First Gig of 2024

With the Independent Venue Week just finished for another year it seems like a good time to post about this little gem. Shooting my first gig of 2024 for The Brighton and Hove News took me to this fantastic grassroots joint just minutes from Brighton Station. As a venue The Hope & Ruin was new to me, meaning there is always excitement in discovering music I haven’t experienced before, but also nervousness in terms of getting those shots when the lighting and layout are unknown.

Bringing us an eclectic mix of genres from four different acts, Hidden Herd presented a truly inspiring evening of new talent to a very appreciative audience. I also loved this room! The square layout, and obligingly flexible music lovers, it made capturing those moments so much easier!

Own World

Opening the night with the very charismatic Own World – this four piece band based in Tottenham are creating something very individual with what what initially appears to be a very traditional instrumental set up. A great way to start the evening!

Nina Kohout

With a single performer on stage following a pretty big sound from the preceding act, I was a little wary! I should not have been – the power and drama that Nina brought to the room was pretty astounding. A mesmerised room were captivated by the voice and stories that came from the Slovakian performer Nina Kohout!

Polite Bureaux

Keeping our ears on their toes so to speak, the third offering for the evening was something very different again. A favourite of my fellow Brighton and Hove News contributor – Polite Bureaux. Bringing high energy and insightful words to the performance this 30 minute performance was compelling and skilled.

Nukuluk

Ending the night with an intriguing mix of hip hop and post punk, infused with electronica, Nukuluk captured the audience until the very last. Many thanks to Hidden Herd delivering a night that reminds us all of the importance of Independent Music Venues!

And as a little postscript – a reminder of the importance of supporting these grassroots venues and local music promotors. It has been a sad few years with so many of the iconic independent venues closing. These are the music experiences I enjoy the most, and where I have discovered so many new acts that I love!