On the 27th February, Big Special bounded onto the stage at the Roundhouse and made it clear this wasn’t just another date on the tour. “This is the biggest gig we’ve ever done,” stated the Midlands’ duo, and they played like it.

Gemma West interviewing LZ7 ahead of supporting Jason Derulo at the Co-op Live, Manchester – Saturday 7th Feb 2026 

FVTVR recently celebrated its second anniversary with a three-day event, cementing its reputation as one of Paris' most electronic underground clubs. More than a birthday, the event signalled the club’s rising influence within the broader European clubbing scene. Over the course of the weekend, more than 20 DJs defied boundaries by masterfully navigating genres between house and techno sets. 

Riyadh is a city built on contrasts. Ancient trade routes sit beneath glass towers; quiet desert expanses give way to neon-lit futures. This February, that evolution continues as Freaks of Nature returns with its seventh chapter, Freakyard.

Donk cuts through an era of over-polished, algorithm-driven music, and speaks to an audience that wants to feel music instead of just passively consuming it. Previously considered a means of escapism amongst Northern England’s working-class communities, part of donk’s modern-day appeal stems from its accessibility, creativity, and communal ethos.

Texas-born and raised country singer Joe Buchanan has released his highly anticipated third studio album, Heaven and Earth on 30th September. 

Indie band Tummyache have released their new, visceral single “Stop, Drop, Roll”, in which lead vocalist Soren Bryce positions against big government and corporations with their emotionally charged vocal performance.

In an era where cultural pride is becoming increasingly recognised, Sinead Campbell’s new single “Stand” is a beautiful reflection of self-empowerment that presents passion,  warmth and profound symbolism.  

If blues, psychedelic rock, and vintage road trips are your vibe, you’ve stumbled across the right boy band!

The long queue around the corner on an extremely unwelcome chilly evening should have been a sign that there is still a thirst for the type of music that is so beloved and so missed for a certain generation (Millennials) that the current one (Gen Z) is diving straight in to experience themselves. The ecstatic and delirium of loud electric guitars and drums always promises a good time, and both bands -on that front- delivered.

On January 21st, heavy rock two-piece Endorsee played their debut headliner gig at Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield. Supported by Soulgrief, an extreme metal band from Halifax, and Contraptions, an experimental ‘skacore’ band from Sheffield, fans of heavy music were in for an exceptional treat.

Exciting news lies on the horizon for fans of the legendary Radiohead, with many theories that the band will return to stages across Europe in 2025.  

Northern Soul music has brought people together through heavy-beat classics, and fast-tempo tracks for over half a century. People mainly united to dance to this music in the early 70s when Northern Soul found itself in its Golden Age, particularly in the North of England and the Midlands.

With the Winter Olympics being held in Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo,  Arisa, a household name in Italy has performed the track ‘Fino all’alba.’ 

It’s not rare that a group of youths collectively come together to create a band, but sometimes there is spark which gives them the edge to establish a name for themselves-and Buster Shuffle have done just that. Formed in 2007, Buster Shuffle became a four-piece ska/punk/rock ‘n roll band within the area of South London. The group are dedicated to introducing high-energy tunes into the music world, with the aim that people will dance to and have fun with them. With Jet Baker on the piano, his lead vocals are exposed in the manner of authentic pub-music joy, the band’s energy springs into action from the first chord and guarantees a good performance, conducting an audience filled with passion. 

When music lovers think of ska, they may picture first-wave heroes such as Prince Buster, or The Skatalites, or the second wave from which the 2Tone Records label was born. However, the ska and punk fusion which was introduced to the world by the likes of The Specials has been re-produced on many occasions since the late 70’s.

With venues and artists under pressure after the budget announcement, Live at Leeds in the City was an important day for artists and fans to network in independent venues,  letting fans discover new bands in an exciting manner, and giving independent venues the chance to communicate what they can provide to avid and new gig-goers of Leeds. 

 On October 25th at X-Church in Gainsborough, Ghoul Night 2 took place. This free entry event featured an eclectic range of local bands and artists, complemented by the majestic backdrop of an old church. Filled with atmospheric lighting, spooky sounds, and haunting décor, Ghoul Night 2 was the event to attend for Halloween enjoyers.