Last night, BBC Radio 6’s music festival transformed Victoria Warehouse with its eclectic lineup. It was a fantastic show of talent with something for every music lover’s taste.
As people entered the warehouse, they were greeted by an awesome DJ set from Radio 6’s, Tom Ravenscroft. His set was packed with everything from pulsating techno to post-punk perfection, seamlessly blending genres and giving the audience a teaser of what was to come.
With great tunes and a bass so strong you could feel it in your heart, the energy in the room was undeniable. Ravencroft’s radio show focuses on new and unsigned artists and this was something he was keen to bring to the set, paving the way for a new generation of talent. It was more than just a DJ set, instead it felt like a journey through the music that defines Radio 6.
Next up was the 2024 Mercury Prize winner, English Teacher. Their debut album, This Could Be Texas, was praised for its originality and character on Radio 6, making them a great fit for the festival. The Leeds-based band delivered an awesome set, with introspective, emotive lyricism and stellar vocals. They combined spoken word and cathartic melodies that resonated amongst the crowd. With many jaw-dropping moments, the audience was left speechless.
A highlight of the night was when frontman Lily Fontaine giddily announced that they would be joined by a special guest. Anticipation built as the audience waited eagerly. Joined by Richard Hawley, they sang such a breathtaking cover that you’d think it was their own, rather than a Joy Division classic.
The room filled with music enthusiasts, all eagerly waiting for Mogwai, the Scottish post-punk giants and as Ravenscroft put it, ‘one of the best bands ever’, adding further to expectations. The stage filled with a thick purple haze as the band took to the stage.
Full of intricate melodies, haunting crescendos and atmospheric synths, they delivered a cinematic show. Their performance was truly mesmerising and showed levels of showmanship and craft that can only be obtained through many decades of success. From their delicate themes to distorted guitar riffs, the band was perfectly in tune.
When not standing in awe, the crowd clapped along to the beat, fully immersing themselves in the music. Fans of all ages were mesmerised by the performance as the bass pulsed through the crowd, drawing them in further. Flashing lights and beams gave the band an ethereal glow, heightening the intensity of the music and building anticipation. From moments of calm to calculated chaos, and flashes of light, the crowd was on edge with many, including myself, jumping in surprise.
The KNDS Fairley brass band joined Mogwai on stage halfway through the set. They added a unique depth to the performance, weaving in harmonies that complimented the performance to create an unexpected yet unforgettable sound.
The evening was spectacular. The acts on stage were a testament to the level of talent and skill brought to light by Radio 6, championing the future sound of music.
WORDS AND PHOTO CREDIT – KATIE LEE
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