Welcome to this week’s Cool As Leicester Weekly Music News, which is brought to you every week in partnership with PPL PRS Ltd. Stay in the know and be the first in line. Every week.

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NEWS

Together – O2 Academy
Saturday 25 January

together festival Leicester

Together is set to be a brand new multi-stage festival celebrating the thriving Leicester music scene. You can expect 3 stages and 24 bands on Saturday 25 January plus a makers market, art exhibition and food from local traders. First acts include CJ Pandit, Arcades, Courtney Askey, and many more. TICKETS

Sorry – The Cookie
Tuesday 4 February

sorry band 

London based band, Sorry, is centred around Asha Lorenz & Louis O’Bryen, who started as two 19-year-old childhood best friends. With an ever changing sound and along with Lincoln Barrett (drums) and Campbell Baum (bass), they have been playing on London’s underground circuit since 2015, in the same clubs that hosted Shame and Goat Girl. TICKETS

Beastwang – O2 Academy
Saturday 1 February

Early bird tickets are now on sale for February’s Beastwang featuring Shy FX. The pseudonym of Andre Williams, Shy FX is a London based Drum And Bass and Jungle DJ, producer and remixer. He has produced for Dizzee Rascal and Yasmin and remixed for DJ Fresh and crashed the British charts in 1994 with ‘Original Nuttah’, one of the most infectious Ragga-Jungle anthems of all time. TICKETS.

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THIS WEEK

Open Mic – The Soundhouse
Tuesday 3 December (and every Tuesday)

bring the paint

The weekly open mic happens at The Soundhouse every Tuesday night from 7.30pm. The night is hosted by Rhett Barrow and acts are encouraged to arrive early if hoping to get a slot. Each week there’ll be a featured artist play from 9.30 – 10pm, so if you’re wanting to play a longer set then get your name down. Discover some brilliant new acts. The Soundhouse is on Southampton Street in the Cultural Quarter.

Dan Baird & Homemade Sin – The Musician
Tuesday 3 December

Dan Baird was the main songwriter in The Georgia Satellites, known chiefly in the UK for ‘Keep Your Hands to Yourself’ and for blowing Status Quo offstage at the Reading Rock Festival in 1987. Dan has been writing, touring and producing since leaving the Satellites, and anyone listening to UK rock radio in the last few years should also have heard ‘I Love You Period’ – another runka-runka-three-chords-and-a-cloud-of-dust boogie that helped cement his reputation. TICKETS.

Bring Your Own Vinyl – The Globe
Tuesday 3 December

the globe leicester

 Head to The Globe on the first Tuesday of every month for Bring Your Own Vinyl night in their back bar room. A great night to talk to like minded people who love music and have a go at spinning your favourite records.

Australian Pink Floyd – De Montfort Hall
Tuesday 3 December

Selling 5 million tickets worldwide and described by The Times as “The Gold Standard” and The Daily Mirror as “The Kings of the Genre”, The Australian Pink Floyd Show gave its first ever concert in Adelaide, Australia in 1988. Since then, they have performed in over 35 countries worldwide; played at David Gilmour’s 50th birthday celebration and were even joined on stage by Rick Wright. TAPFS is the leading and biggest show of its kind in the world. TICKETS.

The Overtones – De Montfort Hall
Wednesday 4 December

the overtones

Vocal harmony group, The Overtones will take to the road this December for their annual Christmas tour. “We will be performing classic songs from yesteryear, favourites from our albums and plenty of surprises.” TICKETS.

We Are Scientists – O2 Academy Leicester
Wednesday 4 December
we are scientists

New York indie-rockers, We Are Scientists, are celebrating the anniversary of the 2005 debut album, With Love & Squalor, by playing a short run of special shows, including a Leicester date. The band will play the album in full at the shows, as well as reissuing the debut on vinyl via 100% Records on 17th October. SOLD OUT.

Penelope Isles – The Cookie
Wednesday 4 December

Brighton-based pop-rock four-piece. Lucid dreaming, fuzz filled music with a DIY lo-fi approach, their music will charm you as it ranges from Cacophonous to tranquil and back again. TICKETS.

