The sound of the city: New live music guide
Stewart Copeland
In the first instalment of a new monthly column in partnership with Culture Hull, Rose Barker, from Polar Bear Music Club, gives her live music highlights in the city this month
From intimate indie gigs to grand orchestral showcases, here are my top picks of live music events happening in Hull throughout the month.
A night that’ll split the indecisive, on Tuesday, September 9 over at the New Adelphi Club, folk-rock talent Ed Harcourt is set to deliver a heartfelt, soulful set, perfect for a cosy gig in one of Hull’s most iconic live music venues.
Prefer your tunes with more punch? Pop over to Polar Bear Music Club on Spring Bank instead for the ever-popular Tuesday night Sesh, where Berlin’s post-punk indie misfits Lawn Chair will be serving chaotic energy and infectious riffs – free entry, as always!
Then on Friday, September 12, we’ve got three great gigs to choose from!
Fancy something spine-tingling and atmospheric? The award-winning multi-instrumentalist duo The Blackheart Orchestra bring their lush, cinematic soundscapes to O’Rileys.
If mellow isn’t your Friday mood, swing by the Polar Bear instead, where the electrifying K.O.G will be tearing up the stage with his high-octane blend of Afrobeat, funk and genre-defying grooves. Expect rhythm, soul, and non-stop energy.
Meanwhile, folk fans won’t want to miss The Leylines at the Adelphi. Hailing from Weston-Super-Mare, their infectious, foot-stomping folk-rock is guaranteed to get the crowd moving.
Thursday, September 18 brings a touch of class to proceedings with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at Hull City Hall. It’s their version of the Last Night of the Proms, so expect flag-waving, anthems and all the pomp and grandeur.
The next night, the beats take over. Jamz Supernova, a heavyweight on BBC Radio 6 Music and 1Xtra, is in town with a three-hour DJ set at the Polar Bear. Her genre-bending mixes of electronic, hip-hop, and future soul will keep you dancing until the early hours!
Saturday, September 20 sees metal newcomers Impurist hit the stage at O’Rileys. Expect face-melting riffs and thunderous drums.
Or, if you’re more into musical oddballs with charisma to spare, The John Otway Band will be at Social on Sunday, September 21, bringing eccentric charm and rock 'n' roll storytelling.
Punk lovers – mark Thursday, September 25 in bold! Philadelphia's Hirs Collective are hitting The Adelphi, bringing pure, unapologetic punk noise. Think raw energy, blistering guitars and a strong message!
The next night, get your dancing shoes on and head to The Welly for Red Rum Club. These Liverpool lads are all swagger, catchy hooks and trumpet-fuelled indie pop that practically demands a singalong.
Finally, the month closes with a real clash of musical titans on Sunday, September 28. Over at Hull City Hall, none other than Stewart Copeland, drummer of The Police, brings his theatrical and autobiographical show Have I Said Too Much to town. Expect stories, songs and big-time nostalgia.
Prefer something more grassroots? Then Social’s New Wave Festival might be more your speed. An all-dayer celebrating up-and-coming talent, with headliners like Celtic folk-rockers Brogeal and the rising indie darlings The Covasettes.
With a lineup this diverse, September is shaping up to be a fantastic month for music lovers in Hull.
I’ll be at plenty of these gigs myself, so I'll see you there!
September 9
Ed Harcourt, The New Adelphi Club, £21.45
The Sesh, featuring Lawn Chair and Sans Froid, Polar Bear Music Club, FREE
September 12
The Blackheart Orchestra, O’Rileys, £20
K.O.G, Polar Bear Music Club, £12
The Leylines, The New Adelphi Club, £15
September 18
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Hull City Hall, from £15
September 19
Jamz Supernova, Polar Bear Music Club, £10
September 20
Impurist, O’Rileys, £10
September 21
The John Otway Band, Social, £19.80
September 25
Hirs Collective, The New Adelphi Club, £12
September 26
Red Rum Club, The Welly, £20
September 28
Stewart Copeland, Hull City Hall, £35
New Wave Festival, featuring Brogeal, The Covasettes and many more, Social, from £15