NOVEMBER GIG GUIDE: the must-sees of the season

As the nights close in and the leaves pile up on street corners, Newcastle’s thriving gig scene continues to go from strength to strength. From The Grove to The Cluny, Cumberland Arms to O2 City Hall, here’s a selection of the greatest gigs coming to the North East this November.

1. hard life at Boiler Shop, Monday 3^rd of November

Formerly known as easy life, the Leicester indie-pop group return to Newcastle touring their 3^rd album Onion. Supported by singer-songwriter Woody, this tour marks the band’s return to live performances under the name “hard life” after tough few years, but this new rebrand is sure to bring the same good vibes the band are best known for.

2. Echobelly at The Cluny, Wednesday 5^th of November

90s legends Echobelly are returning to the toon after a five-year hiatus, this tour marks 30 years of their sophomore album ON. When discussing how the live scene has changed in the past three decades, front woman Sonya Maden stated that “in the 90s, there was so much more opportunity for bands to go out and play gigs. Sadly so many venues are having to close down”. Hopefully they will find a little bit of that 90s energy at the Cluny!

3. Billie Marten at Newcastle Student’s Union, Saturday 8^th of November

The beloved contemporary folk singer is right on our doorstep this November, touring her new studio album Dog Eared. Having signed with Chess Club at the tender age of fifteen, this tour marks Marten’s 11^th year in the music industry and her fifth album to date. With her haunting voice and beautiful lyricism, she is sure to have the whole student’s union – The Courier included – in floods of tears.  

4. Warmduscher at Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Friday 14^th of November

London post-punk outfit Warmduscher are hitting the Glasshouse for a night of insanity and well-tailored suits. With their latest album Too Cold to Hold releasing in 2024, the band have previously been described as “the sleaziest, most debauched and downright addictive experiences” and with their latest album reaping in glowing reviews, you can be sure to have a good time down at the Glasshouse this November.

5. Granny’s Attic at Cumberland Arms, Saturday 15^th of November

Smaller venue does not equal less energy, and Granny’s Attic at the Cumberland Arms is sure to have you begging for more. The folk trio have been touring since 2009, armed with a violin, a guitar, a variety of squeeze boxes and an inimitable sense of whimsy and energy. In a venue as intimate as the Cumby Arms, Granny’s Attic are sure to blow away any winter cobwebs.

6. CMAT at O2 City Hall, Sunday 16^th of November

Hot off the back of her nomination and attendance at the Mercury Awards – the first held outside of London – Irish singer CMAT is making her grand return to the city touring her stellar sophomore album Euro-Country. Having already supported Sam Fender at his sold out summer St James Park stadium shows, the singer is no stranger to the Geordie’s trademark energy and is sure to bring her own to the City Hall.

7. English Teacher at NX Newcastle, Tuesday 18^th of November

Another act returning to the toon this winter are post-punk act English Teacher. Having supported Fontaines D.C at their Exhibition Park this July,  the Leeds outfit are here on their own headline tour following the phenomenal success of their debut album This Could Be Texas. Having just released the remixes version to a great reception, English Teacher are sure to put on a historical performance at one of Newcastle’s most beloved venues.