By Vicky Greer.
There’s nowhere quite like Southampton, is there? Somehow, you can always see the biggest stars on the tiniest stages, and this month features one of the best examples of this phenomenon. It’s what makes the city’s music scene so special. Our beautiful venues have been home to some of the most magical live music experiences, and everyone in the scene has a story to tell about a wild gig they’ve been to here. If you’re looking to make some memories in March, here are some of the shows you should look out for. But some tickets will be harder to get your hands on than others…
Thursday 7th – Renée Rapp, The Brook
The stars are aligning beautifully in Southampton this March. After postponing her run of intimate outstore shows in support of last year’s album Snow Angel, Renée Rapp (pictured top) is finally making her way to The Brook – right as she’s becoming a household name as the star of Mean Girls.
Naturally, both the afternoon and evening events to see Hollywood’s newest It Girl are super sold out, so you might need to resort to some form of witchcraft to get your hands on tickets. But if you’re lucky enough to already have some, you’re surely in for a night to remember.
Friday 15th – Red Rum Club, Engine Rooms
The next March highlight arrives with Red Rum Club at the Engine Rooms on the 15th for anyone looking to hear some indie rock with a twist, especially anyone who wants that twist to be trumpet-shaped. Engine Rooms is always the best venue for anthemic indie rock and Red Rum Club are bound to have the whole crowd singing along. This is another sold-out show, so keep your eyes peeled for any tickets that become available.
Friday 15th – Bdrmm, The Joiners
Good news if you’ve worked out how to clone yourself and go to two gigs on the same night, because shoegazers Bdrmm are hitting the stage at The Joiners on the 15th. They became a buzzy name in the UK music scene with their album I Don’t Know, released last summer, which was met with critical acclaim across the board. Their newer music has added elements of trip-hop, ambient and jazz into the mix, so expect an eclectic sound.
Tuesday 19th – Sea Girls, Engine Rooms
On the 19th, we’re back to sing-along, anthemic indie rock as Sea Girls return to Southampton to play at Engine Rooms. Sea Girls are well-known for bringing an electrifying energy to the venues they play, whether it’s a space like Engine Rooms or a festival field. Their third studio album, Midnight Butterflies, is set for release in June, so with any luck we’ll be hearing a few new tunes on the setlist.
Friday 22nd – CLT DRP, The Joiners
Another rescheduled gig is landing on our doorstep in March with CLT DRP heading to the Joiners on the 22nd. A mix of punk, electronica and pop, they’ve made themselves known as a force to be reckoned with in the last couple of years. It’s not their first visit to the city, having joined WARGASM at the 1865 late last year. This time, they’re joined by Dublin’s electro-noise band Yard.
Wednesday 27th – The Staves, Vinilo Record Store
We’ve had a lot of high-energy shows on the list this month, so if you’re looking for a more relaxed way to bring the month to a close, head over to Vinilo Record Store on the 27th to see folk duo The Staves at their intimate in-store gig. It’s the perfect sound for Vinilo, who have been on a roll with their in-store events these last few months. The Staves will be playing songs from their upcoming album All Now is set for release a few days earlier.
Saturday 30th – Record Fair, The 1865
Work commitments have kept me away from the Southampton Record Fair for the last few months, but the good news is that I can soon spend all that hard-earned money on CDs. Pro tip: take photos of your music collection before you head out to the fair, so that you don’t have to stand in the 1865 trying to remember if you already own a copy of Scary Monsters and Super Creeps.
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