Hi everyone, could do with a bit of pointing in the right direction please. I'm Midlands based and am still new to soul.  I have been to local venues which I have enjoyed and a couple of Blackpool spring events.

Recently I attended an event with a different sound which is not for me. I'm not sure if it was later music or the rare songs. For me, it's not so much about knowing the song, but I need to be familiar with the music. I prefer what I would describe as more upbeat......dare I say 'plinkerty plonk' 😬 I'm talking: A piece of leather (Donnie Elbert), One Wonderful moment (The Shakers), Gotta have your love (The Sapphires), with a bit of Ordinary Joe (Terry Callier), Lonely for you (Sam Dees) kind of feel.

So, what am I looking for in terms of info before I travel out to an event? Do I need to find DJs I like and follow them? Hints, tips and suggestions appreciated. Reluctant to throw money at travel and hotels without some more help.

Thanks!

You want classic oldie events from your list, stay away from upfront, R&B, Crossover, Funk or Modern Soul events for now. Also 'nighter sounds' or 'Rare Soul' events can sometimes mean less obviously melodic, deeper cuts. Definitely avoid Jazz Funk events given your choices.

Edited January 29Jan 29 by Thinksmart

Hi there=0) You could check out both the  Event Playlists - Reviews & Events 'pages' on this site. It could give some insight into what your looking for. You could look for events that are closest to you & contact the organizers to see what there Music policy is. If it's not what your looking for maybe they might be able to point you in the right direction.There may be other websites you might be able to find info on or you could look/ask on facebook... Hope this helps

Thanks, I guess the issue is I don't really know what I'm looking for. I'd like to get some events booked in for this year but I'm worried now that I could spend a lot and be disappointed. 

I guess I should probably stick local and build up my understanding of what I like and don't before investing. 

Sorry ,I just re read your original post & saw this ..'am still new to soul.' Another suggestion would be to go on to youtube. There's lots of different Soul playlists which could help you find your niche so to speak & hopefully from that venues that will appeal more to your taste...Just a thought =0)

I mentioned classic Oldies in my first reply before and that's a good route in to the original sounds.  Generally if the event mentions 'as played at' Twisted Wheel, The Golden Torch, Wigan Casino/Mr Ms, Va Vas, The Catacombs  - you're going to find plenty to enjoy there. 

Blackpool Mecca went from 60s sounds into Modern then Disco and Jazz-Funk, so depends on context. The important Cleethorpes venues mixed up Northern Soul styles, so like Blackpool Mecca - events themed around them will balance styles you enjoy with some less so, but it is good to try more over time.

At this early stage if an event says 'Top 500 sounds' that will be relevant for you, over the years these can become over familiar but you have the wonderful opportunity to appreciate them for the first time. 

Your choices are from the early days of the scene. I think you'd enjoy the 100 Club sounds too. Also look out for events that say 'Motown and Northern Soul' - they'll often be at the more popular-song end of the sounds you enjoy.

There are lots of compilations about too, both on CD/vinyl or streaming. Dependent on how you listen to your music, type those songs you mention into the platform of your choice - and you'll find compilatons/playlists with those and similar era songs. Discogs can help with this, send meca direct message if I can help on it.

It's worth saying, none of us like everything - it's a huge area of music you're exploring, so don't feel the need to like everything you hear. It's a wonderful adventure that can continue through your whole life and lead you to music you never knew you would like.

In Nottingham you will enjoy the newly revived nights at the Palais. Local shop owner and DJ Rob Smith plays a lot of sounds you will enjoy, so look out for him on local events. The events at Festival Inn in Trowell will work well. Keep checking the Events section here.

Work your way through Richard Searling's shows at Mixcloud - they will really help you find more music you like.

When you see 'Across the Board' that event will have multiple substyles of Northern Soul. You may enjoy one DJ and not another, but that is part of the experience. Then over time your own taste may evolve too.

 

Edited January 30Jan 30 by Thinksmart

Totally agree with TS, classic oldies is what you've described you like, so take their advice. 

I am more familiar with the south west so if in their area: Weston super mare soul mafia weekender, soul on wax Dowtys gloucester, you'd probably enjoy should mafia on wax cinderford too (a little more across the board at that one), Taunton lawns soul club a definite, new forest soul or poole soul likewise -totally up your street.

 

Different dj’s play different things. Something for everyone. So difficult to pinpoint a particular event.

if you’re Midlands based, you should definitely check out the Rugby allnighter. There’s one on Saturday week. Top dj’s, large dance floor and an alternate room also.