Electric Armageddon took to the stage first. What strikes me about this group and what they didn’t fail to bring to the sessions, is their incredible skill at setlist making. With a mix of indie and a bit of funk, Electric Armageddon brought something unique to NUSU Sessions. As they began to play, you could genuinely feel a shift in the crowd and the mood in the room started to lift, and people began to move, their upbeat jazz tracks getting the crowd excited and hyped for what was about to come. The crowd responded to these tracks, perhaps more than their more popular counterparts, out of the excitement of hearing forgotten favourites live for the first time. For example, ‘Low Rider’ by War. Everybody recognizes that funky sax riff, yet never hears it covered. Alongside the frontman’s enthusiastic energy, this gave Electric Armageddon a refreshing charm above your regular cover band, which successfully got everybody loosened up for the night ahead.
...the people around us were captivated by Dish, Texas and their performance.
Dish like the plate, Texas like the state was their tagline. Dish, Texas were next to take to the stage and captured the room instantaneously. You could feel the experience oozing off this band as they confidently stepped onto stage with a clear and unified sound. They knew who they were. With Wunderhorse’s Slater-esque vocals and a sound not too reminiscent of Radiohead, Dish, Texas brought songs of yearning. Whilst not the most upbeat band of the night, their talent and sound as artists was already beginning to take shape. This only added more to the atmosphere in the Venue, each member contributing to their own individual stage presence. Some quiet and reserved and others vocal and forward. Appreciating this dynamism further contributed greatly to the atmosphere in the room, as from our position in the crowd, the people around us were captivated by Dish, Texas and their performance.
Up next was Ilford Road, a set that we particularly enjoyed. They were confident and enthusiastic, and because of this it was clear that the opportunity to perform gave them great enjoyment, something that only added to our appreciation of Ilford Road. Although one of the newer bands that took the stage at NUSU sessions, and while their nerves were clear, they impressed the crowd with their infectious energy. Now being in the middle of the night, they did not fail to keep the vibe up, and the crowd stayed completely engaged with Ilford Road. It was clear that they had a blast on stage as they sang their latest track ‘Limoncello,’ which had the crowd dancing away and set some to the bar craving a shot of something bitter...
...Park View embodied exactly what NUSU Sessions set out to celebrate: the passion, creativity and potential of local student artists...
Park View followed, who demonstrated that if student bands may not be taken too seriously in the grand scheme of things, we need to begin showing these bands much more recognition. Bringing your classic indie sound with amazing stage presence, their song ‘Lights’ (which had become the unofficial soundtrack to NUSU Sessions) was one of the highlights of the night. Park View embodied exactly what NUSU Sessions set out to celebrate: the passion, creativity and potential of local student artists. Their performance was a reminder that talent does not need to come from established names or recognised venues to make an impact. Sometimes, all it takes is the right platform, an engaged audience and a room full of people willing to show their support. The response to Park View highlighted the importance of creating these spaces, where student musicians can build confidence, connect with new audiences and see their work genuinely appreciated. Park View served as a testament to the strength of Newcastle’s music scene and the exciting talent continuing to emerge from it.
Then pop-duo Twayn rounded off the night perfectly. After an admittedly testosterone-infused and indie-rock heavy lineup, this sister duo ended the show with a more sombre, chilled vibe. Reminiscent of Taylor Swift and Gracie Abrams, Twayn were pop perfection, bringing a refreshing female energy into the Venue. Don’t let any ill-conceived judgement of ‘pop’ fool you though, twin sisters Grace and Hannah brought unmatched stage-presence and professionalism to the night. Their experience shone through and they both looked comfortable and collected on stage, with their witty and consistent engagement with the crowd, clean choreography and harmonious vocals. They were another act clearly comfortable being onstage and knew exactly who they were as artists. With professionalism and grace, these two amazing girls shone on stage and closed out what had already been another success for NUSU Sessions.
NUSU sessions was a night that outputted ebullience and appreciation both ways. It showed the importance of live performance, in giving student artists opportunities and recognition. The community that was created in the Venue through student connection is so important, as a focus on North East talent is something not to be understated. The entire line-up brought so much energy, passion and individuality to the stage, which we felt was met with genuine appreciation from the crowd.
It was a huge night celebrating Newcastle talent, bringing together artists and audiences in a shared appreciation for the creativity within our region. More than just a showcase, NUSU Sessions was a reminder of the power of live music to create opportunities and give emerging artists a platform to be heard. It was a night that celebrated not only the talent we have on our doorstep, but also the community that continues to support and uplift it.