By Vicky Greer.
We’re almost back in the busy season for Southampton’s live music scene. Gig listings for September through November are filling up fast, with the likes of Stand Atlantic, Lauren Hibberd, and the Last Dinner party set to make an appearance in the colder months. But August has a few dates for the diary, including the much postponed Renée Rapp album launch outstore show. So take this month as a chance to warm up and prepare yourself for a real musical marathon come September. Here’s what we have in store.
Friday 2nd – Honeymoan, Heartbreakers
After an unfortunate tour van breakdown in October 2023, the South Africa-hailing, London-based alt-poppers had to postpone their set at Heartbreakers, but their grand return is finally here. Like a warming ray of sunshine, they combine pop sensibilities with guitar-heavy indie to give a boost of joy in their charismatic live shows. What better way is there to spend a summer evening? This one is bound to be worth the wait.
More information here.
Saturday 10th – Green Lung, Papillon
If you find yourself looking for something on the other end of the musical spectrum, you can head down to Papillon the week after to hear stoner-doom band Green Lung tear up the stage.
There’s something so intriguing about the concept of a metal band that combines elements of British folklore and the occult in their music playing in a renovated church. Like two seemingly opposed ideas being fused in a night of musical celebration. They’ve been picked up by publications like Kerrang! And they’ve been steadily making their way around the heavy festival circuit, so do take the time to see them in this special venue. Joining them are Los Angeles band Iress.
More information here.
Saturday 10th – Will Young, The Brook
Hitting the stage at The Brook this month is none other than pop icon Will Young. This intimate outstore takes place the night before the release of his new album Light It Up, which he describes as his return to “joyous pop”. And isn’t that what the world needs right now?
Anyone who’s been a fan since the Pop Idol days ought to make their way to The Brook for the first of two extra-special pop performances taking place at the venue this month, in conjunction with local instore heroes Vinilo Record Store.
More information here.
Thursday 22nd – Renée Rapp, The Brook
Feeling déjà vu? This isn’t the first time I’ve written about Renée Rapp coming to Southampton since this is the third attempt at her ultra-intimate Brook outstore. Postponed twice already, ticket holders must be starting to get antsy. But let’s all collectively cross our fingers for good luck and good health this August, and hopefully, we’ll be seeing Rapp in the city.
This is perhaps the most high-profile album outstores to grace Southampton in a while. Since the release of her album (and the original show date), Renée Rapp has become a household name for her performance as Regina George in the recent Mean Girls film, her fame building to the point of becoming an all-out queer icon known the world over. Obviously, this is sold out. I can’t imagine tickets being available closer to the time, but we can dream.
Wednesday 28th – Militarie Gun, Papillon
Bringing the month to a close at Papillon is the much-lauded Militarie Gun, who made it onto many of the year-end lists in 2023 for their debut LP Life Under The Gun. Fusing elements of alternative rock and punk, they are quite rightfully considered one of the most exciting new alternative bands around. Joining them are Lip Critic and Tripsun.
Thursday 29th – Only The Poets, Engine Rooms
Hailed as one of the most exciting up-and-coming bands in the UK right now, Only The Poets will be appearing at Southampton’s Engine Rooms with their take on Britpop. After an electric few years supporting names like Lewis Capaldi, Bastille and Louis Tomlinson and a steady stream of EPs, they’re bringing their tour to Engine Rooms after selling out The Joiners less than one year ago.
More information here.
Saturday 31st – Southampton Record Fair, The 1865
And finally, what’s a month in Southampton if you don’t parting with your money at the Record Fair? There’s no better way to spend a Saturday in the 1865, in a complete musical trance as you browse the wares and wish that you’d remembered to bring your glasses to read the album titles. Bonus points if you pause for several minutes, trying to remember if you already own a copy of that album (you do, I promise). My advice: take photos of your collection before you head there.
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