Samuel Nicholson captivating small venues on tour across the UK

We promised we’d never take live music for granted again after the pandemic… Amongst the headline-grabbing stadium tours, and the gorgeous summer music festivals, make time to support the small independent and DIY gigs, your local promoters, and newly discovered artists. There is so much wonderful music to be had, and nothing beats the intimacy of great music in a tiny venue.

A perfect example is the show we caught from Samuel Nicholson at The Wedgewood Rooms’ small room, in Portsmouth, UK. Opening his run of eight dates across the UK, in support of his new album Birthday Suit. The full band live performance was stunning, and the closeness (physical distance and affinity) between performers and the audience made this a very special show.

Samuel is a tall and captivating frontman, who often appears as if physically possessed by the power of the music he is creating, face contorted, eyes upwards, it’s a powerful and engaging performance, even more so in a small venue.

Samuel’s third studio album, Birthday Suit, is a lovely listen, and it translates perfectly to the live show, highlights including “West Coast Feeling”, “Black Dog Funeral”, and title track “Birthday Suit”.

It was one of those shows we wished we could relive exactly the same the following night. Thanks to Samuel and band, the independent promoter, ABH Promotions, the venue, all the staff, and the audience, that make small shows possible.