Simon T Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 Genuine question. I’ve seen the term ‘up front’ in a few threads and presume it’s used like oldies, modern, crossover etc. Are there specific venues and DJ’s? What tunes would be classed as examples of this genre and are any of them considered as ‘classic’ up front sounds or would that be an oxymoron? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 I think its something to do with ovo only or some bollocks like that. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
barney Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 I think upfront is used to describe a venue that plays more than the current top 500 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post Louise Posted April 12, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted April 12, 2015 'Oxymoron' a figure of speech that combines two apparently contradictory ideas i.e northern soul Dave 7 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Roger Williams Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 'Oxymoron' a figure of speech that combines two apparently contradictory ideas i.e northern soul Dave Or 60s newies 3 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Cunnie Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 Or 60s newies Or even Modern Oldies 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Byrney Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 I think it means what Northern Soul traditionally used to be until the last decade or so. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Louise Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 Or even Modern Oldies Or even DJ's (Disc Jockey's) playing downloads and Mp3's 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Roger Williams Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 Or even DJ's (Disc Jockey's) playing downloads and Mp3's Or 'spinning' them lol! 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Soulsurfer Posted April 12, 2015 Share Posted April 12, 2015 To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene: Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys) Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension) Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow) Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit) Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Labeat Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 The past, present & future.... Soul is Soul. You can drive a brand new discovery but collect 60's oldies, others buy vinyl newish discovery's but drive a banger. The term "up-front" most certainly applies to the current crop of early 70's that is constantly being found. It is what a minority have chosen as their leash of life. Actually, it can be a cause of debate.... The Ravins & The Parliaments are definitely "Northern" as both are 60's productions but both were 2000's+ "Newcomers", so what are their description.... oldies, newies, up-front? Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Len Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 (edited) 'Oxymoron' a figure of speech that combines two apparently contradictory ideas i.e northern soul Dave Or good R'n'B :wicked: Have a good week folks Len Edited April 13, 2015 by LEN 3 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post Chalky Posted April 13, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted April 13, 2015 (edited) To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene: Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys) Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension) Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow) Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit) 10 years or so ago, and in the case of at least one 25 years, maybe, but these would more than likey be played at Kings Hall today. Jospeh Webster and Henry Ivy especially so have crossed over to the oldies nights, both been around since the mid to late 80's. Upfront? Just another pigeon hole used by some to differentiate one kind of night from those that are basically oldies and classics only. F*** all to do with OVO as many oldies nights advertise as this, again another useless term. We do like to complicate things on this scene. Edited April 13, 2015 by chalky 9 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Quinvy Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 10 years or so ago, and in the case of at least one 25 years, maybe, but these would more than likey be played at Kings Hall today. Jospeh Webster and Henry Ivy especially so have crossed over to the oldies nights, both been around since the mid to late 80's. Upfront? Just another pigeon hole used by some to differentiate one kind of night from those that are basically oldies and classics only. F*** all to do with OVO as many oldies nights advertise as this, again another useless term. We do like to complicate things on this scene. Or "Real Deal" Chalky? Whatever description you use to promote an event, someone will pull it to pieces. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ncfc Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 (edited) Henry Ivy made my ears bleed 25 odd years ago. Edited April 13, 2015 by NCFC 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Tailormade Gaz B Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 (edited) I had a bash at explaining it here, albeit in a specific context (£25.00 records) though the premise of the article was to challenge the perceived idea of the term "up front". https://www.soul-source.co.uk/articles/soul-articles/£2500-and-under-the-challenge-r2929 In a broad sense, I think the notion of up-front culture within the soul scene, and I say culture because it extends beyond genre for me, is the overall approach to the music / venue / aesthetic. For example, you wouldn't have an upfront night with loads of baggies, and you wouldn't really want to hold it in a damp working mans club. So i'd argue that its part of a shift in the scene on the whole - more city centre based, free entry (doing away with old promotion cartels and the bullying that goes on about 'someones patch'). I wouldn't say its a largely younger movement though...but I od think it has a lot to do with the space thats used! N.B. Sorry for the typos in the attached link, i'd written the article on the train, on my phone. Edited April 13, 2015 by TailorMade Gaz B Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Pete S Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene: Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys) Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension) Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow) Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit) If thats the future then give me the past, liked the Sir Henry thing, the rest are cack especially that last one, it's like a joke record with that out of tune wah wah effect 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
