Due to current events we’ve had to move around our weekly music news, however we will still be here every Tuesday with a Leicester music update for you in partnership with PPL PRS Ltd.
Stay in the know and be the first in line. Every week. 
NEWS & LISTINGS
Nigel Clarke (Dodgy) – Firebug
Thursday 10 December
Bass playing vocalist with Britpop hitmakers Dodgy, Nigel is also a singer songwriter in his own right, with a more mature, introspective side emerging. TICKETS.
Will and The People – Firebug
Monday 14 December
Will and the People are a 5 piece collective who all write songs mixing reggae, pop, grunge, ska and house. Fun, honest and very catchy! TICKETS
Aziz Ibrahim – The Soundhouse
Saturday 20 February
Wake up promotions present x 2 intimate all seated shows featuring ‘Lord of the strings’ ex-Stone Roses guitarist, Aziz Ibrahim. Tickets limited to 30 per show. TICKETS.
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HOW TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL VENUES AND ARTISTS
As the country faces another lockdown this month one of the industries hit heavily once again is live music. Just as some venues were managing to re-open and begin to put on live shows again, so the country closes down.
If you’re a fan of live music (which I’m guessing you are if you’re reading our weekly music guide), then we’ve pulled together a few ways that you can still continue to support your favourite bands and artists during these times.
Take the time to discover new acts
Since March we’ve shared a new Leicester Lockdown playlist for you to enjoy. Why not go back through the playlists and discover some of the top local talent that we have here on our doorstep? Through taking this time to uncover some new local favourites you’ll be able to look forward to seeing them live once shows and venues return to action.
Buy artist merchandise
Grab a t-shirt, a hoodie, a tote, past records – fill up your wardrobe and stack out your record collection. Check individual artist social media pages for details of how to buy their merchandise. Many sell through their own platforms or you can contact them directly to buy. Also remember that the first Friday of every month is Bandcamp Friday, meaning that any purchases made on those days see the full profit go directly to the artist. Bandcamp have waived artist fees on those Fridays since March and it’s seen a huge impact across the industry.
Of course you can also support a number of venues through Leicester Merch Aid as we have items still available to buy raising money for The Soundhouse, Firebug, The Y Theatre and more.
Buy tickets to future shows
We all need something to look forward to at the moment. Just because you can’t get out to a show at the moment, why not secure some tickets to a future performance from one of your favourite acts, or book to catch a show at your favourite venue when they re=open? Firebug, The Soundhouse, The Cookie, The Musician and O2 Academy all have tickets on sale for future events, so check out their listings and book in yourself or maybe give someone tickets as a Christmas gift?
Donate
A number of venues are running their own crowdfund campaigns, or campaigns which are backed by the Music Venue Trust. The funds raised by these will go directly to supporting the venues themselves. You can also donate to charities such as Help Musicians UK, who help musicians through all stages of their career.It’s also worth following Music Venue Trust on social media to keep up to date with what they’re doing to help venues and any ways in which you can get involved.
Watch online
Musicians still want to perform, even throughout lockdown. So many artists are continuing to do live home performances, or open mic sessions are being taken online. Keep following, keep watching, keep encouraging and keep supporting.
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WEEKLY PLAYLIST
Enjoy this week’s best of Leicester playlist packed full of suggestions, recommendations and top local talent.
Have a listen and get in touch to tell us which tracks you’re loving.
MORE MUSIC NEWS NEXT WEEK
