By Sam Wise. Open mic nights have their stars; theoretically the deal is that anyone can turn up and play, but there are certain people who everyone knows have got a bit extra. They always get put in a good slot, they can turn up late and still make...
Features
Interview: Bristol’s Erotic Secrets of Pompeii
By Sam Wise. The Erotic Secrets of Pompeii are an apocalyptic art rock band from Bristol. If you’re not sure what that means, don’t worry, all will become clear. I spoke to the whole band ahead of their gig at Southampton’s Joiners earlier this week, but much of the...
Heritage: TV Chef Paul Ainsworth and former athlete Iwan Thomas swap Southampton stories
Tales about living in Southampton feature heavily during the first episode of a new podcast that involves three high-profile celebrities who are associated with the city. Former athlete Iwan Thomas and ex-Premier League footballer David Prutton are joined by Paul Ainsworth (pictured top) on Full Chat, a new motorbike...
Interview: Dea Matrona
By Vicky Greer. Fresh from the release of their self-produced debut album For Your Sins, Dea Matrona are in a back room upstairs at The Joiners, getting ready to play their first headline show in Southampton. Tomorrow will be their first day off in 10 days amidst a hectic...
Interview: Jah Wobble chats ahead of Lighthouse, Poole date
By Sam Wise. Jah Wobble, at least for me, was one of those names that hovers at the periphery of your consciousness without you necessarily being certain why. I remember that in my case, he first came into actual focus in the runup to a Womad festival in the...
Interview: Southampton singer/songwriter Welly on single Shopping and more
By Lewis Maclean. Southampton-born singer/songwriter – Welly (aka Elliott), is the frontman in a group – Welly – named after the main character (like Scooby Doo), but the other players are Joe and Matt on guitars, Jacob on bass, and Hannah on percussion/synthesisers. Welly no longer lives in/around Southampton...
Experience: Living with Bell’s Palsy
By Manthan Pathak. In the last week of January this year, I developed an infection which caused painful hardening of skin inside and around my nose. I made an appointment to see my GP, reminded of a similar condition that caused someone close to me to be prescribed antibiotics...
Christmas Markets: A Review of Southampton, Winchester and Gunwharf Quays
By Mabel Wellman. Normally, I am not one for Christmas markets. In fact, my first exposure to these was slowly moving between people on Above Bar Street to get through the Southampton market in 2021 and trying not to think how having less than 5 centimetres between people (rather...
The volunteers helping solve Southampton folks’ money worries
By Megan Streb. On a typical Wednesday morning, a handful of volunteers gather at St Albans Church in Swaythling. They are there to help resolve Southampton residents’ financial problems, one at a time. “It’s all about the client – how they are, how they are affected by having debt....
Charlie Barnes, live member of Bastille and solo artist, on his career of contrasts
By Sally Churchward. Image credit: Joe Horridge. Charlie Barnes’ latest album has been three years in the making and counting. Like so many other musicians, he squeezes his passion – writing, recording, booking gigs in toilet venues – between the demands of his day job, family and the general...