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Diary Dates

Morganway – Thursday 24 March
The Musician

Striking six-part harmonies, energetic rhythms, catchy songs, and a fiercely formidable live act – Morganway have made quite the impression on the UK’s rising Americana scene. This Americana rock band is “like no other band out there right now…reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac” (Entertainment Focus). They were also described by Maverick Magazine as “One of the best and most exciting prospects to emerge in a long time.”

Dub Pistols – Friday 25 March
O2 Academy Leicester

Dub Pistols have done everything it’s possible to do in a band and still want more. Fronted by infamous Londoner, Barry Ashworth, they have toured the world more times than most of us have changed channels, they have spent years breaking America down into tiny, eager pieces via extended jaunts with punk-rock roadshows, whilst remixing the likes of Moby, Korn, Limp Bizkit and a host of others along the way. Simply one of the best live bands in the UK.

The South – Friday 25 March
The Donkey

Back at their spiritual home, The Donkey, The South return to their hometown for a night of Classic Beautiful South hits and rarities. The South are an impressive 9 piece band who feature former members of The Beautiful South including singer Alison Wheeler and lifelong sax player Gaz Birtles. Since Dave Hemingway, the original singer, left the group at the end of 2016, Gaz has moved across to front the band with Alison and taken on vocal duties.

Dream Wife – Saturday 26 March
O2 Academy Leicester

Dream Wife started out as a fantasy… literally. Icelandic singer Rakel and British musicians Alice and Bella played their first show as part of a performance project at art school in Brighton. Stuck in dreams of 90s club kid nostalgia they continue on making music, embracing their love for edgy pop. They play with the aesthetics of the 1960s yé-yé girls movement, along with current influences such as Sleigh Bells, Le Tigre and Grimes. Dream Wife ooze with girl power, infecting the crowd with their trademark ‘poolside pop with a bite.’

Elkyn – Sunday 27 March
Duffy’s

Born in an old brewery, formed in a Leeds basement, and refined since 2019, elkyn is the moniker of songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Joseph Donnelly. His songs are an acute reflection of his beautiful heart with carefully crafted lyrics erupting with honesty and intricately finger-picked guitars.

Blue Rose Code – Monday 28 March
The Musician

Blue Rose Code is the folk-roots performance name of London-based / Edinburgh-born singer/songwriter Ross Wilson. Fusing folk, jazz, soul and pop; his eclecticism has become a hallmark of the Blue Rose Code sound and has seen him compared to John Martyn, Van Morrison and Tom Waits.

Dry Cleaning – Wednesday 30 March
O2 Academy Leicester

Dry Cleaning are a 4-piece from South London channeling post-punk and new wave pop with a side order of low slung Americana. The create mostly spoken lyrics to a bed of crunching guitars, sounding like a female-fronted version of The Fall and hints of the mid-90s band Linoleum.

John Bramwell – Saturday 2 April
The Soundhouse

John Bramwell is an English singer-songwriter and frontman for the three-piece alternative rock band I Am Kloot. He has also previously issued solo material under the guise of “Johnny Dangerously”.

••••

INTERVIEW: Demons of Ruby Mae

2020 was a year of tremendous output for Manchester based, Leicester born Demons of Ruby Mae. Reaching new heights with their epic and up-lifting sound, they went from Record Of The Week on XS Manchester to Track Of The Week on BBC Leicester to Track of The Day on BBC Nottingham and back again single after single, releasing almost one per month and solidifying their place as one of the most exciting emerging indie bands across the UK. They’re back in Leicester in April for a show at The Y Theatre and we caught up with them to find out all about it.

How would you describe Demons of Ruby Mae to anyone who isn’t familiar with your music?

AR: so we’re a two piece electronic duo , who have been likened to the XX and the National in the past. We’d like to think though that we put our own unique sound into the songs we write.

How long have you been together as a band?

AR: We’ve been together now for about 8 years , however have been in other bands before hand too. As much as we try, we can’t get away from each other !

Tell us about your backstory in the Leicester music scene?

AR: As mentioned above, we’ve both been in Leicester bands since we were 16, however had most success with Demons of Ruby Mae. We have played pretty much every venue over the years, including a headline show at De Montfort Hall gardens a few years ago for BBC Introducing. That was a special night!

What 3 artists would be listed in your for fans of section?

AR: The XX, The National and Nick Cave

What can fans expect from the upcoming show?

AR: We always try to make each live show unique. People want to hear something to different to what’s on record as it’s a piece of time they won’t have again. It’s been 3 years since we played last , so we’ll be putting our heart and soul into these shows.

What is your favourite thing about the Leicester music scene?

AR: For as long as we remember now, Leicester bands stick together. Nobody begrudges others success and helps them on their way. I guess you can say the same for all the people of Leicester. We celebrate success and diversity and that’s how it should always be !

What else does 2022 hold for the band?

AR: Our 2nd album is out on April 1st and we are touring that in April as well. Once the shows are over we are straight back in the studio writing album number 3, with autumn shows on the cards.

Where can people hear more?

AR: We are across all socials and streaming channels , just search Demons of Ruby Mae , or you can head to demonsofrubymae.co.uk for everything in one place!

Demons of Ruby Mae are playing The Y Theatre on Friday 8 April. Tickets are on sale now.

WEEKLY PLAYLIST

In this week’s playlist you can listen to some of the best acts you can catch live in Leicester over the coming weeks.

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