Chris Wood – The Musician
Wednesday 4 December

Chris Wood’s style of English folk appeals to a wide and varied audience. He has converted many an anti-folk fan with his blend of traditional and modern songwriting, and has been hailed by the Irish Times as ‘the renaissance man of English folk’. Often compared to Richard Thompson, his music explores the history of the English-speaking world alongside tales of modern life. TICKETS.

Musical Jam – Deacon Street Arts
Wednesday 5 December

Come along to the first musical get together at brand new venue, Deacon Street Arts. It’s a great place to chill out, learn new techniques and make great contacts in Leicester’s thriving music scene. This first session is BYOB and pay what you feel.

Vic Godard & The Subway Sect – Duffy’s
Thursday 5 December

 

Formed at the suggestion of Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, Vic Godard and his Subway Sect have been long-term staples on the post-punk scene since 1976. They still regularly perform, albeit with an ever-changing line-up of band members. A resurgence of interest in his work has seen him find fans with, amongst others, Marc Riley on BBC 6Music, who has booked Vic and the boys for several live radio sessions. TICKETS.

Open Mic – BrewDog
Thursday 5 December

red's brewdog leicester

Open Mic night returns to BrewDog. Everyone welcome to come along and play, sing or just get your jam on. Limited to three songs per act but you can just do one if thats all you want to give. From 7pm. Free entry. 

Arthur & Curt – West End Brewery
Thursday 5 December

west end brewery leicester

Gypsy swing jazz tunes and a great beer selection! Music from 8.30. Free entry. 

Access All Areas Benefit Gig – Duffy’s
Friday 6 December

The Leicester Human Rights Arts and Film Festival presents Access All Areas: Refugee Benefit Gig – An evening of music curated by Leicester based musician Luke Broughton, drawing on the musical and cultural diversity of the city to bring together six of the finest live acts in the name of raising money for two Leicester based refugee charities. All proceeds from this gig will go to LE Solidarity and After18. Below you can read about the work they do and what your money will help support. TICKETS.

Hundred Year Old Man – Firebug
Friday 6 December

Head to Firebug to see the weekend with the post-metal, doom drone sludge 6-piece from Leeds.

Razorlight – O2 Academy Leicester
Friday 6 December

Formed in 2002 around lead singer Johnny Borrell, Razorlight quickly became one of the key bands of the new millennia, selling 4 million albums, winning the 2005 NME New Band Award, nominated for two BRIT Awards and two NME Awards ‘Best Band’ and ‘Best Album’ in 2007. They’re heading out on a short tour before their support slot on the Kaiser Chiefs arena tour early next year. TICKETS.

Limp Bizkit & System of a Down tributes – The Soundhouse
Friday 6 December

Metal is a truly interenational genre which really can bring people together. So here’s an epic Christmas Party featuring two of the UK’s best Nu Metal tribute acts for the legendary Limp Bizkit and System Of A Down. It’s all in aid of charity so grab a ticket! TICKETS

Ampop presents – The Gallery at DMU
Friday 6 December

Amateur Pop Incorporated presents: DESPICABLE ZEE, SWEETBELLECHOBABY and HARPOON. Enjoy left field lo-fi pop from some awesome and creative musicians. Tickets are £5 and the event is BYOB. TICKETS

Elysian – 33 Cank Street
Friday 6 December

elysian

Enjoy cocktails and live music throughout December at Cank Street. Be sure to book a table to guarantee your spot. 

The Fourmasons – The Bottle Garden
Friday 6 December

the fourmasons

The Fourmasons trio return to The Bottle Garden for Early Doors Jazz on Friday evening! Cozy up in amongst the foliage of Leicester’s famous botanical bar and cuddle a heart warming cocktail, while The Fourmasons turn up the heat with their sizzling swing and red hot latin tunes. Music starts at 6.30pm. Free entry (booking advised)

Acoustic in the courtyard – The Three Swans
Friday 6 December

Take a break from late night shopping in Market Harborough as they host an evening of acoustic music in the courtyard at The Three Swans. Music from 6.30pm. Free entry. 

Pete Morton – The Guidhall
Saturday 7 December

Pete morton

Pete Morton’s brand-new Christmas show ‘So this is Christmas’ brings together an unruly mix of carols, popular songs, social commentary and a sprinkling of silliness all in one night! Singing new songs especially written about issues that have made the news and affected our lives over the last year, all intermingled with seasonal favourites to light the way. Please bring along your singing tackle for a night of chorus and carols. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets £10, to book please call The Guildhall on 0116 253 2569.

