Gigs we’re Hungry for this November
Manchester’s legendary Mayfield Depot is about to host something you simply cannot miss — the fifth edition of Homobloc, a day-to-night celebration that’s grown from Homoelectric’s legendary club nights into one of the UK’s most anticipated queer music festivals. Born from Manchester’s vibrant nightlife scene, this year’s lineup is a corker, with Rahim Redcar (formerly Christine and the Queens) headlining an eclectic mix of performances that span genres and generations. Expect to cut some shapes to everything from afrobeat to techno while doing your bit for the Queer community — since they began fundraising back in 2021, the event has raised £137,399 for vital LGBTQ charities. Tickets here.
Next up, it’s over to indie-darling Laura Marling, who’s having a series of intimate (and probably somewhat transcendental) gigs in Hackney Church. A residency of sorts, the angelic voice behind classics like “Ghosts” and “Rambling Man” is performing at the venue for four nights. Why? To commemorate the release of eighth album, Patterns in Repeat, which DIY magazine dubbed “stunningly intimate and endearingly raw”. Tickets are sold out (sorry) but there is a waitlist. I’ll certainly be scrabbling to get my hands on one — any opportunity to turn up sans company (mysterious) while making sure to have my rosary bead tattoo on full display. Biblical? Somewhat sacrilegious? We’re actually moving away from the music at this point, aren’t we.
Now we’ve got one for everyone — the Nia Archives tour. Basically, name a city and it’s more than likely that the record producer, DJ, singer and songwriter is doing a gig there. Starting in Glasgow on the 30th of October and ending in Auckland in early January, the tour promises to be a proper little jump-up affair. We’d put money on it, in fact. You’ll come away from a night with Nia understanding why she bagged herself a MOBO, and why she’s generally heralded as being at the forefront of the post-2020 drum and bass revival. Also, her merch is good. Tickets here.
As a wise man once said, “Life’s a bitch and then you die”. That wise man was Nas, who’s doing a massive gig at The Royal Albert Hall on the 29th of November. The occasion? The 30th birthday of the American rapper’s debut album, Illmatic. While there was originally only one date pencilled in for the brains behind “It Ain’t Hard to Tell”, another has been added due to popular demand. Basically, act quick. Tickets here.
Detroit’s finest is about to grace Camden with something properly special. The enigmatic Moodymann (aka Kenny Dixon Jr.) is heading to the Jazz Cafe for what’s promising to be one of those “I was there” moments. The man behind classics like “Shades of Jae” (and owner of an entire Prince-themed house — really) is bringing his signature blend of soul-drenched house to one of London’s most intimate venues. Tickets are technically sold out, but there’s whispers of some resale action happening near the event. Our advice? Get yourself on that waiting list pronto.
Last but not least, we’ve got a funky little DJ set brought to you by none other than The Chemical Brothers. Taking place at Bristol’s Motion on the 2nd of November, Bugged Out! will involve a three hour set from the electronic duo as well as performances from names like Erol Alkan and Tia Cousins. We reckon this is one to get right sloshed for — so sloshed that you spend the day after contemplating joining some new-age Bristol cult. Sorry, not a cult… a “collective”, perhaps? Anyway, tickets here.
