This weekly music guide is brought to you in partnership with PPL PRS Ltd. Big thanks for their ongoing support of local acts and venues.
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Diary Dates
The Soundhouse Summer Sessions – Every Saturday
The Soundhouse
The Soundhouse Summer Sessions are back every Saturday afternoon throughout the summer. Join them for an afternoon of outdoor music from some of the best local live acoustic acts, with free entry, outdoor stage, dog friendly and family friendly
Ultimate Coldplay – Friday 16 June
The Musician
Ultimate Coldplay are a live tribute to Coldplay, performing all the hits and more in a brilliant sound and look-a-like show.
John Lennon Tribute UK – Saturday 17 June
The Musician
John Lennon Tribute UK aims to pay tribute to this icon in the most authentic & sensitive way. Faithfully recreating the soulful voice, passionate guitar as well as John’s mannerisms and of course, his caustic wit!
Peat & Diesel – Thursday 22 June
O2 Academy Leicester
Peat and Diesel, a folk rock band from Stornoway and fronted by Calum ‘Boydie’ Macleod on guitar and vocals, with Uilleam Macleod on drums and Innes Scott on the box, have been something of a surprise success – not least to the band members themselves. Drummer Uilleam said: “We certainly didn’t expect it to take off the way it has, as we only started it for a wee bit of craic. It’s amazing the amount of people who have seen the video and have been in touch saying how bonkers we are and how much they love it.”
The Wedding Present – Friday 23 June
O2 Academy Leicester
In the late 1980s The Wedding Present were one of the most famous British indie bands. Their career path often involved unusual decisions, such as recording a set of Ukranian folk songs for their first major-label offering and releasing a single on the first Monday of every month for a year. Band members came and went, but the idea of The Wedding Present as a group has remained. Nowadays fans of ‘the Weddoes’ can still hear their favourite songs (as well as new material) being played live by original songwriter David Gedge and his band.
The Howl & The Hum – Saturday 24 June
The Soundhouse
York-based four piece The Howl & The Hum combine rumbling, melodic dark pop with haunting, evocative lyrics, and a hypnotic yet energetic live show, With a magpie mentality they cut their teeth playing in and learning from local bands and busking, with a strong songwriting core and an inventive, progressive view on what place guitar music has in today’s culture. Their inspirations ranging from Leonard Cohen and Phoebe Bridgers to Lizzo and Kendrick Lamar, and have been likened to Massive Attack, Radiohead and Alt-J.
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PREVIEW: Distribution 101 at 2Funky Music Cafe
For aspiring artists in Leicestershire, you won’t want to miss the upcoming series of events from 2Funky. Breaking into the industry can be hard but they’ve pulled together a series of talks with speakers on hand to give you first hand advice. First up, Distribution 101, for a real insight in how you can maximise your music distribution. We caught up with 2Funky to find out more about it.
Distribution 101 is about getting the most out of your release, who is the event aimed at?
This is a panel discussion and networking event, for aspiring/new artists, producers, record labels, programmers, artist managers and anyone interested in the music industry. It’s focused on music distribution, so is about maximising exposure and getting noticed. The format is a panel discussion and Q&A, followed by a chance to meet the panellists and other attendees. It applies to most music genres – open to all.
Tell us about your speaker line-up?
We have Guvna B, an artist & author who has 2 MOBO Awards and 3 UMAs under his belt. Also Mike Murphy, Global Head of Events and Partnerships at Ditto Music, who manages artists such as Calva Louise and Lostboys. Plus Liverpool-based creative consultant Yaw, who has worked with Google, MTV, BBC and MOBO Awards.
What are the top reasons that someone should attend?
Anyone looking for insider knowledge on music distribution, wanting to expand their professional networks, and/or looking for inspiration on making it in the music industry.
What’s the idea behind Take Off?
Breaking into the music industry is hard, particularly in the East Midlands. We bring influential artists, producers and managers to Leicester, to introduce them to new talent and allow people to benefit from their knowledge and experience. This year, we are running a series of events that will provide valuable insights to help with different aspects of music industry careers. All of this is funded by Arts Council England.
How beneficial can these sessions be for those looking to break into the industry?
In the past, we’ve helped artists secure more bookings, find management and launch their albums. We’ve also helped people develop as DJs, arts managers, producers and programmers. TakeOff is part of a variety of professional development opportunities we run.
What other sessions do you have coming up?
Look out for our next panel event, later this year (16th November – How to Make it As An Independent Artist). Also, our Take Off artist boot camp will happen on 9th September (will cover PRS for Music, PPL, Cracking Tik Tok, Optomising Data and Breaking via BBC Music Introducing). Also, we have Project LIVE (developing live performance skills for artists) and And Still I Rise (paid artist commissions) running throughout the year.
How can people find out more?
Visit www.2funkyarts.co.uk, follow 2FunkyEmpire on socials and/or email [email protected] for more information.
Distribution 101 takes places on Thursday 15 June. Sign up via Skiddle.
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WEEKLY PLAYLIST
Check out this week’s playlist to discover some of the artists that you can catch live in various venues across Leicester in the coming weeks.
Have a listen and get in touch to tell us which tracks you’re loving.