BrianB Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene: Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys) Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension) Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow) Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit) I don;t wish to sound disrespectful, as NS these days is very much each to their own...but if these 4 were played consecutively at an event/venue classed as a NS nighrt I would be saying " one more like that love and we're off! 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Bridgesoceity Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene: Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys) Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension) Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow) Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit) Mad mouth woman is oldie Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Matt Male Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 (edited) Mad mouth woman is oldie They all are. It's when you are dancing at the back of the room and your mate wants to dance by the stage he says, 'Are you going up front?' and a good record comes on and you join him. That's an 'up front' record. That's where the saying comes from. Honest. Edited April 13, 2015 by Matt Male Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ncfc Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 So if you go to the back of the room when a record comes on their must be an "Up Back" scene. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Labeat Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 Up front, Y front, back to front, what does it really matter? Just go out and enjoy yourselves with an open mind. All venues are established now in all parts of the country so take note of the dj's, if you dislike their material then don't go 3 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post Chalky Posted April 13, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted April 13, 2015 Or "Real Deal" Chalky? Whatever description you use to promote an event, someone will pull it to pieces. They will indeed Phil, it is simply Lifeline Rare Soul Club these days. I've never liked the term upfront or even Northern Soul. It was usually rare Soul in the 80's. But today every aspect of the scene has to have a tag or term and be picked apart, why we just can't simply "get on with it" is beyond me. Things were much easier with everything in one room. 6 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Matt Male Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 (edited) So if you go to the back of the room when a record comes on their must be an "Up Back" scene. I think the term is 'outback', and if you drift to the back of the room and then you wander to the stage again, you are 'back to front'. Up back is a different scene altogether... Edited April 13, 2015 by Matt Male Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Labeat Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 They will indeed Phil, it is simply Lifeline Rare Soul Club these days. I've never liked the term upfront or even Northern Soul. It was usually rare Soul in the 80's. But today every aspect of the scene has to have a tag or term and be picked apart, why we just can't simply "get on with it" is beyond me. Things were much easier with everything in one room. Better with 2 rooms isn't it now at Lifeline..... added variety. During the course of an evening the R&B room can have slightly more folk in, so i think it's good you can drift in and out. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Wiggyflat Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 Sir Henry Ivy is a reactivated oldie.I'm sure it was played by Soul Sam as was the Rufus Wood 2001 record at the end of Wigan.I heard James Pogson play the Sir Henry Ivy and eventually got one...am I upfront.No I think I like a good record.Im with Pete though I don't rate the other records. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Labeat Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 Wayne Carter.... the business through loudspeakers, same goes for Johnathon Capree Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winsford Soul Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 (edited) Another day. Another name. What next. Who honestly gives a toss. A good soul record is a good soul record, whether it's danceable or not . Rare or common. Cheap or expensive. Plus unless it's a new release they're ALL old records Steve Edited April 13, 2015 by Winsford Soul 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Chas Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 "Crossunder"..now there's a genre. 2 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post Benji Posted April 13, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted April 13, 2015 IMO, "upfront" is more describing a dj's attitude and eventually a venue's music policy. There's not one single record in the world I'd tag as "upfront". 4 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post Benji Posted April 13, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted April 13, 2015 "Crossunder"..now there's a genre. I know that genre. That's Gospel played in Australia, isn't it? 5 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post Ncfc Posted April 13, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted April 13, 2015 I think the term is 'outback', and if you drift to the back of the room and then you wander to the stage again, you are 'back to front'. Up back is a different scene altogether... Think i will just stay at home and play ballads :-) 4 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
grouse Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 I think the term is 'outback', and if you drift to the back of the room and then you wander to the stage again, you are 'back to front'. Up back is a different scene altogether...And I still haven't figured out what 'tittyshakers' are.I don't stand a bloody chance of keeping up with the current trends........... Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
recordsnracin Posted April 13, 2015 Share Posted April 13, 2015 that comment screams for a visual Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Gogs Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene: Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys) Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension) Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow) Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit) i've been into northern soul for almost 40 years and i have never heard any of these tracks before (and i've djed for 25 years) show me somewhere close to me playing this type of our music (due to circumstances i can't now travel too far) and i would be there in a heartbeat. Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Ncfc Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 i've been into northern soul for almost 40 years and i have never heard any of these tracks before (and i've djed for 25 years) show me somewhere close to me playing this type of our music (due to circumstances i can't now travel too far) and i would be there in a heartbeat. Funny how tastes change? 25 years ago when Henry Ivy and Joseph Webster were being played in the modern room all the 60s guys used to turn their noses up and go straight to the northern room. Rock City being a classic example. 