MICAH P. HINSON
Tues 3 Oct
Komedia
Bluegrass shoegazer Micah returns to Brighton with a full band and much-anticipated new material. Described as a ‘modern folk opera’, concept album ‘Presents the Holy Strangers’ tells the story of a war time family from birth, love, marriage and children, to war, betrayal and suicide. Recorded in Denison, Texas, the album incorporates ancient reels to reels, analogue keyboards and archaic Tascam and Yamaha desk to weave a haunting yet euphoric soundscape. From the Johnny Cash-style country single Lover’s Lane, to the album’s broad, spoken-word centrepiece Micah Book One, the album will appeal to both long time and new fans alike. Micah’s last show in Brighton was a sell-out affair, so get hold of tickets while you still can.
THE PRETENDERS
Tues 10 Oct
Brighton Dome
The Pretenders hit Brighton in October as part of a full UK tour following the release of their first album in 8 years, ‘Alone’. The album was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and sees band founder and fashion icon Chrissie Hynde back to her incisive best. Sell out shows at the Royal Albert Hall earlier this year showcased material from the new album but fans can look forward to plenty of vintage material and anthems thrown into the mix at the Brighton Dome show.
They are supported by husband and wife folk duo The Rails, husband being current Pretenders guitarist James Walbourne. Don’t miss this chance to hear one of the most iconic voices of our time live and loud.
JOLIE HOLLAND & SAMANTHA PARTON
Thurs 12 Oct
Komedia
Fifteen years ago, Jolie Holland and Samantha Parton – two founders of the wildly popular country outfit The Be Good Tanyas – first joined forces. Now they come together once again, with a worldwide touring schedule and new studio album ‘Wildflower Blues’ dropping later this month. With the new project described as a ‘page from the big book of North Americana and outsider folk’, the girls promise newly written originals, fresh arrangements of the Be Good Tanyas material, and songs from their individual catalogues at the live shows, making this new creative incarnation a must-attend for country and bluegrass aficionados.
PETE ROCK AND CL SMOOTH
Mon 16 Oct
Concorde 2
Legendary hip hop duo Pete Rock and CL Smooth are back in town as part of their 2017 european tour, armed with their laid back blend of philosophical lyrics, jazz-infused old skool beats and soul. From producing for legends like Heavy D and the Boyz, Public Enemy and Nas to Inspiring newer artists such as Clear Soul Forces and Coops, it’s clear hip hop history would be missing a sizeable chunk without them in it.
A long-awaited fourth album is in production, with Pete Rock claiming ‘this album is gonna be awesome’ and who doubts him? Not me.
It’s likely to be a while before they’re in the UK again, so get your hands on a ticket before it’s too late.
JANE WEAVER
Sun 22 Oct
The Haunt
Ex-Kill Laura frontwoman and Bird head honcho Jane Weaver is set to wow experimental music fans at The Haunt in October, and whispers in the industry suggest she will be showcasing new music following the success of this May’s ‘Modern Kosmology’ although this is yet to be announced. With a solid music career spanning across the past 2 decades, Jane’s individualism and experience as an experimental songwriter and sound carrier set her apart from many others in this hard-to-nail genre. Hosted by local label Love Thy Neighbour, expect weird noises, a dash of psychedelia, beautiful people and the unexpected.
METRONOMY
Sun 22 Oct
Brighton Dome
Electro-indie darlings Metronomy returned to the live arena earlier this year after a 2 year break from touring with a string of live dates which included a triumphant and victorious sold-out show at London’s Brixton Academy, a fiery headline set at Glastonbury’s John Peel stage, and an emotional headline performance at the last ever Secret Garden Party (sob).
It’s a welcome return for the band, after last year’s phenomenal ‘Summer ‘08’ produced and performed by Joe Mount alone, was never toured. There will be sweat, there will be dancing but most importantly there will be the energy and technicality characteristic of the current lineup together onstage.
GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR
Mon 23 Oct
Brighton Dome
Canadian post-rockers Godspeed You! Black Emperor return to the Dome after their previous enthralling and immersive sell-out show. Formed in 1994 from humble beginnings, their abstract musical outputs won them the attention of the late John Peel and publication The Wire, who named the band as one of their favourites allowing them to gain the global cult following they have today. Fans can hear tracks from Luciferian Towers, the follow up to critically acclaimed Asunder, Sweet and Other Distress (2015) The band sold out their last Brighton show back in 2015 proving that their following and influence has not waned at all. Don’t miss out on this experience at any cost!
LIGHTYEAR
Sat 28 Oct
The Haunt
They formed, then they split, then they regrouped, then they split again, then they reformed…you can guess the rest. But in an age where bands have no original members bar the frontman, it’s refreshing to see a band whose original lineup remains, despite numerous hiatuses. Their ethic is ‘whatever happens, we all stay mates’, refreshing stuff in the cut-throat, competitive world of music. This mantra is reflected in their energetic live shows – expect stage diving brass sections, impromptu Morris dancing, fire breathing and even some great music when Derby ska-punkers Lightyear come to town. In May 2017, the band announced on Social Media that they would be reforming permanently and recording new material.
MOSES SUMNEY
Mon 30 Oct
Komedia
Since emerging onto the scene in 2014, California boy Moses Sumney has ridden a wave of word-of-mouth praise backed up by hushed recordings and dynamic live performances. It’s an organic, patient ascent all too rare in today’s fast-paced musical climate. In a voice both mellifluous and haunting, Sumney makes futuristic, jazzy music; his vocals narrate a personal journey over otherworldly compositional backdrops, reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley with a soulful dash of Prince. Now releasing his debut full-length album, described as ‘an intimate concept record about lovelessness as a sonic dreamscape’ his star is certainly rising, stopping off at Komedia along the way!
AJ TRACEY
Tue 31 Oct
Concorde 2
AJ Tracey tore the roof off the Concorde 2 last time he descended on the city with the Butterz crew. This time he returns for the Brighton leg of his ‘Secure the Bag’ Tour, celebrating his new EP of the same name, the follow up to his breakthrough ‘Lil Tracey’ EP.
Championed by Godfather of Grime Wiley, AJ’s rise to success in the urban music scene has been nothing short of meteoric with gigs at Glastonbury and Outlook over the summer among others. Be quick on this one, fans who attended the Lil Tracey tour earlier this year will already know that tickets won’t stick around for long.
Also recommended…
TOTAL STONE ROSES
Fri 6 Oct
Concorde 2
TINY LEAVES
Sun 9 Oct
The Greys
THE ESKIES
Weds 11 Oct
The Prince Albert
THE MOUNTAIN GOATS
Thurs 12 Oct
The Haunt
BLACK UHURU’S MYKAL ROSE
Tues 17 Oct
Komedia
HABIB KOITÉ
Weds 18 Oct
Komedia
HAWKLORDS
Fri 20 Oct
Lewes Con Club
BOO HEWERDINE & NAOMI BEDFORD
Sat 21 Oct
Lewes Con Club
MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA
Fri 27 Oct
Concorde 2
PENETRATION
Fri 27 Oct
Lewes Con Club
