Launchpad presents: Chiedu Oraka, Hang Linton and Phenicia - 23rd February 2023
Ahead of the Launchpad and PRS Foundation Talent Development Conference on Friday 24th February, Launchpad presents a 14+ showcase of incredible Yorkshire talent.
With performances from Chiedu Oraka, Hang Linton and Phenicia - join us for an unforgettable evening of live music.
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Chiedu Oraka
Listen here.
Cutting his own unique path in UK Black music, Chiedu Oraka, aka 'The Black Yorkshireman', has long been known as a leading figure in the Northern Grime and Rap scene; defying genres with his blend of raw honesty and social poetry. Chiedu's music has been challenging perceptions of his city for some time now, and can be referred to as the sound of a new working-class Northern England, captivating audiences with his broad Hull accent and telling the untold story of what it means growing up Black on a Yorkshire council estate.
Since emerging onto the scene from his native city of Hull, Chiedu is undoubtedly one of the most exciting voices in his genre. His noted releases include, 'Flex’ and ‘Men Behaving Badly’ - with the latter recently hitting over 1.3M streams - and the hit single ‘Darcy’, which sits at over 3M streams, becoming one of the top-10 longest tracks to feature on the Grime Shutdown playlist; holding its own for over 300 days running. Needless to say, Chiedu has had countless radio spins on key platforms including BBC Radio 1 (Tiffany Calver, Jeremiah Asiamah), Kiss FM (DJ Q, Ellie Prohan), 1Xtra (Kenny Allstar), 6 Music, Radio X, Reprezent FM and Apple Music 1 (Charlie Sloth). As well as Mike Skinner spinning 'Darcy' on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show, Chiedu's work has also featured on BBC Introducing, with the tracks ‘Men Behaving Badly’ and ‘N.H.E.’ being hailed as the 1Xtra Track of the Week.
Hang Linton
Listen here.
Splicing avant-funk, dance punk & breakbeats, Hang Linton is an interdisciplinary artist based in Leeds. After cutting their teeth in Berlin across multiple projects & collectives, Hang has landed on home soil & is ready to make his mark.
Their art is a rebellion against clean aesthetics, inspired by past experiences, changing global events & the ugliness in the world. It's not pretty - but it's important & Hang will make sure you enjoy the ride.
Armed with a setup of a sampler, synths & visuals, Hang bends your ear around the counterculture sounds & movements that have shaped him.
Phenicia
Listen here.
PHENICIA is bringing a fresh sound and wholesome lyrics, influenced by alternative hip-hop, early 90s boombap soul and jazz. Accompanied by their all star band featuring drummer Luca Ferrara, bassist Woody, Latin man Gustavo Andrade on Sax, keys player Jacob Hargreaves and the Leeds Queen of RockSoul Mica Sefia BV’s.
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Accessibility:
You can find the venue's accesibility information on their website here under the tab labelled "Accessibility": https://www.belgravemusichall.com/info/
If you would like a free PA ticket or want to speak to us about any accessibility needs please drop us an email at emily@musiclocal.co.uk or get in touch with the venue directly, their info is available through the previous link.
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Launchpad is delivered by Music Local, with support from Youth Music via public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England, arts@leeds, Leeds City Council, PPL, PRS For Music, UK Music, Music:Leeds, and PRS Foundation's Talent Development Partnership supported by PPL.