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LeftLion Interviews Podcast #4: Daudi Matsiko on Music, Songwriting, Depression and Robin Hood Prince of Thieves

The latest episode from our 'Live at the Library' podcast features British-Ugandan singer-songwriter Daudi Matsiko...

In photos: Smokescreen Soundsystem – 35 years of DiY

Nottingham’s iconic and anarchic music collective DiY Soundsystem joined forces with kindred friends Smokescreen Soundsystem for an all-night, sold-out party at Hidden Warehouse on 7 September 2024

We chat to midlands brand Groovy Garage about the appeal of Streetwear in Notts

Notts is no stranger to the streetwear world. Once home to the likes of iconic 80s/90s independent streetwear shop GForce, whose stylish and original garms made waves around the globe, recent years have seen the likes of Mimm, Garms, Relic x Hooked and Hidden Garmz open shop in the city.

With a new kid on the block, Groovy Garage launching its second Midlands presence in Nottingham’s Urban Outfitters, it begs the question: ‘Why does streetwear have Nottingham in such a chokehold?’ Ahead of Groovy Garage’s launch, we chatted to their director Jack Tavener, and delved into the rise of streetwear culture.

Actor and Comedian Colin Hoult on ADHD, Mapperley Hospital and Being a Vampire

He's worked with vampires, ghosts and Ricky Gervais. Now Colin Hoult is bringing his new comedy show to Nottingham and reveals to us how it all began, as a child, in the shadows of Mapperley...

Matt Lucas to narrate A Christmas Carol Drone Show at Trent Bridge this December

A captivating new drone light show retelling A Christmas Carol, and narrated by Matt Lucas, will come to Trent Bridge Cricket Ground on December 7 and 8.

In sickness, health, and training season: we spoke to We Run Notts

Sometimes a little teamwork is imperative for getting motivated to exercise. Husband and wife, Dennis and Victoria, created We Run Notts as a platform to share their running journeys and encourage their followers to do the same. Since beginning in May 2023, the two have shared the highs, lows, and in-between bits of running recreationally, along with creating the A-Z of running in Notts.

We talk to Boston Manor about chart success and Nottingham memories

Experienced Blackpool-based rockers Boston Manor have recently released their fifth album, but success still brings them joy and surprise. We spoke with vocalist Henry Cox as the band waited for news of Sundiver's chart position, and prepared to lift the roof off Rock City...

Legendary and local music, art and 2000s telly at the theatre: Here's what's on this week in Notts 16-23 September

This week in Notts! Check out live music, from the legendary to the local, enjoy some art, or have a bloody good time at the theatre.

Brews, hairdos and tunes: Trekkah Benjamin reflects on the 10th anniversary of Phlexx Records

Currently celebrating its 10th birthday, Phlexx Records has made its name as one of Notts’ most successful labels, since its founding in 2013 by local names Trekkah Benjamin and Bru-C. With the recent set-up of their new record store, adjoining coffee shop, and barber shop on Weekday Cross, we caught up with Trekkah to reminisce on the history of Phlexx and their ambitions to move ever up and onwards.

LeftLion's Latest Listens #5: Notts music we're currently spinning

This week's edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands, features new releases from Bloodworm, Otala, Marseille and #NAME?...

Pick Six: gig photographer Faye Stacey

For this month’s Pick Six we turned to gig photographer and regular LeftLion contributor Faye Stacey

Comedy and conspiracies: we chatted to Dom Joly about his upcoming show at Nottingham Playhouse

Can Dom Joly save Nottingham from the conspiracy theorists? He chats with LeftLion about his struggle with extreme believers, his new book and his globe-trotting adventures. 

A Night with Bad Betty Press at Peggy’s Skylight

Transplanted from London to Notts, Bad Betty Press isn't just a publisher first rate books - they know how to put on a good show as well...

Book Review: Mark Vanner's 'The Bone That Swallowed A Man'

Modern tech is able to represent real life with increasing detail - but it doesn't get to the heart of the truth like surreal poetry can.

Our September cover artist D.A Orli talks 3D art, consumerism and the ownership of history

We sat down with this month’s cover artist D.A. Orli to hear about some of his previous work and inspirations…

Review: Proms Nottingham-Music of Sherwood Forest

The BBC orchestra visits Nottingham for a first for the world-famous Proms. 

Food Review: Raymonds, Stoney Street

Another highly anticipated new spot in Nottingham, Raymond’s, finally opened its doors in August. Our Food Co-Editor, Julia Head, took a stroll through Lace Market to check out the buzz and capture the first impressions of this vibrant addition to the local dining scene.

From theatre trips to interstellar journeys: Here's what's on in Nottingham this week, 9 -16 September

This week in Notts there are events catering for everyone from emo-fans, to local indie-gig-goers, to stage savants. Here are our picks of the week from 9 to 16 September. 

Day One at Broad Marsh's New Green Heart Space

After years of imagination and careful planning, a brand new spot for nature has been opened for city-dwellers in Notts. We go to tally up the dragonflies...

LeftLion's Latest Listens #4: Notts music we're currently spinning

In this week's edition of LeftLion's Latest Listens, our music team's picks of the latest and greatest sounds from all around Nottingham and the Midlands, we review new releases from Dark Bloom, ktlyle and Alex Blythe...

GrowNotts talk to us about greening up Nottingham with their colourful street planters

You may have seen some of the planters dotted around town looking extra loved up lately - a dash of colour around Canning Circus, Bridlesmith Gate becoming an altogether more pollinator-friendly aisle to walk down. A lot of this greening action can be traced back to GrowNotts. Angelena Efstathiou caught up with grower-in-chief Jack Harris, to hear all about how they’re greening up our city whilst bringing the community with them…

Gig review: A golden era of dance music with Haçienda at Wollaton Hall

Haçienda, the iconic music brand that has captivated audiences for over three decades, made history once again amid the beauty and heritage of Nottingham's Wollaton Hall. Headlined by Soul II Soul with DJs galore, and other big name acts including 808 State and Ultra Naté, the event proved to be an eye-opener...

Alt-rock quartet Bored Marsh talk festivals, finding success and their upcoming EP

In just a few short years, alt-rock quartet Bored Marsh have gone from non-existent to becoming one of the hottest bands to emerge from the booming Nottingham music scene. Now with the release of their debut EP on the horizon, we sat down with frontman Joe Need and guitarist Brad Westby to discuss their rapid rise.

Artist Maximillion Speed talks about Surrealism and his collaborative art exhibition Circus of Life

The circus is coming to town later this month, with an array of artistic feats on display in a new exhibition at Surface Gallery. Showcasing the work of six very different artists, The Circus of Life playfully reveals both inner and other worlds, with shared themes of mental health, healing, playfulness and illusion. Ahead of the exhibition’s grand opening, artist Maximilion Speed treated LeftLion to a chat about the strange workings of creative thinking, why art should be made by humans, and what to expect from the work on show.

Review: Live at the Hall featuring Razorlight

Live at the Hall provided a day of fantastic live music in the beautiful setting of Nottingham's Wollaton Park. With the event headlined by Razorlight, we were also treated to guest performances from indie-rock stars Feeder and The Sherlocks, as well as local artists including Catmilk...