NOVUM 2024 - Flamingods, Kima Otung, Knats and Ruth Lyon

Flamingods

The euphoric return of Flamingods! The celebrated multi-instrumentalists bring their explosive, high-energy show to Newcastle Civic Centre.

A cult favourite on the festival circuit in UK and Europe, the London quartet have now been crafting their distinctive genre-defying music for over a decade now. Weaving through genres of psychedelia, new wave, electronica and punk – often within the same song – is a bit of a specialty for the band, as is their knack for blending in influences from their unique cultural heritages and love of 70s British rock and roll.

With eight nationalities between the band, listening to their music is like peeling a massive eclectic onion - it’s diverse because that’s all they know. The classic set up of guitar, bass and drums is there, it’s just that the band have flipped it on its head with the addition of fuzzed out Eastern guitars, percussion stations, bright vintage synthesisers, bowed string boxes and powerful vocals echoing throughout. It's warm, powerful, soulful music made to get you moving.

The band are known for rotating positions like a snake during their live sets, with each member swapping instruments in between tracks, moving around and evolving as the set goes on. It’s unpredictable and makes for an enthralling and utterly unique live show – don’t miss it!

Kima Otung

Kima Otung, the exciting Welsh-Nigerian Pop/R&B artist, had a breakout year in 2022, highlighted by her showcase at the FIFA World Cup 2022 as a "Best of British" representative for UK music. This propelled her into the global spotlight alongside notable figures like Basement Jaxx.

In 2023, Kima continued her ascent by headlining Budweiser’s BRIT Awards showcase and performing at BAFTA. Her live sets on prominent platforms like BBC Radio and appearances at venues like the VIP Stage at Wembley Stadium and The Ballroom at The O2 Arena, have fortified her reputation as a captivating live performer.

Recognised by Google Arts & Culture and TRENCH as a Future Leader in Black British Music and Culture, Kima's music aims to empower women and girls to be delusional when it comes to their self-belief, a message that has resonated in mainstream media with her tracks featured on ITV’s hit show, Love Island, and shows on MTV, Amazon Prime, BBC, Channel 4 and more.

Her rising prominence is underscored by accolades such as the PRS Momentum award and collaborations at Abbey Road Studios with notable figures like Michael Gracey, the director of “The Greatest Showman” who describes her as “stupidly talented”.

Kima’s musical journey, which began at the Welsh National Youth Opera at age 14, has matured into a multi-instrumental talent with a sound enriched by classical and gospel influences. Her growing acclaim is mirrored by extensive media coverage in Metro, Google, Wonderland, Refinery29, BBC News, Wales Online and more.

Knats

Knats, a quintet led by two lifelong best mates from Newcastle Upon Tyne, Stan Woodward (Bass) and King David Ike Elechi (Drums), making dance music which derives from their respective roots of Jazz, Drum and Bass, House and Gospel.

Within their short arrival onto the scene they have already been recognised and broadcasted by Soho Radio, BBC Newcastle and WDR3, playlisted twice by Spotify on their ‘All New Jazz’ playlist, also being on the cover of ‘Jazz Fresh Finds’. BBC Introducing North East already supporting this one.

Whilst gigging around the North East and the country supporting the likes of Vels Trio, Blue Lab Beats and Tom Ford. Knats now operate in London, fresh from Notting Hill Arts Club show last night.

Miz - Knats’ 8th release, composed by Stan Woodward (bass), shows a new direction for the bands trajectory, stressing Stan’s love for the melodic sounds of 70s and 80s jazz fusion combined with his love for 2-step garage.

Ruth Lyon

Newcastle’s Ruth Lyon celebrates strength in vulnerability and the allure of imperfection, challenging societal norms and igniting a journey towards self-acceptance and empowerment – all unravelling through offbeat anti-folk, commanded by her soulful vocals and witty yet raw lyricism; influenced by such acts as Fiona Apple, Aldous Harding and Regina Spektor.

For her latest release Direct Debit To Vogue (2022), Lyon worked with Bristol producer John Parish, who has notably worked with PJ Harvey, Aldous Harding and This Is The Kit. “I’ve always loved John, he’s one of my heroes – This feels like the most successful music I’ve ever made, because I had the best tools and the best steerer of the ship.”

Since the release Lyon has received accolades from the likes of PRS Women Make Music and has received airplay from BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music, as well as invites to perform at The Great Escape, Latitude Festival, Secret Garden Party. She has toured the UK with the likes of the Mystery Jets and as a headline artist in her own right. She has just returned from recording her debut album, again with John Parish, and is gearing up for her biggest year yet.

About the Festival

After a fantastic first year, NOVUM is back on 8th-11th August 2024.

Incredible installations, free performances, local and internationally acclaimed live music acts, free workshops for families - there is something for everyone!

Also NEW for this year - Secret Cities, exploring the hidden and forgotten spaces of Newcastle via photography and poetry; and Thriple Threat, an original Breaking (breakdance) competition premiering as part of NOVUM 2024, celebrating Hip-Hop culture, community, and dance.

No tickets needed for installations, free performances and free family workshops - explore the full programme on our website at www.novumnewcastle.com

Host or Publisher Curated Place