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Gig review: Ferocious Dog at Rock City

In May, Rock City played host to a very special gig as local folk rock supergroup Ferocious Dog returned, accompanied by multiple support acts. We went along to witness the rebellion and passion...

Gig review: Indoor Pets at The Bodega

On such a blustery evening out of doors, it was Indoor Pets who were whirling up a flurry in ribcage-rattling rhythmics. We headed down to The Bodega to catch their return to the stage...

We talk to Fast Forward, a creative learning outlet that teaches music as an alternative to traditional education

Fast Forward Direction Thru Music is helping transform the lives of students through the power of music. We spoke to founders Stevie Lee and his fellow musicians/co-founders, along with several students, to hear about their important work and the crowdfunder that hopes to help them train more students in music production skills.

Gig review: Kofi Stone & more at Mimm Studios

Kofi Stone, along with a host of different artists from all over the country, represented Big Nature Collective to put on a very special intimate event at Mimm Studios. LeftLion checked out this emerging talent... 

In photos: Take That at The City Ground

This weekend, Take That chose Nottingham Forest's City Ground stadium to host two nights of their This is Life tour. Our photographer Laura Patterson dropped in to get some shots...

On Record: A Brief History of Nottingham Music Zines and Publications

Music has always been a pivotal part of the fanzine and publishing movement and were it not for the punk scene of the ‘70s it’s likely the word ‘zine’ might not even be in common parlance. Here is a brief history of ten self-published, small run publications we know of that were from Nottingham and centred around music.

In photos: Affleck's Palace at The Bodega

Gig Review: GIRLBAND! at Rescue Rooms

Alternative three-piece GIRLBAND! have recently burst on to the local and national scene, describing themselves as "a formidable force for good" and spreading energy and inclusivity. We caught their hometown show, supported by The Chase, at Rescue Rooms...

Gig review: Aaron West & The Roaring Twenties at The Bodega

A decade on from his first solo adventure, The Wonder Years’ frontman Dan Campbell has returned in 2024 with the third part in his Aaron West & The Roaring Twenties trilogy. Titled In Lieu of Flowers, the new record has been one of the most critically acclaimed of the year so far, adored by fans and critics alike. But does the new material translate to the live setting? We we went along to his sold-out show at The Bodega to find out…

An evening with Thurston Moore at Rough Trade

Earlier this month, Ria Serena dropped in to Rough Trade for a special event with a man who is described by some as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. Best known as a founding member of Sonic Youth, Thurston Moore captivated the audience with his tales of the avant-garde music scene...

Five reasons to attend Dot To Dot Festival in 2024

For almost 20 years, Dot To Dot Festival has remained the standard bearer for all metropolitan festivals in the UK. Launched in Nottingham during the mid-00s indie boom, Dot To Dot has since become a staple of the late May Bank Holiday weekend, showcasing only the very best new music across an epic all-day event. With the 2024 edition boasting one of the best line-ups to date, we thought we’d dive into what makes Dot To Dot so special…

Festivals, exhibitions, art classes, and the return of the Luminarium: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham: 20 - 27 May

A bumper pick of the week showcasing some of the best events this bank holiday weekend. We've got art classes, live music, festivals, exhibition openings and the return of the Luminarium, all happening on your doorstep in Nottingham

Gig review: The Staves at Rescue Rooms

We went down to Rescue Rooms to watch The Staves serenade Nottingham, and discovered that expressing yourself has never been simpler than watching the sisters on stage...

Gig review: Grey Daze at Rescue Rooms

Despite existing for 30 years, Grey Daze only recently played their second-ever show in the UK. Nottingham's Rescue Rooms had the honour of hosting the band, and we headed down to experience it...

Gig review: Elbow at Motorpoint Arena

After an all-too-long hiatus, Guy Garvey and Elbow returned to Nottingham in possession of a formidable catalogue of epic songs. We headed to the Arena to watch the show...

Nadia on... sick note culture, disability and mental health

Labour MP Nadia Whittome talks to us about sick benefits and the real problems Britain is facing, with a significant rise in people out of work and those that are left with lasting COVID-19 symptoms

Gig review: Average White Band at Rock City

We headed down to Rock City for a musicianship masterclass from Average White Band, as they visited Nottingham as part of their final tour...

Could Be Real Tribute Festival Bringing Music to Newstead Abbey this Summer

Get ready to immerse yourself in a night of nostalgia as the Could Be Real Tribute Festival descends upon the serene grounds of Newstead Abbey on Friday 5 July...

The Lovely Eggs talk small town rock n roll debauchery

Expect the un-egg-spected: how Holly Ross and David Blackwell are doing what they want, how they want, sunny side up. We speak to The Lovely Eggs ahead of their gig at Rescue Rooms on May 31...

Gig review: Tourist at Rescue Rooms

Nine dates into a UK/EU tour promoting his fifth album Memory Morning, melancholic house maestro Tourist brought his concise, one-man show to Nottingham's Rescue Rooms, closing out the UK’s hottest day yet with some summery, electronic vibes...

Gig review: The Wedding Present at Rescue Rooms

Rock City veterans The Wedding Present recently took to the stage for a fantastic performance at Rescue Rooms...

Comic festivals, choirs, funky soul and jazz, and gigs: here's what's on in Notts 13 - 19 May

Sing, dance, create and learn in Notts this week, with a lovely hodgepodge of events across the city...

DJ collective Soul Buggin’ talk to us about celebrating twenty years of excellent parties in Nottingham

One of the most respected DJ ensembles in Nottingham, Soul Buggin’ is renowned for throwing atmospheric, unpretentious and downright excellent parties. With around a hundred events under their collective belt, Elmo, Beane, Mark and Wrighty are gearing up to celebrate Soul Buggin’s 20th birthday with a balls-to-the-wall shindig featuring an impressive array of headliners. We caught up with the four DJs on how they’ve gone from strength to strength to develop what many describe as the finest little dark room disco in Nottingham.

Nottingham Chamber Music Festival is Bringing Classical Music to Contemporary Spaces this July

Classical music isn't just for posh people, you know. Nottingham Chamber Music Festival is out to prove the point with inclusive performances in venues like Nottingham Contemporary's Blend café, Delilah Fine Foods, and St Mary's Church in the Lace Market. There are also family performances and free admission events for people wanting to dip their toe in the genre...

Music Reviews: May 2024

May music reviews: Grain Mother, Wilf Spiv, Bad Milk Blood Robot, Josie Beth, Seven Dark Lords and Katie Keddie