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Running through the streets of Manchester isn’t the ideal way to go to a gig, but compared to my day-to-day life, today was nothing ordinary. The day started by sitting and listening to panel discussions and like-minded people discussing issues. What the music industry faces.
By the time we got to Off the Square, it was already early, really early. We’re standing outside before the band arrives, so maybe we should sit somewhere, but we’re too lazy to find it, so we just wait. I settled in and stood next to the bar waiting for the show to start and the bar to open. I’m standing there and the band is doing a sound check.
Hollowbody takes to the stage as a five-piece band with a tight rhythm system, each member bouncing off the other. Musically, it hints at ALT J and early block parties, and “Godspeed” is an absolute hit, with the guitarist pulling off a solo that roars through the venue. Vocals and backing vocals are great, but noticeably quiet at times (this was a consistent theme throughout the night). The last song features an acoustic guitar, which is something I always like to see.
Next up is MSIX, a relatively new band that’s scarily younger than me, with a mudder, rougher sound that’s evident in their original song “People so it thought.” They perform covers such as “Rebel Yell,” and the lead singer has a voice similar to Billy Idol. The drummer wears a blazer jacket and to me, he’s the boss, but each member brings the amount of energy they play with.
Nessa Mae takes the stage and brings the atmosphere. She is a Spanish solo artist. My Spanish GSCE is useless because I can’t even understand half of the words she’s saying. Nessa has a lot of stage presence while dancing as well as crowd work. Her vocals are smooth, which is evident on “Azul,” and she can also rap. The artists I listen to are completely different types, but still great.
Energy is the driving force behind Cheidu Oraka’s sets. Cheidu Oraka is a rapper from Hull, he loves Scousers and I agree with him. Rapping over old school beats and clubland anthems, he shows off his versatile nature and ability to spit bars. His hype man can get the crowd going, and his DJ has them dancing along with Cheidu and joining in on “Gun Finger.”
I feel like a cop out reviewing Kairos compared to other bands since I’m already a fan of theirs. Fresh off supporting the Sex Pistols, they take the stage and the commotion begins. The entire band is in top form, performing some well-known hits like “Teetotal” and “Lazy Lethargic” as well as hits like the recently released “Punchline Fistfight.” It’s great vocally and musically, with both guitarists getting away with the riffs. While the drums pound away, the bass maintains a constant driving force behind each song.
Grassroots venues are severely underfunded and some are facing closure due to a number of economic and social issues. As you can see tonight, these artists are great and deserve attention, but a lot of people aren’t coming out to see these up-and-coming artists. In other words, the venue itself is not making money, and artists are losing a place to perform. There are no visible efforts to step up. Drastic changes are needed to help them grow.