3 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post Philt Posted April 14, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted April 14, 2015 Funny how tastes change? 25 years ago when Henry Ivy and Joseph Webster were being played in the modern room all the 60s guys used to turn their noses up and go straight to the northern room. Rock City being a classic example. Mine hasn't. Three of em are still total and utter bobbins and t'other is ordinary at best and, as you suggest, none of those would constitute pushing anything anywhere new and exciting would they (apart from me over the edge) I feel a a bit for the person who posted them as examples to be honest as that was a genuine attempt to be helpful I think but the choices and any attempt to 'categorise' them was always gonna get panned wasn't it. Realistically, in 2015 how many real quality, new [60s / crossover] things are left out there? Fair play to anyone who is at least actively looking for em though! I tend to agree with those folk who've already suggested that 'upfront', like all the other labels and sub genres, is pretty meaningless and unhelpful. I just look at who's dj-Ing and decide from there really. 7 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Steve S 60 Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 So if you go to the back of the room when a record comes on their must be an "Up Back" scene. So if you have to go to the other side of the dance floor, that's Crossover? I think I'm starting to get the hang of this. 3 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post Jumpinjoan Posted April 14, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted April 14, 2015 Upfront ffs lol Going by venues using this term it would appear to be the not good enough 'funky edged' stuff they're referring to? Absolutely not for me, no way no how. Total bobbins My new year's resolution is to be less tolerant ... it's going well 10 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Guest Soulsurfer Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 If thats the future then give me the past, liked the Sir Henry thing, the rest are cack especially that last one, it's like a joke record with that out of tune wah wah effect I love the Rich Ward - in fact, I've just bought one Pete Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
jocko Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Sir Henry has been played at Northern venues for over 30 years, obviously none you were at! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
jocko Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Upfront ffs lol Going by venues using this term it would appear to be the not good enough 'funky edged' stuff they're referring to? Absolutely not for me, no way no how. Total bobbins My new year's resolution is to be less tolerant ... it's going well I may disagree with you on some of these, but love the way you say it, proper 80's girl :-) And yes 2 out of the 4 arent very good! Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Platters 81 Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Up front, Y front, back to front, what does it really matter? Just go out and enjoy yourselves with an open mind. You should get Johnny Beggs to write a tune to those lyrics....and sell the song to Jay Z for lotza moolah...... 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
jocko Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Its one of those surely if you have to ask you shouldnt be involved............ Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Raremusicdirect Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Always took it to mean leading or cutting edge in terms of soul music, a progressive mindset from promoter and djs he/she selects............. By default that would exclude most well known tunes - least place them in the minority of tunes played. No oldies night can be upfront................. These days seems to sit with the funky edged crowd or the more mellow 70ts and crossover types................ All "just" labels - but many use them, don't seem to do any harm........ 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Quinvy Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 Mine hasn't. Three of em are still total and utter bobbins and t'other is ordinary at best and, as you suggest, none of those would constitute pushing anything anywhere new and exciting would they (apart from me over the edge) I feel a a bit for the person who posted them as examples to be honest as that was a genuine attempt to be helpful I think but the choices and any attempt to 'categorise' them was always gonna get panned wasn't it. Realistically, in 2015 how many real quality, new [60s / crossover] things are left out there? Fair play to anyone who is at least actively looking for em though! I tend to agree with those folk who've already suggested that 'upfront', like all the other labels and sub genres, is pretty meaningless and unhelpful. I just look at who's dj-Ing and decide from there really. We can argue endlessly [come to think of it we do] on this forum. But the paragraph above says it all. Hats off to those trying to keep it going. But if I'm not constantly thinking "wow what is this" when I go out, then what's the point? 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Winnie :-) Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 For 'upfront' read 'innovative', but don't necessarily also tag it with 'quality'. 3 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Cunnie Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 15 years ago a Modern event was considered Up-front if it played predominantly Soulful House. Seems that you Northern punters have stolen yet another thing from the Modern scene. 1 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Popular Post Chalky Posted April 14, 2015 Popular Post Share Posted April 14, 2015 (edited) Anyone who expects to go out and be wowed by an endless stream of quality 60's discoveries toady must be totally disallusioned. New discoveries have been getting harder and harder to find for years. BUT some are still gettin unearthed. Butch had more than enough to satisfy most at the recent Crewe event. Andy Dyson still finding gems, Mick H etc. Finds from the vaults will be a big source of new material and we are seeing many recently released 60's and 70's material making it to the decks. The trouble is though when something is unearthed the hot boxers chase it down and all of a sudden quite a few have it and hammer it, it soon becomes overplayed and you get fed up with hearing it. Not many seem to know how to look after a record, when to rest it, when to bring it back. All it takes is some imagination to keep things fresh. As per usual on here, many knocking the topic of this conversation who have nothing to do with the kind of events we are talking about Edited April 14, 2015 by chalky 8 Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
Bazza Posted April 14, 2015 Share Posted April 14, 2015 " Up Front " is a totally meaningless term, just another daft label ,promoters like to use Bazza Link to comment Social source share More sharing options...
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