By Jake George
Nottingham is absolutely stacked for gigs for the rest of this November.
The city has already been lucky enough to have performances from the likes of both Bob Dylan and Bob Vlyan, but don’t worry, there are still some fantastic acts left to see.
From arena rockers, to intimate hip-hop sets, here are the seven gigs you should grab tickets for this month.
FAT DOG
Described by NME as 2023’s “wildest live band”, FAT DOG are one of the most exciting acts coming out of The Windmill scene in recent memory.
Pulling influences from all across the board, the bands eclectic/unique sound marries that of punk and electronic music with elements of “klezmer”, a traditional Ashkenazi Jewish from of music.
After a couple of singles being released over the past year, they’ve finally dropped their debut album “WOOF.”
Ben Tipple of NME said: “it’s an end to the conversation that originality in music is dead” and others have said it perfectly captures the bands live energy.
You can catch them live at Rescue Rooms on November 12.
Alfie Templeman
Also after the recent release of his fourth album Indie singer-songwriter Alfie Templeman is performing a headline gig this month too.
“Radiosoul”, which came out this summer, is turn from his last release, being a more groovy and uplifting record, which even has a feature by Nile Rodgers himself.
The Indie maestros sound can be described as an 80’s inspired, synth ladened pop, with songs like “Obvious Guy” going famous on TikTok for its catchy hook and gentle sound.
Drawing comparisons with his friend and contemporary Declan Mckenna, Templeman’s live audience often enjoy his calm and open personality whilst performing, mixing well with his melancholic tunes.
If you want to see him, he is playing Metronome on November 14.
CRUCAST
If you’re into dnb, garage or bassline music, the all day rave performance by the guys at CRUCAST is the gig for you.
Boasting the likes of Skepsis, Darkzy, Bru-C and Window Kid, the Nottingham based record label have been putting on shows all across the UK this year.
While they do have established artists, the label are known for supporting up and coming acts in the scene.
With the likes of Window Kid recently dropping more mainstream tracks with other artists like Nathan Dawe, it’s clear their stock is rising.
Live shows are described as “unifying” and “infectious” by fans online.
With fourth release tickets still available for their show at Unit 13 this November 16, grab them now, this is going to be a lively one!
Kneecap
On the back of their second record and debut theatrical release, the Irish hip-hop trio are heading to Nottingham this month.
It’s been quite the year for Kneecap with the release of both “Fine Art” and their self-titled film coming out to great reviews, the latter leading the nominations for the British film awards for Best Independent film.
Known for using both English and Irish language in their tracks, Móglaí Bap and pals lyrics routinely revolve around themes of republicanism or hedonism.
Kneecap can somehow be both completely crazy and satirical, as well as socially conscious and thoughtful.
Praised again for their individuality and originality, their music can be described as both absurd and fun, involving elements from grime/rap to techno and house.
Gaining fans from all over the musical spectrum, with Fontaines DC lead singer Grian Chatten appearing on a track with them, Kneecap will be sure to put on an amazing show at Rock City on November 19.
Confidence Man
Another gig in the city later this month is Australia’s Electro-pop outfit Confidence Man.
They have also just release a new album: “3AM (La La La)” to positive reviews.
Janet Planet, Sugar Bones and the group create music that is both steeped in a hedonistic attitude and is extremely fun, with this release being no different.
Robin Murray from The Clash Magazine said: “ 3AM (La La La) is Confidence Man at their raviest, their naughtiest, their most confident.”
Known for bringing the same energy to their live shows as their albums, converting their catchy pop tunes into hypnotising live shows.
Hannah Mylrea from Whynot said: “Catch the Aussie party-starters live, and you’ll witness one of the most entertaining shows around”
You can get tickets for their show now, also at Rock City, on November 21.
Kofi Stone
One of UK Hip-hops newest stars, Kofi Stone has already secured features with icons of the scene such as Loyle Carner and Maverick Sabre.
After releasing his latest Album “A Man After God’s Own Heart” at the start of October, he is doing a string of performances over the UK this month, after touring alongside the prior mentioned Carner.
The Birmingham raised artist who is known for his poetic lyricism and low-key, sample ladened beats, was recently included in The Guardians “one to watch” feature.
You can catch his must see gig at The Bodega on November 22.
Fontaines D.C.
What is there to say about Fontaines D.C. that hasn’t already been said a thousand times before?
After touring around the world on the back of their fourth album “Romance” earlier this year, the Irish post-punk outfit are finally back in the UK to show off their new tunes.
Described as “The band of our time” in GQ magazine, the group have had quite a meteoric rise to fame in recent years off the back of great releases such as 2019’s “Dogrel” and 2022’s “Skinty Fia”, as well as a string of songs going TikTok viral.
Grian Chatten and co are known for creating music that is both lyrically visceral and poetic, while also musically being able to create dynamic and captivatingly beautiful soundscapes, songs like “In the modern world” and “Favourite” off their latest release perfectly encapsulating this.
Their live shows are known to be electric, with Gary from Popped Music calling their live sound “Joyous” and praised their ability to create intensity.
They are headlining The Motorpoint Arena on November 27, inviting fellow Irish group Sorry along for the ride, get a ticket while you still can!