An insight into Hull’s subtle music scene and the rich culture behind modern indie music
And now, without further ado… A musician you’ve never heard of… playing something you’ll never recognise. But it’s brilliant. For a very long time the coastal city has had extensive musical roots, as well as being home to the “patty” and the “tenfoot”, it also birthed the famous Adelphi and FRÜIT clubs; the ever popular annual Humber Street Sesh and Freedom Festival; and generations of talented musicians. But my focus lies on the unsung, songbirds of our generation, playing happily for small crowds in local pubs and even smaller venues, my focus lies on one local artist in particular:
Sam Wood: One of my best friends, dockworker by day and part-time whiskey drinking acoustic artist by night. I interview him following a performance at The Crooked Billet Pub in East Hull, humbly warm and welcoming with a small working class populous, the perfect audience for a local man.
Not Bothered By The Venue, just as long as he can play, Sam revels in showcasing his original music. All of his close friends attend the open mic night which he plays every Wednesday, truly relishing in being able to express himself musically.
It is to be noted that James Wood, the older brother, has toured New Zealand with his music and has picked up a lot of traction with larger gigs. Contrasting to Sam’s position although never competitive as they play sets regularly together as the older of the two is a full time musician.
A five piece funk band from the city of culture, 4/5 of the members being named Jack makes for an interesting story. Describing their sound as “an intergalactic array of sounds that caress the eardrums. Offering fresh & funky rhythms with a smooth and creamy texture, ready to cleanse the mind and take hold of your soul.” More surprising is their inclusion on BBC introducing in 2016, which has propelled them into the limelight, especially in Hull.