Throwback Gig Series Part 6 : Tom Speight

So about 6 months ago I wrote a series of gig review blogs that were never published. So here's a little throwback series featuring Meadowlark, Rae Morris, Slowdive, Coasts, Joe Dolman and Tom Speight.

The Oporto bar in Leeds is a great venue for a laid back, chilled gig and discover new music….or not so new as the case may be as I have been following Tom Speight’s career for quite some time now actually, 

Roe Green was the first to the stage with a solo keyboard set which was very expressive interspersed with comedic anecdotes. Top tracks of the set included ‘Chicago ‘and ‘Lately’.

The second support came from Thomas Harvey. The alt-folk-pop singer evokes the darker and more emotive side of pop with an experimental  folk-tronica sound which is highlighted in debut single ‘Swimming In Mud’ as well as ‘Shadow Man.’

Tom Speight mixed old favourites with songs from his latest EP, including ‘My Side’ and was joined by Lydia for the stunningly beautiful duets ‘River’, ‘Green Eyes’ and the couples anthem and popular choice at weddings ‘Willow Tree.’

Tom will be recording his debut album in March and fans can look forward to, not one. not two but ten new songs!

Top 7 gigs of 2017

Top 7 gigs of 2017 

It's that time of the year again where I reflect on some of the best gigs* that I have been to in 2017. 

*like seriously THE best

Kovic

Kovic played support to Coasts when they came to Leeds earlier this year and I was instantly in love. Meeting Mark was a highlight for me because how lovely, is he! 

Tom Speight

I've been to see my mate Tom Speight twice this year and both times have absolutely phenomenal. 

These cute, and intimate gigs at the Louisiana in Bristol and the Oporto in Leeds have had a laid-back vibe and the banter kept on coming.

Dan Croll

No, I've never been to Tokyo but I hear that Dan Croll has. After ending the year on high with the release of his second album 'Emerging Adulthood' and a stellar U.K. Tour Dan ended the year with a holiday in Tokyo

Highlights included some beautiful tambourine playing by Dan Croll during 'Tokyo' and the classic 'From Nowhere' - which is actually my ring tone. 

Rae Morris 

Rae Morris is 'Reborn' with more pizazz and sparkle and she's absolutely fabulous! 

The Blackpool born singer with an ethereal voice and unforgettable stage presence lifted the roof off the Belgrave Music Hall with her latest hits  'Do It' and 'Reborn' as well As playing old favourites and treating our ears to some new tunes. 

Marsicans 

If anyone can, the Marsicans can. - I don't know why I said that, it just sounded cool.

The Marsicans opened the Stylus stage at this year's Live At Leeds festival with so much energy that they could have launched a rocket. And did I mention that they absolutely hilarious?

If you haven't yet, you really really need to go watch the Marsicans new music video.

Saint Motel

Saint Motel may not be an instantly recognisable household name....yet but 'My Type' and the saxophone intro in particular is sure to prick up your ears in recognition. You can hear it on the Now TV ad.

Whilst most swanned off to music festivals up and down the country I headed down to the Wardrobe on the 11th July for the most hilarious gig. 

A personal highlight has to be when a guy standing next to me asked AJ Jackson for a high five but got ignored and I got the high five instead. #winning

Coasts 

So you know how Coasts went on an epic 38 date UK tour during the Autumn, well guess who was at five of those dates in cities far and wide,. There was even a trip to Brighton.  

As readers of this blog may know, Coasts never fail to impress at their gigs but if pushed to choose my favourite date, it would have to be Bristol

The atmosphere at the was electric at the hometown gig and it was clear to see that the guys were really glad to be playing in the city, amongst so many recognisable faces. A very close second has to be Brighton, after all, there were balloons involved. 

Autumnal Favourites

I haven't done one of these lately, not since January actually so in case anyone was interested here are a few of my favourite things from the last few months...girls in white dresses and blue satin sashes not included.

First, let me tell you a little story about Neom Organics. I first came across the aromatic fragrance company when I was looking to buy my sister a leaving present when she moved to Australia (for a year) and I was taken in by the mix and match miniatures for the company that was 'scent to make you feel good.'

The problem was that it was actually a bit too good and I fell in love with their product range (so did my sister and she has been requesting more of their, best-selling pillow mist because she has run out)  and a trip to Neom Organics has become a quite regular item on my 'to do list'

My latest purchase (besides some Christmas presents) includes this candle for the Sensous 'scent to calm and relax range.' The whole relaxing thing is not something that comes easily to me, I'm a bit of a worry monster and get stressed out very easily so I love the calming scent of this candle which includes 16 natural essential oils including ylang-ylang, patchouli and frankincense. 

The first musical item on my list, because you knew there was going to be at least one is 'Waiting' the latest EP from Tom Speight. Because I know that I've been 'Waiting' to have this EP by 'my side' and I'll be looking forward to hearing Tom's debut album next year.

#TBT to my review of Tom's Leeds date on his debut UK headline tour  latest review coming soon

When the weather turns that little bit colder a good hat is absolutely essential and this season I have not one but two faves!

The first, a little beanie from Leeds based company In Music We Trust

In Music We Trust, run by Aiden Hatfield donates 50% of their profits to Mind charity to support people who suffer from depression and other mental health problems, a very worthy cause and they have some rather cool clothes too!

Hat number two simply says ' bunnies over people' which, as a crazy bunny lady myself I can totally relate to. 

This surprise gift from my sister is from Worried Potato and Co the merch brand of Instagram famous Bunny Mama. Lily, Edgar and Beatrix Potter most certainly approve of this hat. 

My final current fave is also of the musical variety, this time in the form of an album, from, you guessed it, Coasts. 

This Life Vol. 1, Coasts' second album was released in August of this year and I have listened to little else ever since. The band accompanied the release with an epic 38 date UK tour journeying to corners of the country, somewhere they had never been to before and reaching out to fans who flocked from far and wide. Before you ask, I didn't go to all 38 dates, only 5, including Bristol, Bath, Brighton (you can read the Brighton blog here if you want) Leeds and York.

Coasts are back touring in the UK in April and will be joining The Hunna on the European and Australian tours!