MUSIC

Double delight at The Black Prince

The last time The Subways came to play in the ‘fampton was more than a decade ago. Since then, we’ve learned all sorts of horrible new words like Brexit and Covid.

We’ve been through lockdowns, and are on our fifth PM since they played for us.

Given the current state of things, right now we really need music to give us a lift, and The Subways have 20 years of produce from which to do just that, including new material; this tour is in support of their fifth album, Uncertain Joys, which will be available the week before the show.

The band, guitarist and vocalist Billy Lunn, bassist Charlotte Cooper and drummer Camille Phillips (who replaced Josh Morgan in 2020) went all art deco on the video for recent single Black Wax, and they wore it well, as our picture shows.

This guy and gals have played the Pyramid Stage at Glasto and the main stage at Reading & Leeds Festivals, to name but two, and they know how to work a large crowd, so things will truly go off in the confines of the Abington Square venue.

Support for their SBD date at The Black Prince on Saturday, January 21 will come from Shallow Honey, and Catbear. If there are tickets left as you read this, there won’t be many. If you want in, get on it, folks.

There may be less SBD Promotions shows this month, but there is one more, and it’s another stonker – on January 28, The Wonderstuff frontman Miles Hunt will visit, playing songs from his three decadelong career, including his current solo album, Things Can Change.

On this most recent disc, Miles did the same as he has always done; he wrote about things that were happening around him, and what had happened to him in the past.

Anecdotes and stories will puncture the space between songs on the night.

Once again, tickets are shifting in quick time.

> If you want a seat (or a spot to stand in), tappety-tap to sbdpromotions.com or check at skiddle.com Do it now.

The Subways (right) and Miles Hunt are bill-toppers at The Black Prince during January

Mender moments for the Monkeys and Hybrid Minds

The Roadmender has announced a few more dates for February – Letz Zep are back (Feb 10) with another chance to revel in the music of Page, Plant, Jones and Bonham, Bingo Loco will include rave rounds, dance offs and lip sync battles (Feb 11), Riders on the Storm, The Doors Alive arrive on February 17, and The Floyd Effect present the Dark Side of Reason Tour (Feb 18).

Eighties chart-botherers The Blow Monkeys will hit the stage on February 24 and Hybrid Minds appear on February 25.

All of these shows are in addition to the previously announced Kula Shaker (Feb 1), Reverend & The Makers (Feb 3) and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls (Feb 6) dates.

No doubt about it, February at the ‘mender is gonna be a busy one.

Slowthai’s on his way to Wembley, na, na, na, na....

Blur’s summer dates at Wembley Stadium will see a familiar face stepping onto the famous stage – Northampton’s Slowthai is among the special guests bagging a slot on July 8.

In November, Slowthai took to social media to share the news that his third album is in the can, and around the same time he issued the hard-hitting single, I Know Nothing.

2022 in review

Phil Moore

Promoter

How was 2022 for you? Busy, fun, frequently inspiring.

Your favourite gig Scalping, Black Doldrums, Millie Manders, The Bellrays and The Bluetones were all ace, but it was probably Rosalie Cunningham at the top. Sabbath meets The Beatles with a bit of cabaret thrown in. Righteous stuff.

Alex Novak Spiral Archive Records owner and musician

How was 2022 for you? There was a lot more going on after years of stagnation. There seems to be some momentum again.

Your favourite gig Gigs I enjoyed included Rosalie Cunningham, Pulp Fiction night, 5678’s, Rolling Thunder, Lizzie and the Banshees.

Favourite local release A tough one... a dead heat between Maddox Jones’ debut album, Believe it, and the debut 7” singles from Bloody/Bath, the double A-side, Idle Hands/Sunder.

Biggest surprise The appetite for live music in central Northamptonshire has been solid all year. It feels like a rebirth in a way. So much feels possible for 2023. Favourite local release It has been a bumper year for local vinyl and CD releases; Venus Fly Trap’s Time Lapse CD, Religious Overdose, Strung Out on Heavens High LP, Reducer’s untitled 12”, Phantom Isle’s 12”, the Bloody/Bath 7” and Paul Cox’s CD.

Biggest surprise Being able to find another premises for Spiral Archive Records.

From the top: Eddz, Phil Moore, Alex Novak, Billy Lockett and Ffsytho?!

The best thing that happened this year That we’re all still here. We haven’t lost a single venue locally in the region, I don’t think. The incoming energy crisis might change that though.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023? Seeing old friends and new bands in good spirits. The best thing that happened this year Basically just getting out and playing again.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023? Lots of gigs and events are being sorted for 2023, including Wasted Youth, Ghost Dance, a Northampton Punk new wave book launch, a punk exhibition and Record Store Day.

Billy Lockett Singer-songwriter

How was 2022 for you? 2022 has been a lot of ‘getting ready for 2023’ with releasing music, building teams up in the states etc, but overall it’s been a brilliant year.

Your favourite gig Islington Assembly Hall. It feels good to be back playing big venues again.

Favourite local release Maddox Jones’ debut album. That man knows how to write a pop hit.

Biggest surprise The reaction to (the single) Last Thing On Your Mind. That song kinda came out of nowhere and is now flying very unexpectedly!

The best thing that happened this year Signing with Photo Finish in America. It’s only been half a year, but I’m enjoying everything we’ve done so far.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023? I’m most looking forward to touring, touring and more touring.

Eddz Songwriter & musician

How was 2022 for you? 2022 has gone really well for me, as I’ve managed to play plenty of gigs across Northampton and the surrounding counties. I have also released two singles, three if you include the Ignorance remix.

Your favourite gig Supporting Hard-Fi at their warm-up show at The Craufurd Arms in Milton Keynes. As a fan of the band, it was a fantastic opportunity.

Favourite local release Chargr’s debut E.P. Just Rush.

Biggest surprise Discovering my single, Ignorance, was played on BBC 6 Music.

The best thing that happened this year Finishing off my debut E.P. and getting it ready for release at the end of the year.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023? I’m looking forward to performing more gigs and exploring new musical elements for Eddz.

Ffsytho?! Grime and rap artist

How was 2022 for you? Awesome! I travelled to some amazing places to perform. Met so many amazing people and made new supporters along the way. Absolutely living the dream.

Your favourite gig I love them all, because I just love performing, but if I have to pick one I’m going to say Shambala Festival. It was the biggest stage I’ve ever performed on and it was the biggest crowd too! Plus, it’s my local festival and I’ve wanted to go for years, so the fact I was asked to perform was mind blowing. I’m blessed for real. Blew the roof off – hopefully I’m back next year!

Biggest surprise How far I’ve come, musically. I’ve gone from dropping freestyles at my window to national radio play. Merch around the world, and I’m shelling down stages up and down the country! I’ve also just been nominated for a music award in the rap grime category associated with Northamptonshire music awards. I was absolutely gobsmacked to find out I had been nominated – now I’m a final nominee and the only woman representing that category. Love it!

The best thing that happened this year My first brand campaign with Bed Head. I had so much fun on the day shooting the ad, and to then find out I was on posters and huge billboards across the UK was incredible.

What are you most looking forward to in 2023? Dropping new music. Hitting more stages – I’ve actually got loads coming, so stay tuned!