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Diary Dates
Trevor Nelson’s 90s and 00s Mixtape – Friday 15 September
O2 Academy
The perfect warm-up to BBC Radio 2 in the Park. One of the country’s top r’n’b and hip-hop devotees. Resident DJ at Funk at Sound and regular contributor on Radio 1 and MTV. He is without question the main man in all that’s hiphop, RnB, soul and reggae related, while his 1xtra breakfast show is usually what rouses you out of bed in the morning.
SKAM (acoustic show) – Friday 22 September
The Guildhall
A three piece, flick rock band from Leicester who play a blend of classic British rock with elements of punk and heavy metal. They have been compared to the Foo Fighters, Therapy? and AC/DC. With a reputation for delivering no nonsense, gutsy, classic sounding British rock music, played with passion and conviction the band have steadily built a strong local following.
The Platforms- Friday 23 September
The Donkey
A night of classic 70s glam rock one of the best bands on the scene without a doubt
Gengahr – Monday 25 September
O2 Academy
Gengahr create effortlessly smooth and melodic indie-rock that journeys along a laidback sun-kissed path with a sound that could easily stem from influences drawn from icons such as The Smiths and Modest Mouse, to the more recently revered Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Youth Lagoon.
Gaz Brookfield – Thursday 5 October
The Musician
Anti-folk artist and winner of Acoustic Magazines’s UK singer-songwriter competition. His songs are instantly accessible, everyman tales of life, love and everything else in between. Played in a folk-ish style with occasional use of the guitar as a percussive tool, as well as some two handed venturing around the fretboard, Gaz’s simple yet poignant songwriting captures the imagination of the listener.
Uncle Frank – Friday 6 October
The Soundhouse
Multi-instrumentalists Frank Benbini (one third of Fun Lovin’ Criminals) and Naim Cortazzi from Leicester are the founding members of Uncle Frank. “Oh my, this is the blues as originally intended, James Brown and all the funkery that goes with that. Add in a dose of electro pulsation and you have something that sits easily in the here and now but also pulls from the glorious past.”
Vega – Thursday 12 October
The Musician
British melodic hard rock band whose eclectic, off-kilter style of AOR made them stand out from the crowd from the moment they started. They were embraced by an audience that they seemed keen to distance themselves from.
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PREVIEW: Soul II Soul
With chart-topping hits like “Keep On Movin'” and “Back To Life,” Soul II Soul became household names, solidifying their iconic status. Evolving from a sound system DJ collective into a remarkable 25-piece band, they have captivated audiences across the globe. This autumn you can catch them at De Montfort Hall as part of their ‘FEEL FREE’ tour.
Soul II Soul, the iconic band that emerged from the vibrant UK soundsystem cultue, epitomises determination, resourcefulness, and an unwavering passion for music. Their journey began in the multicultural melting pot of London, where people from diverse backgrounds grew up together and celebrated their shared experiences and influences. It was in the mid-1980s, against the backdrop of the underground warehouse scene, that Soul II Soul’s creative expression truly flourished.
With their innovative sound system, they transformed ordinary house parties into extraordinary and immersive experiences through unconventional speakers, pyrotechnics, banners, and strobes. The unique Funki Dred style they embraced attracted a devoted following of music enthusiasts, spreading their fame far and wide.
The release of the seminal album “Club Classics Volume 1.” was a pivotal moment catapulting Soul II Soul to worldwide success, unleashing their creativity and distinctly British sound that transcended boundaries with its fresh, infectious and soulful embrace.
Selling over 10 million albums in more than 35 territories. Jazzie B’s versatile production contributions graced over 35 million albums across 100 territories through collaborations with James Brown, Sinead O’Connor, Nas, and Destiny’s Child. They commanded stages in over 20 countries, receiving numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, three Soul Train Awards, and honours from the NAACP. Their timeless music remains relevant, featured in high-profile advertisements, and covered by renowned artists like Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, and Sean Kingston.
As Soul II Soul celebrates their remarkable journey, their unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and consistent artistic output inspire future generations. They remain a formidable force in the music industry, touring globally, including a recent sold-out tour in Australia. Soul II Soul’s enduring influence leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of their fans, resonating with listeners from a new generation and shaping the ever-evolving music landscape.
Soul II Should play at De Montfort Hall on 3rd November. Tickets are on sale from the De Montfort Hall show priced from £28. Book online.
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WEEKLY PLAYLIST
As BBC Radio 2 in the Park is just around the corner we’ve put together a special playlist to guide you through the line-up and get those party vibes going!
Have a listen and get in touch to tell us which tracks you’re loving.