COOL AS LEICESTER

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Diary Dates

Michele Stodart (The Magic Numbers) – Wednesday 1 November
The Musician

Michele Stodart is a solo artist as well as bassist, vocalist and co-songwriter with the much-loved, Mercury-Prize-nominated and double platinum sellers The Magic Numbers. Back in 2012, Michele released an album of her own songs, Wide-Eyed Crossing, a southern-drenched journey into Americana country blues. In support of the record, Michele and her band toured with Villagers, Duke Special, Slow Club and Ben Ottewell of Gomez. She has since returned to The Magic Numbers for further success and large festival appearances, before embarking on further solo tours.

Kosheen – Friday 3 November
O2 Academy

Kosheen, one of the UK’s booming live electronic music showstoppers, broke into prominence with their debut hit ‘Hide U‘ off their debut album in 2001, the platinum selling ‘Resist’, following by crossover hits ‘Catch‘, ‘Hungry‘ and ‘All In My Head‘. Kosheen give from start to finish an emotive performance and a definitive voice which is guaranteed to continue to move and inspire audiences as she always has.

Soul II Soul – Friday 3 November
De Montfort Hall

Soul II Soul have been producing memorable quality music since the late eighties. They’ve sold over 6.8 million albums in 35 territories across the globe and appeared on over 100 compilation albums. Their Club Classics Vol. 1 album was named one of the top 50 British Albums Ever by Q Magazine. They began as a sound system in the early 80s, playing at various house blues parties, street parties and local youth clubs, adopting a unique style which became known as ‘Funki Dred’. Soul II Soul signed to Virgin Records, and the rest is history. Tracks such as ‘Keep On Movin’ and ‘Back To Life’ have stood the test of time.

John E Vistic – Saturday 4 November
Duffy’s Bar

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Very original blues-rock, not dissimilar to an electric version of Dylan or Tom Waits’ (The Prom). Like Johnny Cash in a gun fight with the Libertines.

Sleep Outside – Monday 6 November
Duffy’s Bar

Sleep Outside is a 00s emo flavoured band with pop and math-rock influences. From Cardiff via Wandsworth.

The Undercover Hippy – Friday 10 November
The Soundhouse

Acoustic Hip-hop reggae with conscious lyrics, freestyling, good times and festival vibes! Billy Rowan, (aka The Undercover Hippy), is definitely not your average singer songwriter. His music brings together acoustic guitar, soulful vocals, infectious reggae rhythms, and the lyrical delivery of a skilled MC.

Space – Friday 10 November
O2 Academy

Cheeky, scouse outfit whose quirky, uplifting brand of indie-pop has produced many smiles, as well as some irresistable tunes (‘Neighbourhood’, ‘Female Of The Species’, ‘Me And You Vs The World’). Record company wrangles led to them being silent at the start of the new millennium, but in 2012 Space were back with a vengeance and playing material from their new albums ‘Attack Of The 50ft Kebab’ and ‘Give Me Your Future’.

Siobhan Mazzei – Saturday 11 November
The Soundhouse

Local singer, Siobhan Mazzei, is known for her Intelligent songwriting that cuts to the bone, brooding with imagery with hypnotic, Gaelic tinged vocal.

Tom A Smith – Thursday 16 November
Duffy’s Bar

Tom A Smith’s work so far has seen quality riffs, great vocal qualities and a strength in sound which has garnered him high-profile gigs including supporting Courteeners, Miles Kane, Martha Hill, Vistas, Blondes, The Pale White, Eliza and The Bear, Gang of Youths, and Sunset Sons, as well as shows at The Great Escape and Neighbourhood Weekender.

Theia – Friday 17 November
The Soundhouse

A hard rock trio from Burton Upon Trent whose current line up came together in February 2012. Since then they have been making waves both locally and on the English Rock Festival circuit with their high octane, riff driven rock n’ roll.

Mouth Culture – Saturday 18 November
O2 Academy

Leicester’s own Mouth Culture are back and the indie-alt-rock trio are certainly ones to watch. Their music perfectly captures the energy of their live shows, packed full of punk-rock tendencies while retaining infectious indie-pop melodies. From gritty guitars, punchy drums, and grounding bass, and you’ll know why they’ve already received feverish support from BBC Radio 1, Kerrang! Radio, Radio X, Triple J and Spotify. With brand new music, and with an and ever-growing fan base, you really don’t want to miss this show.

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