Record Store Day, the annual celebration of vinyl and the shops that sell it, takes place this year on Saturday 13th April. On that day, all across the globe, eager vinylphiles will form queues outside their favourite record shop, with those present crossing their fingers that they'll be able to procure that yearned for item from amongst the large array of shiny delights on offer this year. Southsea's famed Pie & Vinyl has, since it first took part in Record Store Day, seen an ever growing number of punters pitching up outside its doors, all keen to get their mitts on that special pressing. Some get there early, some mosey along in the afternoon and a hardy few wait overnight to ensure they don't miss out.
For the
past few years Castle Road, where P&V proudly sits, has joined in with the RSD celebrations by closing itself to traffic and hosting an array of local traders, artisan comestibles and live music. This year marks the fifth such takeover and, though no artists have yet been announced, whoever plays will be joining such alumni as Emily Barker, Jerry Williams, Blenaevon, Plastic Mermaids, Smoke Fairies and IDLES (no, really). Even if vinyl isn't your thing (I know, but there are some folk who prefer CDs or, yes, even cassettes) it's well worth a visit to enjoy the ambience of a Southsea street showing its best garb, procure a gourmet cheese toastie or even replenish your supply of hot sauce (and best of all it's completely FREE to attend, which is nice).
In a very canny move, days before the Early BirdTier 1 ticket pricing window closes, the organisers of Portsmouth's Victorious Festival have announced the first acts playing next year's Southsea Common
shindig.
Since its inception Victorious has grown both in size and reputation; as large outdoor music events go it still has a generally relaxed, family friendly vibe and offers both the musical array of a large in-country festival and the ease and convenience of a metropolitan affair (i.e. I can see some great bands and still be able to walk home afterwards). The introduction of the Friday evening session a few years back, whilst initially ruffling the feathers of some nearby residents, has become a welcome addition to the August Bank Holiday fun.
The
initial tranche of acts announced may appear at a touch scattergun, an attempt
to lure in the muso, the popster, the hipster and all folks in-between
with shiny delights maybe, but remember this is just the tip of the pile of musical delights
that will no doubt be announced in batches over the coming months. Bearing that in mind, here are inaugural acts:
Coventry's Ska legends The Specials will be co-headlining on the Friday evening, no doubt bringing a mix of classic songs and new material (their eighth long player, Encore, is scheduled for release next year).
Singer-songwriter James Bay (him with the hat) and Chingford indie rockers The Rifles join Swedish rockers The Hives on Saturday's bill. Quite what Howlin' Pelle and chums will make of Pompey is anyone's guess but, I confess, this is the one act so far announced to really pique my interest.
The Vaccines bring their flavour of indie rock to Sunday line-up, with dance-classical crossover outfit Clean Bandit also announced for for the final day of the festival. Grace Chatto et al might not be my usual listening but, I admit, they have been responsible for some very catchy tunes (is waving a Marks & Spencer bag-for-life a thing at Clean Bandit gigs? If not it really should be). Something there for nearly everyone, which is nice. Tickets are available nowvia the Victorious website and, as mentioned previously, the first tier of the Early Bird pricing ends soon.
With two well-attended events under their belts Fareham promoters Nod Ya Head are already looking to the future, releasing details of their first gig in 2019. Following feedback from the punters the number of bands on the bill is dropping from four to three, allowing longer sets for the bands playing.
The line-up for the next Nod Ya Head features lo-fi three-piece Mammalia Blue and Gosport blues-rock merchants Hooli, with the evening headlined by Southsea indie-alternative band Colour of The Jungle.
The third outing for Nod Ya Head will be on Saturday 16th February 2019, at Fareham's Roundabout Hotel, with ticket information to be released presently. Physical tickets are available now from the venue and Heathen Chemistry Recordsin Fareham or online from BookEvents, priced at £6 advance (plus £1 booking fee if purchased online), £7 on the door.
Update: 29/01 Unfortunately Colour of The Jungle have had to withdraw from playing at NYH3, the organisers will announce a new headliner, via their Facebook page, presently.
