PREVIEWS
Fehdah
MUSIC
FEHDAH @ COBALT STUDIOS
Words: Ali Welford Pairing superb, envelope-pushing sounds with tasty, wholesome scran, Cobalt Studios’ FRESH programme has become a staple for those seeking to expand horizons and spruce up their Thursday evenings. They’re also reliably ahead of the curve with their bookings – a pattern which continues on Thursday 16th December with a visit from hotly-tipped Afrofuturist soul artist Fehdah. Born and based in Dublin with Sierra Leonean heritage, this vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist (real name Emma Garnett) offers a fresh, idiosyncratic take on electro soul, incorporating various strands of her identity from Wassoulou music to traditional Irish singing. While often hailed as a spiritual daughter to the likes of Erykah Badu and Oumou Sangare, it’s a palette which feels entirely of her own making, as showcased to ample effect on sterling recent single Buffer Fly.
The evening provides an additional treat in the shape of local lo-fi extraordinaire Georgia May. Inspired by the sounds of ‘90s hip-hop, R&B and acoustic soul, her opening set will showcase music from last year’s warmlyreceived debut album Mood Daze, setting her absorbing vocal against an inviting bed of soothing timbres, jazzy chords and gospel influences. Food is served from 7pm, with the music beginning an hour later. For a guaranteed winter warmer, look no further! Fehdah and Georgia May play Cobalt Studios, Newcastle on Thursday 16th December www.facebook.com/fehdah
MUSIC
MELTS @ HEAD OF STEAM
Words: Chris Maltby Promoting an album can take many forms but amongst all, regardless of commercial success, performing is a part of the process that truly connects the artist to their audience (and vice
versa); what could cause more frustration for artists everywhere than a social climate ripe with inspiration but lacking in the primary source of performance? Yes, we’ve all adapted, and many of us have adapted well, but nothing beats a live show. Having had two sold out attempts at getting the ball rolling again postponed, Dublin’s MELTS are chomping at the bit to get back on stage. They’ve an album coming out in 2022 and their first UK headline tour this December drops in to Newcastle’s Head of Steam on Saturday 11th December. Recent single Maelstrom, a song about a storm sweeping through a town making irreversible changes, is a statement of intent, a scorning narrative delivered amidst a regimented soundscape of in your face synthesisers and driving guitars. Catch them in the flesh, plus excellent support from noisy post-punks Witness Protection Programme, and discover a band excelling at what they do best. MELTS and Witness Protection Programme play Head of Steam, Newcastle on Saturday 11th December www.wearemelts.com
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