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We chat with DECO about their debut album and the joy of touring

Formed in 2011, with roots in the Midlands and beyond, there’s a lot to unpack with 80s-influenced band Deco – and they've only just released their debut album. With two Nottingham shows imminent, lead singer Max Kendall found time to sit down with LeftLion to talk about the new record, as well as the band’s headline tour, and everything in between…

We caught up with Nish Kumar ahead of his two gigs at Nottingham Playhouse

The man’s so funny, they booked him twice. Nish Kumar brings his razor-sharp political insight to the Nottingham Playhouse two times in October during the Nish, Don’t Kill My Vibe tour. Here he gives LeftLion an exclusive peek…

In photos: Boston Manor at Rock City, with Trophy Eyes and Split Chain

Riding high on the wave of fifth album Sundiver, Boston Manor arrived at Rock City to play a blistering set. Support from Ozzie punk rockers Trophy Eyes and genre-blenders Split Chain made the night one to remember...

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...

Comedy Queen and RuPaul Drag Winner Bianca Del Rio charms Nottingham

Sam Harvey checks out Bianca Del Rio's Dead Inside tour as it stops off at the Royal Concert Hall 

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

Book Review: akal by Dave Wood

We sit down with a mindful new collection from a much-valued Nottingham poet...

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...

Gig Review: Eyre Llew at The Bodega

They are one of our city’s finest musical exports and now, after some time away, ambient rock outfit Eyre Llew are officially back. Once again performing live and this time with a second album in the bank, we went along to their hometown show at The Bodega to hear how the new music is coming along…

Theatre Review: Dear Evan Hansen

The long-awaited UK Tour of Dear Evan Hansen has finally arrived- and I can say with certainty that the wait was absolutely worth it! Never before have I left a show feeling this level of emotion. Should you go watch it? Absolutely- and here’s why...

Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival Returns Celebrating 47 Years of Beers and Cheers

Nottingham’s flagship celebration of ale and cider is back at Trent Bridge from Wednesday 9 – Saturday 12 October...

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.

Preview: 'LeftLion Live At The Library' events: Natalie Duncan and Chanel Cresswell

We've now confirmed our final guests for our 2024 'LeftLion at the Library' events. These take place on the first Friday of each month at Nottingham Central Library thanks to funding from the Arts Council England...

Gig review: Nilüfer Yanya at Rough Trade

Currently amid a creative purple patch, British singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya has just released her much-anticipated third studio album, My Method Actor, garnering her further critical acclaim. Ahead of her performance at Rescue Rooms in December, Nilüfer made an additional stop in Nottingham as part of her in-store promotional tour for the new record…

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...

Fear and nationhood: a look inside Nottingham's preserved Cold War bunker

Over in Aspley, nestled in a modern housing estate, a preserved relic of the Cold War era stands solemnly. With a multitude of curious features, from furniture to forgotten documents, The Nottingham War Rooms holds a wealth of insight into how the Government were preparing in the Midlands for a nuclear attack.

With renovations planned to give the building a new life, we spoke to architectural photographer and Nottingham Trent University (NTU) Senior Lecturer Martine Hamilton Knight, who recently had the chance to photograph the space, and Dr Daniel Cordle, until recently an Associate Professor at NTU, who specialises in nuclear culture and history, to find out more.

Film Review: Lee

It could have been an all-timer, but this extraordinary true story is still a very decent watch…

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.

In photos: The Plot In You at Rock City

In photos: Venus Grrrls at The Bodega with Retina and Penny Moon

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.

Gig review: American Football at Rock City

25 years ago, four friends from Champaign, Illinois formed a band, made a record together and then headed off to college - not once thinking of the potential impact of their music. Little did they know that album would go on to become a seminal masterpiece, one that would inspire a whole genre, as well as a new generation of artists and legions of fans all around the globe. Now travelling the world in 2024 celebrating that album’s quarter century, American Football stopped by Rock City to play their iconic LP1 in full…

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?...