Nottingham in 20 Songs
"I've often got the impression that people aren't aware that Nottingham (and more specifically my home town of Beeston) can claim the genuinely legendary Anne Briggs who, for those that don't know, is arguably the most influential British folk singer of the 20th century. "
A tight-knit DIY community nurturing a notable indie scene which birthed the likes of Anne Briggs, Tindersticks, Six by Seven, Sleaford Mods and Jake Bugg, Nottingham boasts a host of talented live acts whose careers were kickstarted and shaped in the East Midlands city.
Alongside its impressive alumni, the city has been carving out a reputation for itself as a live venue powerhouse with iconic and historic venue Rock City, hosting some of the world’s largest acts in their early years such as Nirvana, Amy Winehouse, The Undertones and Rage Against the Machine. Latterly, Peggy’s Skylight is putting Nottingham on the international jazz circuit and Metronome Nottingham acts as a national centre for music, live performances and spoken word.
We have been very lucky to occupy our own slice of the city since 2014, opening Nottingham's biggest record shop in the Hockley area, the heart of all things independent, a colourful street art of independent businesses, and community spirit. A decade since our doors were opened, the store has thrived not only as a destination to discover new music on vinyl but also as an intimate gig setting hosting the likes of Thurston Moore, Don Letts, English Teacher, Frank lero, Placebo, Suede, Little Simz, IDLES, Fontaines D.C. and many, many more. You will also likely find the store teaming up with local neighbours Hockely Hustle, a fantastic annual music and arts festival raising money for local Nottingham charities.
British folk legends, internet enigmas, indie rock darlings and top-notch trip-hop and electronica. Nottingham's music scene boasts a rich and often overlooked history. Our Nottingham staff explore 20 tracks from some of the city's most exciting alumni, in celebration of the shop's tenth anniversary.
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Explore East Midlands magic with our curated playlist of Nottingham songs.
Anne Briggs
The Time Has Come (1971)
I've often got the impression that people aren't aware that Nottingham (and more specifically my home town of Beeston) can claim the genuinely legendary Anne Briggs who, for those that don't know, is arguably the most influential British folk singer of the 20th century. Her recorded output only spans a decade but her rich, honest and unadorned way of interpreting ancient material directly influenced both her contemporaries and musical descendants. It ranges from stark, unaffected and intimate acapella readings of traditional erotic songs to the vaguely psychedelic reverbed acoustic guitar and bouzouki arrangements of her sophomore album from 1971. I've read that she's not overly fond of that record chiefly because of the reverb but it's my favourite thing she ever did. It's easy to imagine her rambling around somewhere like Attenborough Nature Reserve with her lurcher hound Clea as she composed songs like the bittersweet, beautifully wistful title track in her head.
Jono, Rough Trade Nottingham
Tindersticks
My Sister (1995)
Back in 2006, I witnessed this legendary band play this epic piece of Midlands noir not once, but twice at the Barbican as they set about meticulously unfurling their flawless magnum opus, Tindersticks II, from start to finish. All 8 minutes and 11 seconds of it... twice. And why bloody not!! This is the pinnacle of kitchen sink drama set to a sumptuous score, like Ken Loach shooting the shit with Shane Meadows over a bag of scampi fries and a pint of snakebite.
Jamie, Head Office
Six By Seven
Sawn off Metallica T-Shirt (2000)
In the great scheme of things few bands break through; it's an incredibly competitive field. Six By Seven came out with 3 incredibly strong albums between 1999 and 2002 and outside of completely achieving all their artistic aims perfectly, they didn't get the breakthrough they clearly deserved. They disbanded, reformed and the main man Chris Olley turned the paradigm of success completely on its head, by making 6x7 a prolific cottage industry in its own right on Bandcamp. They continue to write and record, and I get the feeling they don't give a fuck whether you like it or not, which is exactly the sort of thing I go for.
David, Head Office
Panchiko
D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L (2000)
Panchiko is a haunting gem of lo-fi nostalgia that went unnoticed in its time, only to be rediscovered and loved by a new generation. This British band’s 2000 release, D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L, is a surreal blend of shoegaze, trip-hop, and glitchy electronica. Despite the title, it’s not a death metal record but rather a collection of fragile, dreamy soundscapes, where analogue fuzz and decayed audio create a warm, haunted atmosphere. Tracks like Stabilizer capture the spirit of digital-age melancholy, with buried vocals that feel like distant memories, echoing influences from Aphex Twin to Radiohead. The rediscovery story adds to the mystery—a dusty, scratched CD-R found years later and shared online in 2016, creating an internet-fueled cult following.