Sumo Cyco – The Soundhouse
Saturday 7 December

sumo cyco

Sumo Cyco is an independent, female fronted punk metal based band in Toronto, Canada. Their sound blends heavy metal guitars, with in your face blast beats, dance hall rhythms, and molten lava female vocals topping it off. Sumo Cyco’s secret weapon comes in the form of front-woman Sever, the alter-ego of former teen-pop sensation Skye Sweetnam. Support from Gallows High and One Still Standing. TICKETS

Sean Smith DJ set – Ambush at The Shed
Saturday 7 December

Ambush returns with pop punk/emo in the main room and heavy/hardcore downstairs. This time round, they have a super special guest, Sean Smith – made famous by his success in The Blackout. Sean now plays in new band, Raiders, and hosts his very own podcast, Sappenin’. Free entry until midnight.

The Bootleg Beatles – De Montfort Hall
Saturday 7 December

the bootleg Beatles

‘The world’s most successful and longest running tribute band ever’ – they have been touring longer than The Beatles ever did themselves! The Bootleg Beatles bring the sounds and the atmosphere of the Beatles to life with as much authenticity as is humanly possible. TICKETS.

King Purple – The Shed
Saturday 7 December

King Purple is a four piece Psychedelic Grunge band with influences of indie rock originating from Corby. They’re joined by Sweet Amber with their sound nestled somewhere between rock, funk and punk. TICKETS.

Groove & The Bathtub Pings – The Donkey
Saturday 7 December

Join Groove & The Bathtub Pings for their festive bash! Tickets are £5 for students and £6 for everyone else on the door and they’ll be raising money for Cancer Research UK, Myeloma UK and Movember. Expect plenty of festive cheer and Christmas mash-ups.

Kick Up The 80s – The Musician
Saturday 7 December

What better way to get into the Saturday night party mood. A tribute to all the best 80s pop and rock covers including Wham!, Culture Club and Adam & The Ants. TICKETS.

Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (Jonn & Rat) – Firebug
Saturday 7 December

ned's atomic dustbin

There are just 100 tickets available for this rare performance with Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (Jonn & Rat) performing all your favourite NAD songs, well most of them anyway… Plus supports Savanna Bones (Acoustic) & Blakey (Acoustic). TICKETS.

Acoustic Sessions – The Kings Head
Saturday 7 December

Head down for live acoustic sessions from 9pm, with music from Rhett Barrow, Kieran Fowkes and Calvin Jeffrey. Free entry. 

Funk Nation Ft. Normal Jay and Smoove & Turrell – O2 Academy
Saturday 7 December

norman jay junk nation

What a line-up for Funk Nation. Norman Jay is unquestionably one of the most respected and popular DJs in the world today. Co-founder of the legendary Good Times Sound System and London dance music station KISS FM, Jay fostered the ‘Rare Groove’ scene pushing the boundaries of the UK’s emerging club culture. TICKETS.

David Wyatt – The Cookie
Saturday 7 December

David Wyatt

One of Leicester’s finest musician/troubadours navigates his way through life’s eventful history with a melody in his heart. Renowned for his ability to capture the beauty of the ordinary with a guitar and a soaring vocal, David has performed with Tommy Emmanuel, Seth Lakeman and James Morrison to name just a few. TICKETS.

Leg Puppy – Duffy’s 
Saturday 7 December

This electro punk four piece from South London are one of the most exciting and unique live acts on the circuit. You will not forget a Leg Puppy show in a hurry. TICKETS.

Bodies on Everest – Duffy’s
Sunday 8 December

Liverpool based John Carpenteresque dungeon wave noise rockers Bodies on Everest play very loud ‘difficult and draining’ and ‘emotionally laborious’ oppressive Noise Rock. Their tones and decibels will fry even the most ardent head. TICKETS.

Hallucinator – The Musician 
Sunday 8 December

Drinks & Jams – The Shed
Monday 9 December drinks jams

Every Monday it’s open mic night at The Shed as they host Drinks & Jams. It kicks off at 7.30pm but you can arrive from 7pm to sign up to play. Each week there is a featured act on at 9.15pm. Friendly atmosphere, drinks offers and a great way to start the week.

