Music Top Picks March 2019
THE MOUSE OUTFIT
O2 Academy Sheffield // March 21 // £13.20
One of the most successful UK hip-hop acts to-date, The Mouse Outfit is a fantastically fluid and elusive group. Part production team and part live band, TMO is best described as a hip-hop collective formed of producers, musicians and vocalists. With their feet firmly rooted in the hip-hop scene, they craft original beats whilst spreading musical feelers into jazz, funk and even grime, all with a discernible Mancunian twist.
​
The home-grown hip-hop supergroup perfectly encapsulate the contemporary nature of Manchester’s underground hip-hop scene and showcase it to the masses through their textured, hazy productions and critically acclaimed music videos which have over 10 million views on Youtube. Embodying the grass-roots, DIY nature of the scene, they have just released their third independent studio album: Jagged Tooth Crook.
​
An absolute must-see for any UK hip-hop fan, the stage will breathe a new energy into The Mouse Outfit’s incredible productions through heavy horns, funky keyboard riffs and genuine lyrics from the likes of Pitch 92 and IAMDDB, alongside a host of up-and-coming Manchester talent.
DEAF HAVANA
The Leadmill // March 27 // £18.50
From a group of frustrated college pals, to a household name in British alternative rock, Deaf Havana have transformed drastically in terms of both band members and style since their initial formation in 2005. Their most-recent album Rituals reached the Top Ten in the UK charts and is a more expanded, considered sound with a pop leaning; quite the contrast to their earlier post-hardcore anthems.
​
YA CULTURE CLASH - ZION TRAIN + KOG & THE ZONGO BRIGADE
Yellow Arch Studios // March 30 // From £8
This evening brings two of the world’s most vibrant genres together under one roof. In the warehouse room, Dubshack represent the sounds of the West Indies with help from dub pioneers Zion Train and reggae MC Brother Culture, powered by the infamous Sinai Sound System. La Rumba represent West African Afrobeat in the main room with guest appearances from Necktr and K.O.G and the Zongo Brigade, and sound provided by Sheffield’s very own FTF Sound System. A synthesis of mixing and live performances, it’d be hard to think of a more harmonious culture clash.
THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY, JUNIOR BILL + SUPPORT
Yellow Arch Studios // March 28 // £10
The Undercover Hippy (AKA Billy Rowan) is a former drum n’ bass MC, now turned singer-songwriter/ political activist. He has performed at some of the UK’s biggest music festivals and is renowned for his skilful, poetic yet punchy delivery of politically charged lyrics accompanied by syncopated reggae-infused grooves.
​
His songs function as thought-provoking social commentaries and cover contentious contemporary topics that most artists wouldn’t touch with a bargepole. Issues such as fake news, internet privacy, the U.S. election and war are interspersed with humorous anecdotes, making his live shows a rollercoaster of intelligent, playful and powerful protest pieces.
OP TRONICA 11 OPEN ELECTRONIC MUSIC EVENING
Foodhall Sheffield // March 1 // Donations OTD
As part of the ‘Friday Late’ sessions, Foodhall is opening its doors after hours and inviting electronic performers to showcase their talent to the community. This monthly electronic open evening will feature different artists each month and, in accordance with Foodhall’s ethos of equality, invites all electronic artists to perform. Brace yourself for a mind-bending series of sonic and visual electronic explorations.