Anthony, Rough Trade Nottingham
Bent
I Can't Believe It's Over (Version 2) (2004)
You've lovingly invited everyone in the kebab queue "all back to mine" to keep the night going, you slip this on between tales of "she said, he said" as the dawning of a new day creeps through the curtains... An exquisite slice of downtempo gooeyness, vocally supplied by Sian Evans, she of fellow coffee-table-banger-suppliers Kosheen.
Jamie, Head Office
Scout Niblett
Kidnapped by Neptune (2005)
Four of Scout Niblett's six albums to date are produced by Steve Albini, pretty sure you've heard of him. The title track from the second of these Albini-produced long players unfurls like a brooding beast, full of prowl and panache. It's a fun world, the world of Scout, all skeletal, sparse and at times, shouty. Spend some time lolling there and you'll feel all the better for it.
Little Barrie
Surf Hell (2011)
Led by Beeston's Barrie Cadogan Nottingham trio Little Barrie are perhaps best known for being the composer of the Better Call Saul theme track. Riff-filled roots rock, Surf Hell showcases the band's tight musicianship. The soulful playing of Cadogan, influenced by 60′s garage and blues, reminiscent of bands like Cream or Rolling Stones meets surf and pop influences. A rawer sound for the band with its unrelenting bassline.
Jamie, Head Office
Crazy P
Heartbreaker (2011)
The renowned electronic three-piece first started out as a duo after Todd (Hot Toddy) and Jim Baron (Ron Basejam) met at Nottingham University. They were joined by the late and legendary frontwoman Danielle Moore, whose distinctive vocals really gave Crazy P's already infectious blend of 90's house and disco something extra special. With building percussion and wistful piano house tones Heartbreaker is really an end-of-the-night tune, a post-rave tonic with all the sounds of the dancefloor but a real winding down vibe. A magnetic disco number for the ages.
Georgia, Head Office
Jake Bugg
Lightning Bolt (2012)
Notts County's 2017 shirt sponsor, Jake Bugg, captures the thrill of chasing your dreams on Lightning Bolt, while also navigating the doubts and uncertainties that come with them. With its catchy guitar riffs and distinctive vocals, the song perfectly balances energy with reflection, mixing ambition with hesitation.
Sam Allison, Rough Trade Nottingham / Head Office
Liam Bailey
When Will They Learn (2013)
Son of Nottingham, Liam Bailey, has a voice as impactful as it is unmistakable. It's tough to pick a standout track from a standout catalogue but the 2013 single When Will They Learn might be it. A shoulder-dropping reggae groove steers the way, leaving room for that somehow cutting, always warming vocal to sit on top, backed by the emotion of a man who isn’t afraid to speak his mind where others might be. When, indeed, will they learn? Brilliant creative, brilliant tune.
Laurie, Rough Trade Nottingham
Lone
Jaded (2014)
Producing varied and gorgeous beats since 2008, Lone has been a staple in my soundtrack of growing up in Nottingham. As a producer, Lone has always been so exciting, drawing influence from rave, breakbeat and hip-hop to name a few.
Jaded is a slice of downtempo magic from his album Reality Testing. A hip-hop beat with a sweet melody makes for easy, joyous listening. A beautifully placed sample from Manchild, matched with influences from J Dilla through to Susumu Yokota makes Jaded the perfect dreamy electronic track. Big up Lone!
Daisy, Rough Trade Nottingham
Sleaford Mods
Tied Up In Nottz (2014)
A raw, gritty track about the frustration of feeling stuck in life. With blunt lyrics and minimalist beats, it reflects on the challenges of the working class, especially in Nottingham. The song captures the anger and disillusionment with modern society, including the pressures of consumerism and the daily grind.
Sam Allison, Rough Trade Nottingham / Head Office
Rattle
DJ (2018)
How about Post-Punk? How about Polyrhythm? What about if I told you there was an under-appreciated two-piece that essentially drills both down to their core, stretching the tenets and finding something else completely - transcending the form into something altogether more hypnotic.
David, Head Office
Do Nothing
LeBron James (2020)
Notts heroes Do Nothing come in with a playful but satirical track that blends indie rock with sharp commentary. The song uses LeBron as a metaphor for feeling overhyped or under pressure to perform in a world full of expectations. With its catchy, upbeat rhythm and sarcastic lyrics, it pokes fun at the idea of celebrity culture, personal ambition, and the pressures that come with being in the spotlight, all while questioning the value of fame.
