I think I can say it now, I’ve been at the best gig ever. All the things that you’d wish for a gig were there: cheap drinks, incredible performers, and organisers- who are actually just university students- but have so much passion and love for what they do.
Hollie Ross, now the deputy station manager at the Leeds Student Radio (LSR), hosted a collaborative gig between LSR and SOFAR at the Lending Room in September. It is important to note that it was a Thursday evening because that resulted in cheaper drinks (£3.25 craft and cocktails). Although that’s beside the point, I must admit I do talk about their cheap prices all the time!
For the event Hollie selected three artists: Mollie Coddled, Jonathan Patel, and Cakepaste. If you have not heard of these names before I think you should now. Mollie Coddled was performing without her band which she said was an unusual setting for her, however her melodic voice and the acoustic guitar had the crowd at this sold-out event mesmerised.
When Jonathan Patel came on stage, who I saw for the first time in April, I could tell that he’s developed his confidence since then, appearing more comfortable around the crowd. He is a natural performer who got the room swaying in their seats. I really hope to hear more music from Jonathan in the future as I have enjoyed witnessing the growth that he’s had as an artist. Hollie needs to be thanked for the great line up and the way it progressed during the gig.
The last performance was by Cakepaste, the five-piece bedroom pop band was a good way to end the event on a high note; I still felt like the music was there after I had left, humming the songs I didn’t know the names of.
I think that student collaborations with big music platforms like SOFAR, especially after attending this gig, needs to be encouraged. Hollie Ross is a great talent, and I can’t wait to see what she brings next!
Written by: Madina Latipova
Edited by: Michele Ngue-Awane