With the influx of new venues in the past couple of years the music scene in Leicester is more alive than ever. This weekend is certainly no exception as a host of top shows descend on the city to keep you entertained as the dark nights get longer. Being spoilt for choice is a treat but we know how stressful it can be so here are our top tips:
FRIDAY
Sonic Boom Six – The Soundhouse
A fusion of ska, punk, reggae, hip-hop and jungle, Sonic Boom Six have become a must-see fixture on the UK punk scene in recent years and tonight they’re bringing their unique show to The Soundhouse on Southampton Street. They’ve had a summer packed full of festivals so now is the time to catch them with their own headline show. Support comes from Leicester’s best rap crunksters Great Imitation and the ska-punk tunes of Last Edition.
Tickets will cost you £8 and are available HERE.
The Kabeedies – Firebug
If you’re after something altogether more gleeful then head down to Firebug to see the lovely Kabeedies take to the stage. Firm favourites on the festival circuit, The Kabeedies spread pure pop pleasure wherever they go. Described by Cherryade Records as, “Gorgeous wonky Candy-pop with boy/girl lyrics. You’d have to have a heart of stone not to love this.” Clash Magazine and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens are fans, and hey, Microsoft even liked them enough to put them on the global X Box Kinect advert!
Tickets cost a mere £4 and are available from HERE.
Skepta – 02 Academy
Fancy something more urban and grime? Then worry not as Skepta is in town and playing tonight at 02 Academy. The North London rapper and MC has gained a huge following through 2011 and will be bringing his show to Leicester tonight with the help of Tempa T and Logan Sama.
Tickets are only £10 and are available from HERE.
SATURDAY
A Genuine Freakshow – Lock 42
This 7-piece pop band from Reading describe themselves as “pop-infused post-rock cannonade” and take inspiration from artists including The National, Sigur Ros, Elbow and Radiohead. Mixing in the cello, violin and trumpet they’ve managed to create an epic pop sound.
Tickets cost £5 and are available from HERE.
Huw Stephens – Propaganda, 02 Academy
Not a traditional gig, but Radio 1’s Huw Stephens, the man who brings you the pick of the newest bands through In New Music We Trust, is at 02 Academy for a DJ set. You can expect an indie-anthem filled evening with drink offers including £1.95 vodka mixers and pints.
Tickets cost £5 and are available on the door.
SUNDAY
Benjamin Francis Leftwich – The Musician
This singer/songwriter from York is making big waves on the music scene this year with his heart-meltingly beautiful voice. With influences including Bruce Springsteen and Ryan Adams, Leftwich released his debut album this summer to numerous rave reviews. He’s been all over the festival circuit and you’ll no doubt have heard his delightful single Atlas Hands on the radio, so be sure to catch him live here before he’s swept away into much larger venues!
Tickets are £8 and can be bought from HERE.