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DIARY DATES

Neon Waltz – The Cookie
Wednesday 11 December

neon waltz credit Ronan park

Neon Waltz are a powerful six piece psychedelic indie rock band who honed their melodic, sun-drenched, sonic soundscapes in a remote croft, located in the wilderness of Caithness, Scotland. With their first set of demos drawing the interest of former Oasis Manager Marcus Russell, Neon Waltz went on to be named one of the finest new British bands of the year by the likes of Q, NME (“Scotland’s coolest new gang”) and Shortlist to name a few. TICKETS.

Haiku Salut / The Buster Keaton Picture Show – The Y Theatre
Wednesday 18 December

haiku salut

Leicester’s Robot Needs Home Collective is celebrating a big 15th birthday this year with a number of unique and special shows. This one will see acclaimed instrumental group Haiku Salut perform an original, contemporary live score to Buster Keaton¹s 1926 comedy classicThe General. Described by Orson Welles as “the greatest comedy ever made, the greatest Civil War film ever made, and perhaps the greatest film ever made”, Haiku Salut’s accompanying score combines electronica, folk, post rock, and neo-classical elements to cast The General in a new dramatic light. TICKETS.

Pop Will Eat Itself – O2 Academy Leicester
Friday 20 December

pop will eat itself leicester

In 1987, Pop Will Eat Itself surprised the independent music world by morphing overnight from two minute, three chord indie pop wonders into hip-hop rock crossover pioneers. Years ahead of their time, PWEI produced “Box Frenzy”, a furious mix of beatboxes, metal riffs, MC’ing and pop songs. The album brought the band a whole new audience and opened them up to as much praise as it did ridicule amongst a perplexed music press. The band has maintained a large fan base, as well as being noted as influencing acts such as The Prodigy and Nine Inch Nails. TICKETS.

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SPOTLIGHT
Gallows High look back on a busy 2019

gallows high

Leicester has a great community within the metal music scene and one of the acts really making waves on that scene is Gallows High. At the end of a hugely busy 2019 and ahead of their support slot this weekend with Sumo Cyco, we caught up with the band to find out what they have planned next.

Tell us a little about Gallows High for those who aren’t familiar with your music?

We’re a 5 piece band from Leicester. We’ve had a couple of line-up changes since but now a solid line-up. Style is heavy metal with clean melodic vocals.

2019 has been a busy year for you as a band, what have been some of the highlights?

Playing the final of Leicester Metal to the Masses, this was a big step for us and something we’re all proud of. Another highlight was our music video for Dead of the Night and the single release. 2019 has had its ups and downs but were proud of where we’ve got to and how far we’ve come.



This weekend you’re supporting Sumo Cyco at The Soundhouse, are you all fans of the band?

Yes, we are definitely fans of the band, have been for a while. It’s great that we get to play with them this weekend. We bumped into them at the Jinjer concert this last weekend in Birmingham, it was great being able to meet them and introduce ourselves beforehand, awesome people. We have a few crossovers stylistically too which we hope both fans of ours and fans of theirs will enjoy.

What do you think to the metal scene in Leicestershire?

Strong, we have some great bands and some awesome fans. We have some great promotors bringing in cool new bands to keep things fresh too. It’s a great community.

What are the band’s main goals for 2020?

For 2020 we want to try and get on some slots at festivals around the country, and play as many new cities as we can, alongside playing the cities we’ve already enjoyed playing. We will be filming a new music video and releasing some new singles and maybe an EP too.

credit Metal to the Masses

Which is the first track of yours that you’d recommend for first time listeners?

From the tracks we have released we would say Dead of the Night. It’s the closest thing to seeing us live. If you do come to see us live keep an ear out for Shattered Glass, Speak of the Devil and Parasite too, we really feel these tracks capture who we are and what were about. 

Honourable mention – our Christmas song Hanging from the Christmas Tree is out on Spotify, check that out for some festive cheer from us at Gallows High. 

If you could share a stage with anybody, who would it be?

Following the gig the weekend just gone it would have to be Jinjer, we’ve been fans of these for a while and they never fail to impress. It won’t be long before these guys are headlining and selling out the biggest venues across the UK too.

Sum up the band in 5 words?

Aggressive, Melodic, Memorable, Progressive, Metal

MORE MUSIC NEWS NEXT WEEK

ppl prs leicester