Music fans, we’re here with your weekly Leicester music guide featuring news and interviews from across the local scene.

This weekly music update 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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NEWS

Mouth Culture headline show at Firebug

Leicester’s most hotly tipped new band, Mouth Culture, will play a headline show at Firebug on Friday 3 December. Tickets for this will fly and you won’t want to miss it. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 15 October from mouthculture.com.

Diary Dates

Green Haze – Friday 15 October
The Soundhouse

green haze

Green Haze are an energetic tribute to one of the best punk rock & rock’n’roll bands the world has ever seen – Green Day. Green Haze’s live shows are high octane events where the band go to every length to capture the raw power and dynamics of Green Day’s music and bring it to life on stage. TICKETS

Goan Dogs – Friday 15 October
Duffy’s

Goan Dogs have earned their status as Bristol cult favourites. Always evolving, Goan Dogs’ pockets are filled to the brim with musical ammunition, and the bands raucous take on psych infused rock-pop makes for compulsive listening. Narrative-rich vocals, cascading synth lines and duelling guitars all feature in melody rich compositions. TICKETS

Laura Marling – Friday 15 October
De Montfort Hall

laura marling leicester

Singer / songwriter Laura Marling was only 16 years old when she emerged on the British indie / folk scene in 2007 thanks to a handful of infectious singles made available on her MySpace profile. With a husky voice, acoustic guitar and a gift for building quirky, hooky folk songs (characteristics that find her compared favourably to artists such as Regina Spektor and Martha Wainwright), Marling quickly made a name for herself throughout England thanks to a heavy touring schedule and a few high-profile gigs, and since then has gone on to wow the world with her mature voice, musicianship and powerful lyrics. TICKETS

Half Drunk Club – Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 October
Firebug

Last Edition

Half Drunk Club is proud to present a two day ska punk festival, at Firebug. Don’t miss acts including Last Edition, The JB Conspiracy, The Social Ignition and more. TICKETS

Scouting for Girls – Monday 18 October
De Montfort Hall

scouting for girls rutland water

Best of friends from an early age Roy, Greg and Pete toiled for years being in a band and building their fanatical fan club the Wolfcubs. The band were signed by Epic in 2007 and success happened quickly. Over the course of three sparkling, life-affirming, Top 10 albums Scouting For Girls have seduced a nation with a repertoire full of infectious melodies, catchy tunes and toe-tapping beats, and sold two million records along the way. TICKETS.

Unglamorous Music Launch – Monday 18 October
International Arts Centre

Everyone is welcome to attend and watch this Unglamorous Music launch show in Leicester city centre. The aim is to encourage and support new women players and performers whilst having a load of fun. Have a go on the drums, get on stage, have some drinks. TICKETS.

She Drew The Gun – Tuesday 19 October
O2 Academy Leicester

she drew the gun leicester

Lo-fi lyrical journeys through a glacial lullaby-blues, She Drew the Gun is an artist getting used to being compared to those in the literary world as much as those in the music world. Fronted by songwriter Louisa Roach, the band offer dreamy lyrical psych-pop from the banks of the Mersey. TICKETS.

••••

INTERVIEW – FRANK BENBINI

Perhaps best known as the drummer from Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Uncle Frank has also enjoyed a successful solo career and has been hard at work on a new album. This weekend he’s on stage at De Montfort Hall supporting Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot in their sold out show, so we caught up with him to find out more about it.

It’s been a long time since you last played Leicester, what can fans expect from the show?

You can expect 5 musicians – Leicester born and bread, so happy to be playing in front of hometown crowd at the lovely De Montfort Hall as special guest to Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abott. The show is sold out and we can’t wait.

How would you describe Uncle Frank’s vibes to someone who’s never heard your music before?

So hard to describe – from rock – soul – classic songwriting influences from the greats of every decade (best thing is for you to all listen and then you can tell me!)

Did you manage to work on much new material over lockdown?

The best thing to come out of this pandemic is getting the time to actually focus fully on the new album which we are so excited about. It’s been a pleasure to work on and have the time to refine it properly.

uncle frank

What can we expect from the new album?

It’s the biggest sound we’ve captured on record. It’s like a freight train but with a couple of beautiful classics.

You’ve had a great career, including, of course, being part of Fun Lovin’ Criminals, what are some of the highlights?

Highlights in my career are being blessed to have gone round the world as many times as I have, over decades of playing and sharing music with like minded people. The fact I still get to do that is a major highlight in itself.

uncle frank

What’s your favourite thing about Leicester’s music scene?

The passion that Leicester folk in the scene have is admirable. They’re always trying to make it happen and are very resilient as a scene. I like that.

Who are some of your favourite local acts?

Really like ‘Ok Cane’ amazing young band keep an eye out for them. Sophia Marshall is a brilliant singer songwriter too.

uncle frank

You also have weekend show on BBC Radio Leicester, what’s it all about tell us why we should tune in?

It’s a completely different sound on my BBC Radio show between 6-10pm. It becomes the home of the best in Funk Grooves & Classic Cutz.  It’s your very own bespoke show for you to vibe to every Sunday night on BBCsounds at BBC Radio Leicester.

Where can people keep up to date with what you’re up to?

Get on it on Insta – @unclefrankmusic @benbini Twitter – @unclefrankband, @frankflc3, @bbcradioleicester Facebook – @frankbenbini, @unclefrank and the website – www.unclefrankband.com

uncle frank••••

WEEKLY PLAYLIST

This week in our latest playlist we’re showcasing some of the acts you can see live in Leicester over the coming weeks. Get listening and buy some tickets.

Have a listen and get in touch to tell us which tracks you’re loving.

MORE MUSIC NEWS NEXT WEEK

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