I haven't done a music related blog recently, so here goes. I just wanted to broaden some horizons and show you just how many amazing unsigned bands and artists their are in a cities scene; I'm concentrating on Nottingham for today... Usually you can get into these gigs for as little as £3-£5, and there's always 3-5 acts playing, firstly, that's value for money!! I know a lot of people will say 'yes but, you never know what your going to get' but that's just it. You have to speculate to accumulate right? So just give it a go. It's much better than just having the same night down Ocean or something every Wednesday. Why not just one Wednesday of the month go to a local gig at the pub instead? You're supporting the local music scene AND will have a guaranteed good night out. I've never spoke to anyone who's been to a boring gig in Nottingham, even if it's bad, at least it's a laugh! You'll also find a lot of these musicians could also be comedians!
Enough of a lecture, I'll give you a little run down on some of the amazing acts to check out in Nottingham, if you see these people advertised on a poster, GO DOWN:
1. Nina Smith. Beautiful lady, beautiful voice, beautiful songs. Always has upcoming gigs, I think she's playing later this week at Bodega actually, so go to her facebook and have a look please!
2. The Money. Energetic, fun, catchy, popular with the ladies, you have to see these guys live it's a great atmosphere. Making the move into more dance inspired tracks I believe, check out their song below, and find them on facebook!
3. Harleighblu. Now, 'hands up' I haven't actually been to one of her sets yet, but that will change shortly! One of the Nottingham stars she's absolutely lovely, fun, full of life and into her jazz soul... and now it's coming up to summer, what other music could you need?
4. Richard Howell and his band (they're currently deciding on a name!) I'm awful at stating genres, literally awful, but my brother said they reminded him a bit of Travis, I said they reminded me a bit of Goo Goo Dolls, so, if you like that sort of music, you'll love these guys. Lovely, talented, and heartfelt songs, ones to watch ;) Oh ps, watch out for his song 'sail the sun' ... TDF
5. Cheshire and the Cat. Having only stumbled across these guys a couple of weeks ago after a friend suggested I listen to them, I saw them live last night when they played at the same time as me, and they were just so refreshing. With rap and jazz influences, I knew it would be different, but it just worked. Have a listen to their video below:
6. From Small Acorns - thought I'd do a cheeky plug of my band, ha, shameless! I'll not big us up, just watch the video below and find us on facebook ;)
I will do a few more blogs in the near future just highlighting some more Nottingham talent to look out for. In the mean time, go find these people on facebook, check out their youtube videos, and go and watch some live music. I promise you won't be disappointed!
It feels like ages since I did a blog post, so I felt it was time to update. A lots been going off behind the scenes at the moment (all will be revealed soon) as regards to an EP, anyway, all will be revealed at a later date...
(not from the gig, just an idea of the guitar bars atmosphere)
On Wednesday evening I set off to play at the guitar bar in Nottingham. I got my satnav at the ready, picked up the boyfriend, and headed up to Nottingham (Clumber St). I had never been to the guitar bar before but I did know a few people who'd played there before and said it was a nice little venue.
The gig was kind of last minute just to get a feel for the place and the sort of people there are to work with. Organised by Neil Atkinson of NA Music the night was full of great talent, and a real pleasure to share the stage with.
First on was Marc Reeves, a folk singer-songwriter from Nottingham with simply awesome songs and a really relaxing, mature voice. Infact I was listening to my Chilli Peppers CD in the car and the intro to 'Road Trippin' really reminds me of my favourite song of Marcs - Judgement Day. You can check him out on youtube and facebook so if you like Folk music with some great guitar combinations, go go go!
Second up was Daniel Graham. Coincidentally me, Daniel and Marc all played at Rescue Rooms (Acoustic Rooms) last week which was the first time we met, so it was lovely to see them again! Daniels voice reminds me of a cross between Jamie Scott and James Morrison, its really unique and really rather soulful. He sings every word like he means it, and his originals are truly fantastic with well thought out, catchy lyrics and tunes. He also included a very stylish, unique cover of Otis Readings' classic 'Sitting on the dock of the bay.' A voice to watch for the future I'd say...
Next was...ME (Becky Lovatt)! I ended up playing a 5 tune set, doing 3 covers (Scientist, Songbird and my take on the song House of The Rising Sun), and 2 originals (Alive and I've Had Enough... both of which are on my youtube channel BEX9637). I thought it went really well and I got positive feedback afterwards so hey, I cant complain!
Next up was Mr. Chris Reeve with his fantastic banjo skills... It was actually a really refreshing change after an evening of all guitars to have something a bit different, and his skills were pretty impressive! I will definitely be going to another gig, mainly because I do love that sort of music and its something completely different to whats on the 'scene' at the moment!
Last up was Micheal Lynch... I wasn't really sure what to expect at first as I'd never stumbled across Micheal's music, but it was a very pleasant surprise. A soulful, soothing voice mixed with great guitar skills really makes me a happy bunny! I loved his original songs, and he even threw in part of a cover of Alicia keys 'No One,' which I know from singing myself is a tough song, let alone for a guy!
All in all the night was packed FULL of talent. If you ever get a chance to see any of these guys around Nottingham or anywhere else, get down because you wont be disappointed.
Thanks to everyone who played, the sound guy at the Guitar Bar who did a great job, and to Neil who organised it all. I, personally, can't wait for the next one!
