Posts tagged south shielids

It was lovely to see Martin Longstaff – The lake Poets – in disbelief and humbled by the reception and turn out he received at the Sage last night.

The rafters were packed  and there was no end to the good music, as both supporting musicians Natasha Haws and The Union Choir were exceptional.

During Natasha’s set you could hear a pin drop, and although she stood on stage alone, she held the stage as her own. The barrier between audience and performer was non-existent. She spoke openly about the meanings behind her songs and shared with us a few surprises including new song “Transatlantic” and “Perfect Stranger” which was new to me.

As well as that, I was taken back by her statement before playing her single “Stepping Stone” – a year ago yesterday her single was the second song she had ever written, to now be playing it at the Sage 365 days later is mind blowing !

The Union Choir, who were on stage next, brought a different more aggressive feel to the gig-compared to Natasha stripped back set. It was interesting to watch as the collective of musicians playing interments from the cello, sax, trumpet to the drums, worked together and even swap instruments to make the Union Choirs unique sound. Not a band of many words, their set was a mix of mellow tracks and moved more abrasive songs such as “Potemkin” and personal favourite “Lavender” which closed their set.

During the interlude the few seats that were not full slowly began to fill, then Martin, The Lake Poets, walked out on stage to a full house and performed a set, he himself said, that he will never forget.

The first half of his performance was solo on stage, playing crowd favourites such as “Windowsill” from the Tunstall Hill sessions. He was then joined on stage by  Morris Ford and not soon after a large group of friends that made up the second half of the set turning The Lake Poets now into a band. Even Natasha was even invited back on stage to sing “Dead Tree” a song the pair are hoping to record in the future.

I will admit the music brought a tear to my eye especially when Martin sang his song about his gran, once again it was nice to see an artist feel comfortable and talk about the meaning behind their songs which made them even more poignant.

It was an incredible night for The Lake Poets, a EP launch night I am sure everyone who attend will not forget. The night felt like a collective experience with all those in the crowd. With the highlight of the night came at the very end when The Lake Poets received a well deserved standing ovation.

The Lake Poets EP is now available to download and purchase, via Gateshead label Tiny Lights

Natasha Haws will be releasing her EP on May, 14 and will be holding her EP launch on the May,12 at Sunderland Minister. 

The Union Choir will be returning to the Sage along with Hyde & Beast as part of Evolution Emerging on Friday June, 1. Prior to this you can catch them live in Sunderland headlining Lone Wolf Promotions event at Independent, along with Hollywood and Vines and Mick Rolfe, on April, 21.