artist play from 9.30 – 10pm, so if you’re wanting to play a longer set then get your name down. Discover some brilliant new acts. The Soundhouse is on Southampton Street in the Cultural Quarter. FREE ENTRY.
Toy – The Cookie
Tuesday 28 January
With the band including members of Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong, Toy’s live shows are a mesmerising mix of flailing limbs, massive analogue synths, twin guitars and an ever-evolving psychedelic sound. TICKETS.
Acoustic Tuesdays – The Black Horse (Blaby)
Tuesday 28 January (and every Tuesday)
Every Tuesday at 8.30pm a friendly group of music lovers meet in the bar, to play, sing or just to listen to an informal acoustic session. FREE ENTRY.
Cornflakes at Kelly’s – The Shed
Tuesday 28 January
Enjoy a punk and alternative start to your Independent Venue Week as Coventry’s Cornflakes at Kelly’s come to The Shed. Support comes from indie grunge, Ohana, and alt-rock duo, Piston Slap. £6 on the door.
Ariel Posen – The Musician
Tuesday 28 January
Singer/songwriter, internationally-renowned guitarist, producer, solo artist, lifelong musician, there are few roles Ariel Posen hasn’t played! “The guitar is the tool to get the music out,” he says. “Always serve the song first. Otherwise, you’re just playing an instrument.” TICKETS.
All Ears Avow – The Shed
Wednesday 29 January
A four piece, female fronted alternative rock band from Swindon who are influenced by bands including Deftones, Arcane Roots and Incubus. Since forming in early 2013, All Ears Avow have devised their own brand of alternative rock dipping their toes into pop punk and also heavier styles with melodic choruses and fist pumping anthems that leave crowds begging for more. TICKETS.
Austin Gold – The Musician
Wednesday 29 January
Hailing from Peterborough, Austin Gold have been labelled as “Melodic Hard Rock”. They have been said by many to be ones to watch and were awarded “Best Breakthrough Act 2017”. TICKETS.
Voidwalker – Duffy’s
Thursday 30 January
Enjoy a free night of progressive metal from Voidwalker, ZOIC and Dum Language. Doors 8.30pm.
RXPTRS x I Cried Wolf – The Shed
Thursday 30 January
Rock / Alternative / Metal / Punk outfit RXPTRS and Alternative / Rock / Metal / Hardcore band, I Cried Wolf come to The Vault at The Shed for a brilliant Independent Venue week show. TICKETS.
Footwerk – Apres Lounge
Thursday 30 January
A night all things Disco/House and Techno every Thursday with some of the best up and coming DJs Leicester has to offer along with amazing drinks deals.
Talon The Acoustic Collection – The Musician
Thursday 30 January
On the back of the incredible success of their award-winning Talon – The Best of Eagles show, Jonny Miller, Chris Lloyd, Peter Anderson and Keith Buck began a labour of love. Talon – The Acoustic Collection has taken on a life of its own, and become so popular that they have released a full length acoustic album. TICKETS.
Paul Carrack – De Montfort Hall
Friday 31 January
Former Mike And The Mechanics frontman and Squeeze member, and the voice behind world-wide hits such as Ace’s How Long, Squeeze’s Tempted and timeless classic The Living Years. Paul Carrack has a reputation as a stunning live performer. “The Man with the Golden Voice” (BBC4) “His soulful gem of a voice is one of pop’s best kep secrets. It’s about time that changed.” (Daily Mail). TICKETS.
We Be Beasts – Firebug
Friday 31 January
After a sell-out show in September 2019, fuzzy four-piece We Be Beasts return to Firebug. Bringing their unique brand of riff laden, fuzzed up, leopard print danceable alt-rock. Support from Scumbag Lion and Piston Slap. Firebug’s rock night follows. TICKETS.
Rock The 90s – 2Funky Music Cafe
Friday 31 January
The UK’s ultimate live 90s band, Rock The 90s, present an epic night of Britpop anthems guaranteed to bring back those ‘old skool’ 90s vibes. TICKETS.
SKAM – The Musician
Friday 31 January
A three piece, flick rock band from Leicester who play a blend of classic British rock with elements of punk and heavy metal. They have been compared to the Foo Fighters, Therapy? and AC/DC. With a reputation for delivering no nonsense, gutsy, classic sounding British rock music, played with passion and conviction the band have steadily built a strong local following. Support from Hell’s Addiction. TICKETS.
Mansfield Avenue – Queen of Bradgate
Friday 31 January
From Mumford & Sons to Metallica, Tina Turner to Toto, Arctic Monkeys to Alanis Morissette, Mansfield Avenue will get your weekend started in the best way! Free entry.
