By Vicky Greer.
With Glastonbury’s lineup finally revealed, everyone’s looking straight ahead to festival season. But there’s still a solid few months left to enjoy local gigs before we get there, and it’s a good time to reflect on the grassroots venues that allow us to have festivals like Glastonbury at all.
The Music Venue Trust recently tweeted their own version of the Glastonbury lineup poster, leaving out any artists who got their start in a grassroots music venue. Only 8 names remained on the poster. Indeed, headliners Coldplay started out in Southampton’s very own Joiners Arms. Some of the best artists I’ve seen in small Southampton venues, like Fontaines D.C., The Mary Wallopers and Yard Act also appear on this year’s lineup.
Let’s give our local venues some love so we can enjoy artists like these for years to come.
Tuesday 9th – Caity Baser, O2 Guildhall
April actually starts off with the biggest show on the list with Caity Baser (pictured top) playing a homecoming show at the Guildhall. Following her last show at the Engine Rooms, it’s no surprise that she’s playing bigger rooms every time. Caity will be joined by Bellah Mae and will play through tracks from her new album, Still Learning.
More information here.
Thursday 11th – English Teacher, Vinilo Record Store
Next up is a show I very much wish I was able to go to. English Teacher have been making a name for themselves as the fresh new stars of guitar music for the last number of years, and their debut album This Could Be Texas is a highly-anticipated release in music circles. They’ll be playing tracks from the new album at Vinilo on the 11th, so be sure to pick up a ticket to join their celebrations the night before release day.
More information here.
Sunday 21st – The Zutons, Engine Rooms
You can always count on Engine Rooms for a classic indie gig. This month, The Zutons will be heading to Engine Rooms as they release The Big Decider, their first album in 16 years. Head over to the Engine Rooms on the 21st for classic hits, new music and a night of indie bangers.
More information here.
Wednesday 24th – New Model Army, The 1865
Post-punk titans New Model Army will be coming to Southampton’s very own 1865 at the end of the month in support of their recent release Unbroken. Fun fact: New Model Army played the 1865 back in 2019. It was the very first show I reviewed as a baby journalist and I had an absolute blast. Expect all the classics as well as their new album, and if it’s anything like last time, a very passionate crowd.
More information here.
Saturday 27th – Pet Needs, The Joiners
Just before they head out around the country for festival season, alternative band Pet Needs will be going on their biggest-ever headline tour, hitting The Joiners on the 27th April. They’ve gathered up quite the following on the road over the years, on headline tours and supporting live favourites like Skinny Lister and The Hives. Check them out if you fancy a night of high-energy indie punk.
More information here.
Tuesday 30th – Lucy Rose, Vinilo Record Store
Ending April with a more intimate gig, you can see Lucy Rose at Vinilo on the 30th. The indie-folk singer-songwriter will be playing songs from her upcoming album, This Ain’t The Way You Go Out, an emotional outing which explores the health issues she faced after the birth of her first son in 2021. See her usher in a new music era at Vinilo – it’s sure to be a night to remember.
More information here.
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Photos: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, BIC, 18 March 2024