Claremont Wing is a sextet and was the largest band at the first NUSU Sessions. The band comprises: Megan Li providing vocals, Leo Thompson playing the keyboard, Gina Blenkiron’s stylings on the sax, Alex Smith strumming on bass, Ben Roope’s musicality on Guitar, and Freddie Pollock banging on the drums.
The six-piece student sensation originated with Alex, Ben and Freddie as founding members following their transition from school to university. Over the band’s nearly three-year legacy, they have seen a variety of student talent join and, sadly, leave the band following graduation. However, the band’s unique indie neo-rock sound has always remained the core of the group and has only grown more refined over time.
Throughout their performances at NUSU Sessions and at other venues such as The Cluny and Little Buildings, the band have brought their own original songs to the stage and sung concert classics through the style of their distinctive, electrifying indie sound.
Their setlist for NUSU Sessions included a variety of original songs that allowed the audience to gather who Claremont Wing truly is. They opened their set with ‘I’d Listen to You’, an upbeat anthem that prepared the audience for a thrilling half an hour of music. Additionally, they gave the audience the first public listening of one of their songs ‘Passing Me By”, which had been composed just a week before the show!
When it comes to the creation of the songs, all of the artists contribute to the sound each song encapsulates. Leo and Megan are the members who primarily take on the responsibility of lyric writing, with its offering itself as an opportunity to display how artists feel about their lived experiences.
Everyone in the band has different artists whom they adore and who inspire their musical pursuits. Everything from the funky acid jazz of Jamiroquai to the infectious pop of Sabrina Carpenter to the melodic songs of the Beatles. All of their different music expressions not only allow them to have a diverse set list but also help Claremont Wing to produce harmonious music.
Their impressive lists of cover songs saw them tackle the likes of the Geordie favourite ‘Rein Me In’ by Sam Fender and Olivia Dean. As well as ‘Man I Feel Like a Woman’ by Shania Twain.
For Claremont Wing, NUSU Sessions was the perfect way to highlight student music talent. The band said, “great to be able to say to all of our uni mates, our gig is a 10-minute walk away, and you will have a great time”.
From The Cluny to Little Buildings to the Venue, Claremont Wing has been able to deliver an engaging night for any audience. In fact, NUSU Sessions at the Venue has been “way bigger than any venue we have played before”.
Ahead of their performance on 19th February, they were collectively backstage supporting one another through both moments of excitement and nervousness. For them, performing is a verbal and physical release of all the emotions that have been building up backstage. No matter when they perform in Newcastle, they always enjoy it “because the city is so small” and it makes them” feel quite important at these places”.
With the band’s namesake taking inspiration from the university’s Medical School, the group are very focused on creating a brand of music that appeals to students. One moment of the music journey they enjoyed was when they performed at the History Society Winter Ball. And in response to their performance, they have had significant interest from other societies who desire to have them perform at their respective summer balls.
Although, despite riding the high of NUSU sessions, the band’s future remains unclear given the inevitable graduation of the members. Yet, before they hang up their instrument for good, they are planning on doing a final gig at some point closer to the end of the university year. They said it will be a miracle if we stay together,” but they will have fun while it lasts”.
However, just because the band may not stay formed after everyone goes their separate ways after university. Each member of the band and their passion for music will live on, and they will come to look back at events such as NUSU Sessions and be proud of the performances they gave.