Nicola Lovell – Natterjacks
Friday 31 January
Live music for your Friday night at Natterjacks as Nicola Lovell performs live, followed by resident DJ. 2 for 1 cocktails from 8pm – 11pm and free entry all night.
Hibou – The Soundhouse
Friday 31 January
Seattle dream-pop artist, Peter Michel, brings his outfit, Hibou, to Leicester for a headline show at The Soundhouse on Friday 31 January. Amidst an atmosphere of melancholia, Peter Michel has thrown himself into a lifetime’s worth of writing, recording and touring belied by his young age. At just 17, the Seattle-based musician toured extensively with dream pop outfit Craft Spells, and most recently met critical acclaim with his personal project, Hibou. TICKETS.
Northern Live: Do I Love You? – The Haymarket Theatre
Saturday 1 February
Keeping the Faith to the original sounds of the underground movement that started on the dance floors in the North and eventually swept the Nation. Featuring an 11-piece band with 4 lead vocalists performing over 30 Northern Soul hits! TICKETS.
All Ages Matinee Showcase – The Shed
Saturday 1 February
Some of you might have enjoyed your first ever gig at The Shed. Now they’re bringing back the all ages matinee shows, with the first one as part of Independent Venue Week. Tickets are £5 on the door with all ages welcome (under 16s to be accompanied by an adult). Live music from 2.15 – 5pm, tickets £5 on the door. Acts include Adam Olinski, Montsaye Band and more.
DrX – Grand Union
Saturday 1 February
Enjoy some rock & blues with DrX at Grand Union. Free entry.
Minnie Milk Queer Cabaret – The Shed
Saturday 1 February
Whipped Cream is a two hour long queer cabaret extravaganza. Featuring diverse performers from the East Midlands and beyond, Minnie Milk Presents to you a brand new queer cabaret night celebrating the weird and wonderful. TICKETS.
Shy FX & Stamina MC – O2 Academy
Saturday 1 February
After their biggest event ever, Beastwang are keeping the levels high with drum & bass legends, Shy FX and Stamina MC, plus a huge line-up of DJs back at the O2 Academy. TICKETS.
Neck – Duffy’s Bar
Saturday 1 February
Referred to as ‘The Psycho-Ceilídh band’, 6-piece Celtic punk band, Neck, distil the sound of two other mighty London rebel bands, The Clash & The Pogues, and in the process, juxtapose perfectly the vibrant, uplifting swirl and spiritual abandon of authentic Traditional Irish music with the attitude, social awareness and full-on, electric energy blast of punk rock! TICKETS.
Kingsize – The Musician
Saturday 1 February
Leicester’s top ranking ska band, Kingsize play foot-stompin’, house rocking arrangements of the finest original Jamaican ska sounds. Their style draws heavily on the classic Studio One song catalogue and traditional big band sounds of ’60s ska. TICKETS.
Son of Glenn – BrewDog
Saturday 1 February
Join the Coalville alternative four piece, whose influences include Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam and Manchester Orchestra. £5 on the door.
TV Smith – The Musician
Saturday 1 February
Frontman of seminal punk band The Adverts, now performing as a quality solo performer. 2pm show. TICKETS.
Frauds – The Soundhouse
Saturday 1 February
Post-hardcore noise duo Chris (drums) and Mike (guitar) aka Frauds are wrapped in a Mcluskey-esque chaos! The two-piece create songs that are packed with a fair amount of humour and venom. Support comes from Earls and Smack Jack. TICKETS.
Acoustic Sessions – The Kings Head
Saturday 1 February
Free entry with live music from 8pm as 3 top acoustic acts entertain you at The Kings Head. Featuring Rhett Barrow, Imogen Cresswell and Cassius Povey.
Uncle Frank – The Cookie
Saturday 1 February
Multi-instrumentalist Frank Benbini may be one third of Fun Lovin’ Criminals, but he’s built up a large fanbase as Uncle Frank, performing back here in his hometown. “Oh my, this is the blues as originally intended, James Brown and all the funkery that goes with that. Add in a dose of electro pulsation and you have something that sits easily in the here and now but also pulls from the glorious past”. TICKETS.
Sinead O’Brien – Firebug
Saturday 1 February
Irish poet and performer, Sinead O’Brien is originally from Limerick. Her work captures the everyday and the in-between in a way that transcends genre. Her influences can be found in the realism of Mark E. Smith of The Fall and the works of literary icons such Frank O’Hara, W.B. Yeats, Joan Didion, Albert Camus. Support from Brighton’s post-punk Egyptian Blue. TICKETS.
