LeftLion's Latest Listens #30: Notts music we're currently spinning

Single: katie. - Arrears

Singer-Songwriter and producer katie. (formerly known as KAP) was the winner of The Future Sounds of Nottingham 2024, and from this single it is easy to see why. Arrears blends katie.'s genre-hopping sound of UK garage, pop and RnB with a dance-friendly, energetic sound that is crying out for radio play. katie.'s previous tracks have gained attention on BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1XTRA, amongst others, and she is building increasing experience and confidence on the UK festival scene. Arrears' angst ridden lyrics speak of pains in a relationship, but its pounding production is its greatest strength. The increasingly catchy single was written and produced by Katie. which further strengthens her growing range of talents and expertise. It is little wonder then that respected names including BBC Introducing’s Dean Jackson have called her “one of our bright hopes for 2025.” If this single is anything to go by, katie. has a big future. @itskatiemusic (Matt Roberts)

Single: Lucas - Tires upon the street light

The Nottingham hip hop scene is a hotbed of creativity, with many artists showcasing their works via the usual music outlets. Indeed, LeftLion has published articles in the past highlighting some of the local talent, which range from bedroom-based production facilities to the more established musicians with access to professional recording studios. On the notes that accompany the SoundCloud recording of Tires upon the street light, Lucas openly admits that it’s a hobby for now. However, this honest statement doesn’t in any way diminish what is essentially a very heartfelt and meaningful message that he has enshrined in the lyrics.

This work, which Lucas describes as a “conscious rap about his youth,” shows real promise, as the expansive lyrics are full of vivid descriptions of what he has probably witnessed in his locality in the city. These stories of the street describe perpetual cycles of violence and the chains that he wishes to break or fight backed by some appropriate wistful backing music that add an extra dimension to the overall message. (Claire Spencer)

Single: MCØ - Angazi

You know from the first bars of this slice of moody, brilliantly intense house music that it is going to be impossible to resist moving to. Thrumming bass insistently pushes the song forward, conjuring thoughts of bare Berlin concrete, pounding speakers and sweat. Synth claps flash like strobes illuminating the dancing bodies. The pacing is perfectly judged, as is the sense of escalation with the smart layering of textural detail. Atop it all floats a rich vocal sample; sweetly singing to you, almost in contradiction to the rumbling darkness beneath. And yet, the cleanliness of the production and the incredibly well-judged instrumentation mean that these two potentially conflicting aspects meld beautifully. With his eclecticism and intelligent musical ear, MCØ is one of Notts’ most talented producers. (Kieran Lister)

Single: Bradley McKnight - Met You In The Dark

The latest single by Kirkby-based singer Bradley McKnight explores themes of love un-acted upon. He describes the theme as when you have found someone special but have lost contact with them, yet despite this they remain ingrained on your heart. McKnight states that the single is extra special to him as the title Met You In The Dark has a double meaning. McKnight was born completely blind but has not let that stop his musical passions; he takes inspiration from numerous genres of music but the new single is a great example of well-produced pop. McKnight attended the Empire Music School in Kirkby where he was introduced to a vocal coach and music producer and has been releasing music ever since. His journey is still very much in its infancy but if Met You In The Dark is anything to go by, then the Nottingham music scene can expect great things from this artist in the near future. (Matt Roberts)