In a gig we waited seven years for, Sampha proved he is the master of his craft.
Celebrating his second album, LAHAI, Mercury Prize-winner Sampha headlined his first Manchester show in nearly seven years last night.
And it was well worth the wait.
As one of only two UK stops on his 2024 tour, we felt extremely lucky to watch the UK breakout star take to the stage at Aviva Studios.
Taking place in the formidable warehouse space, excitable crowds flocked in a circular motion to secure their spot around the stage.
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For such a vast space, performing in-the-round created a real sense of intimacy that wouldn’t have been made possible in any other venue.
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Gazing onto the stage filled with electronic keyboards, synthesisers and drums – the anticipation to see someone who’s since grown to be a global icon since last in the city was truly immense.
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But we didn’t have to wait long as the London-born singer songwriter plunged us straight into the deep end with emotive hit Plastic 100°C.
An honest reflection of both love and fear, Sampha and his incredible band had us enamoured from the very start and we knew we were in for a great night.
His new album, LAHAI, shows just how much he’s grown since first breaking out on the music scene back in 2017.
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From what was first heart-wrenching meditations of discovery now had sounds of acceptable and joy throughout, and truly it was a joy to hear.
Making his way through the album we of course were treated with tender ballad (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano, and even as the first chords were struck there was a communal sigh amongst the audience.
There were most definitely some wet eyes amongst the crowd as Sampha wistfully opened up his heart to us.
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But it wasn’t all melancholy meditations, Sampha and his crew jumped around the stage interacting with the audience, at one point communally banging a drum in the centre of the stage.
The new tracks took unexpected twists and turns, introducing flavours of jazz, soul, rap, dance and jungle which the band and himself merged seamlessly with their already mastered R&B genre.
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Highlights included the vocally layered Suspended and piano-heavy Dancing Circles, both of which I’m sure many of us played through our speakers as soon as we got in (myself included).
Ending triumphantly with Blood On Me, the lights turned red on Aviva Studios as we danced as a singular and were reminded just what a talent Sampha truly is.
And we left hoping he wouldn’t leave it another seven years until he comes back.
Jimmy Bradbury, Reuben Haycocks, Aoife Anson O’Connell, and Paddy Murphy – better known together as Westside Cowboy – formed back in 2023 when they were students at the Royal Northern College of Music, so while they may not all be from Manchester, they definitely have the spirit of our city at the heart of everything they do.
After playing in different bands across the city throughout their student years, the four-piece joined forces to create Westside Cowboy – an indie rock collective credited with self-coining the genre of ‘Britainicana’.
Put simply, Britainicana is a cultural concept that mixes the hazy, mythic feel of American country and folk, with the sound of raw British punk, indie rock, and small-town life.
Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On / Credit: Clementine Schniedermann (Press Shots – Supplied)
If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you’ll be pleased to know that Westside Cowboy have released their debut album, It Goes On, to the world today (21 August).
And the reception from critics, arguably, couldn’t be better.
Prior to the release of their debut album, the band had released two EPs, including So Much Country ‘Till We Get There in January earlier this year, and had started to make a name for themselves with their popular debut single ‘I’ve Never Met Anyone I Thought I Could Really Love (Until I Met You)’ in 2024.
They went onto make even further waves when they supported equally-rising American rock band Geese on their UK and Irish tour back in March – with many fans calling it one of the best support and main act combinations in some time.
Three singles from their debut album were shared with the world ahead of its release – ‘Kick Stones (The Boys)’ came first, followed by ‘Pin Up Boys’ and ‘Dobro’.
So, it’s fair to say the anticipation for album was high… and if the reviews are anything to go by (which we think they are), it looks like the band has very much delivered what they set out to achieve.
Westside Cowboy’s debut album It Goes On is now available to stream, or you can purchase a physical copy in a range of formats from their website here.
Take a listen👇
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied)
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BBC Introducing LIVE is back with events across the North for grassroots music artists
Emily Sergeant
BBC Introducing’s flagship live event will return with a huge lineup of activities for aspiring musicians and music creators this autumn.
To celebrate and champion undiscovered talent across the country, BBC Introducing LIVE will include an array of live performances, immersive workshops, educational panels, and networking opportunities for grassroots artists, DJs, and music creators, all at the start of their careers.
Introducing LIVE will head across the UK, including hosting four special gigs in Leeds and a songwriting camp in Manchester.
The BBC Introducing Songwriting Camp is an invite-only event offering an ‘unparalleled’ experience for artists and creatives to develop skills and collaborate with industry professionals in a real music studio.
Then, on Saturday 28 November, BBC Introducing will host four showcases across Leeds, celebrating some of the best new music from across the UK – with independent music venues The Wardrobe, Belgrave Music Hall, and Oporto all taking part.
While up in Sunderland, following the success of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend there earlier this year, a special takeover event will take place at The Fire Station – with a day of panels, workshops, open mics, and an industry feedback centre planned, all designed to support and inspire the next generation of musicians and music industry professionals.
Other northern cities hosting events during this year’s programme are Gateshead, and major music city Liverpool.
Many successful artists, including the North’s very-own Sam Fender, as well as big names like Ed Sheeran, Raye, Olivia Dean, and Loyle Carner, all began their careers with support from BBC Introducing.
“Championing and nurturing artists and creatives is at heart of everything BBC Introducing does, and so I’m excited that Introducing LIVE will be returning in November for our biggest year yet,” commented Kelly Betts, who is the Editor of BBC Introducing.
“BBC Introducing will be at events, panels, and gigs across the UK giving emerging talent the opportunity to learn from industry experts, make music and connect with fellow artists.
“Music has the power to unite, inspire, and shape our culture and BBC Introducing’s flagship event will help some of the UK’s rising stars on their journey to achieve this.”
Clementine Hall -
16th February 2024 