Sam Allison, Rough Trade Nottingham / Head Office
Yazmin Lacey
Morning Matters (2020)
"Personally, I think that Nottingham is one of the most important parts of the story. I didn’t make any music in London. The fact that I was in a new place helped me to try new things. I suppose, because it’s smaller, you can get around a lot of the scene on a regular basis and get to know other musicians. It was a big influence for me; I went to loads of open mic nights and my first EP and band were made there."
Yazmin Lacey via Notion (2023)
London-born singer Yazmin Lacey kickstarted her career in Nottingham, moving to the city with no intention of being a singer yet finding her voice here. Smoky, soaring vocals, Morning Matters is a song of real warmth, reflecting on being thankful for the day ahead. A tight groove of percussion and clicks, jubilant trumpet and faltering piano resulting in a morning 'airy' feel. Music for the soul if there ever was.
Georgia, Head Office
Otala
Tell The Bees (2023)
One of the rising Nottingham band's early singles, Tell The Bees is a fresh punk anthem, a masterful, genre-bending fusion of freeform jazz, post-rock and spoken word. An explosion of chaos and building atmosphere puts this band up there with the likes of Black Midi or Black Country New Road, representing the boldness and DIY experimental spirit on offer within the Nottingham indie scene.
Georgia, Head Office
Divorce
Checking Out (2023)
Initially meeting as teenagers through the city’s close-knit DIY scene, Tiger Cohen-Towell (vocals/bass), Felix Mackenzie-Barrow (vocals/guitar), Adam Peter Smith (guitar/synth) and Kasper Sandstrøm (drums) came together as Divorce in mid-2021. The high-flying Nottingham quartet deliver a satirical murder ballad, a masterful mix of indie rock and roots music. Laurel Canyon harmonies but with a fuzz-drenched grungey twist. You can really live inside this track and its storytelling nature and true grit.
Georgia, Head Office
SAM MORTON
Cry Without End (2024)
Somewhat confusingly, SAM MORTON's actually the name of the duo which consists of actress/director Samantha Morton and producer/artist Richard Russell - both highly acclaimed in their respective fields. Morton's varied and fearless filmography includes the title role in Morvern Callar (one of this writer's favourite films) but no one saw the release of this year's Daffodils & Dirt coming. A beautiful, unassuming album of low-key, weird and beautiful trip-hop-influenced songs and sound worlds; it is at times deeply personal and at others slightly impenetrable. A fitting soundtrack to the vulnerability and wonderment of a fraught Broxtowe childhood.
Jono, Rough Trade Nottingham
Victory Lap
Jealousy (2024)
Nottingham’s up-and-coming band Victory Lap release debut single Jealousy and it is devastatingly beautiful. Taking reference from Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave and Tom Waits, with moody vocals (from lead singer Tomas Ponting) paired with the band's classic pop-noir sound and poignant lyrics, Jealousy gives us a taste of that messy, unrequited kind of love. Victory Lap to me feels like finding an old relic, a truly timeless sound. Jealousy is gut-wrenching and dramatic, setting the scene of a man lost in his own solitude and sadness, the band perfectly capture the bittersweet of what could have been. Another great song to play on repeat! The band are also set to showcase on the 7th of December, so make sure you get to hear it live.
Tijen, Rough Trade Nottingham
Bru-C
Ten Toes (2024)
A summer single from Nottingham drum and bass giant Bru-C. Alongside production touches from Chase and Status, Ten Toes effectively flips the sample from The Pharcyde's golden age hip-hop classic Runnin (Suadade Vem Correndo by Luiz Floriano Bonfa originally flipped by J Dilla). A strong lineup of guests feature, with dancehall legend General Levy, MC Eskman and fellow Nottingham drum and bass head MC Spyda (who started out as a reggae dancehall DJ on the UK midlands reggae sound system circuit in the mid-80s). Accompanied by a music video shot between Clifton, Southchurch Court and a familiar Rough Trade location!
Georgia, Rough Trade Office
Further Listening...
Edwin Starr (The singer lived and called Nottingham home for most of his adult life), London Grammar (ex-UoN students), four-piece dance-punk band Late of the Pier, West Bridgford indie poppers Dog is Dead, Nottingham rapper and Lil Nas X collaborator Skaiwater, indie rock DIY four-piece The Blue Period, post-punkers Stuart Pearce, Plaids or Punish the Atom, noise pop/shoegazers Amusement Parks On Fire or art-rock group Swimming.
Rough Trade Nottingham Anniversary Competition
As part of Rough Trade Nottingham's 10th birthday celebrations, we are giving away a mega bundle to one lucky winner. Visit the shop to enter* - details below.
*Closes on the 19th of December 2024.