20th Anniversary Celebration – The Musician
Sunday 2 February
Join Dawson Smith & The Dissenters, along with Andy Griffiths & Andy Wales Band, The Ruby Doos, Sally Hossack’s Dream Band and more, as they celebrate 20 years of The Musician. They’ll be raising funds for Hope Against Cancer & Rainbows & Homeless Charities with a fantastic bill of local artists. TICKETS.
Sound of The Sirens – The Cookie
Sunday 2 February
Already championed by Chris Evans – who declared himself “blown away” when he heard Sound of the Sirens for the first time, the Exeter duo have built up a great following for their beguiling acoustic pop. TICKETS.
Izzy & Dan – The Real Ale Classroom
Sunday 2 February
Enjoy an afternoon of live music, open mic and great beers and gins. Guest performer this week is Izzy & Dan. They cover a huge range of genres including soul and modern songs with vocal harmonies, guitar, and flute. Music from 3pm.
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DIARY DATES
Temples – O2 Academy Leicester
Wednesday 4 March
In support of their new album ‘Hot Motion’, Kettering’s Psychedelia outfit Temples return to the o2 Academy Leicester in March. TICKETS.
Circa Waves – O2 Academy
Tuesday 31 March
Known for their nervy, melodic indie rock, Circa Waves first gained buzz in the 2010’s with hooky singles like ‘Get Away’ and ‘Stuck in My Teeth’. Centered on lead singer/songwriter Kieran Shudall, the Liverpudlians earned favourable comparisons to the Strokes, Arctic Monkeys, and the Vaccines. They’re touring in support of their brand new album ‘Sad Happy’. TICKETS.
Battles – The Y Theatre
Tuesday 5 May
From Brooklyn, New York, Battles are an angular and highly experimental band who have garnered a reputation as some of the most skilled and innovative musicians of their time, helping them to garner a worldwide audience. Pushing the sonic limits of how conventional instruments and electronics meld, they’re coming to Leicester off the back of a tour support slot with Foals. TICKETS.
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SPOTLIGHT
We talk Independent Venue Week with The Shed’s Elisabeth Carley-Leonard
Independent Venue Week runs across the UK from Monday 27 January – Sunday 2 February. Encouraging everyone to get out and support their grassroots music venues, discover new bands and see some really special shows! Once again there’s plenty happening across Leicester City Centre and we caught up with The Shed’s owner, Elisabeth Carley-Leonard to find out why it’s so important.
How important is Independent Venue Week to venues like The Shed?
IVW pushes us as music lovers to deliver our favourites and top bands to the public, and throughout the week more high profile acts are more likely to say yes to shows than at other times of the year! There’s also a huge amount of press, and the public feel more inclined to support GMVs in this time, so it’s hugely important for us!
Tell us a little about what The Shed has on for IVW this week?
We have something going on every day! Tuesday – Thursday we have shows across both floors, Friday an electronic open mic and Saturday we are re launching then All Ages Matinee Showcase events, which is hugely exciting!
There seem to be a lack of younger bands around at the moment, so we’re doing what we can to encourage younger musicians to take to the stage and get the experience they need from a young age to then go on to become great musicians.
Which show are you most looking forward to?
The All Ages Showcase on Saturday afternoon! My first gig experience at The Shed was a matinee show back when I was 13, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring them back!
What are some of the highlights of running an independent venue?
In bigger companies, the staff are just cogs in a machine – here we’re all part of one dysfunctional family and work together as a team, which is a fantastic environment to be in. We also get control over who we want to book, so if we fall in love with a band there’s no red tape and we can book them ourselves!
And the biggest struggle?
The financial side of things – there are less people these days wanting to discover new music. So if a band is unsigned and unknown, it’s highly likely the attendance will be quite low and we often won’t take enough on the door to pay them what they’re worth. There’s constantly rising bills and PRS rates, and because we rely on the attendance of gig goers to the bill it’s often not a stable source of income. But, we do it for the love!
How can music fans in Leicester support local venues and help develop the city’s music scene?
Just get out there and explore! Even if you don’t know the band, get yourself to a venue and pay the £5 entry to have a drink and a good time. And who knows, you might even be watching the next Kasabian in the making. There are no 2 days the same here, and there’s often something for everyone.
What other highlights are coming up for The Shed in 2020?
ROAM on 4th feb is a huge highlight! They’re performing in The Vault (whereas they’re usually in much larger venues) as part of an IVW tour! We’re also about to hit our third anniversary and smash the statistic of most businesses failing in their first 3 years which I am SO excited about!
MORE MUSIC NEWS NEXT WEEK
