Lady Nade – Safe Space Tour
Sat 26 October
The Lab
By Josh Lister
A cold, drizzly and dark day, many people wanting to go out may have been put off by the dire Autumnal weather. But for those brave enough to bear the cold, we’re welcomed by Bristol’s Lady Nade playing live at The Lab. Her music was enough to warm anyone even the coldest of hearts that evening. However, the night started with unfortunate news that Northampton’s Hana Brooks and Jacob Braithwaite both had to pull out from performing their warm-up sets due to unfortunate and unrelated circumstances. Fortunately, half of the Random Murphy’s were available to step-in, and so too was The Lab’s very own Kirsty. Both support acts were folk inspired and in keeping with the nights headliner. It was Kirsty’s act was particularly special, with a memorable intimacy. She performed songs that were very personal to her and not ones that she would normally play to an audience, even having some audience members in tears.
Just like Kirsty’s moving performance, Lady Nade’s emotionally charged set was no different. From the first line of the first song, ‘Willing’, you instantly knew what you were in for. The Lab’s promotional leaflet for Lady Nade, had the blurb, ‘share a room with her, and she’ll give you her story’. This could not have been truer. Every song seemed to take you on a journey through her life, and emotions. Her stories seem to be about past loves and relationships, family members – including her Grandfather who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and friends , ‘Natalie’ being one of these. This song is about a time-long friend that went through a tough year, and in her not being able to be there, she wrote a song for her.
A, both interactive and immersive performance, some songs required audience participation, such as ‘Looking For Love’ (the first song on her album, Safe Place). This required a member that was looking for love to be the centre of her attention during the song. But, perhaps the most interesting thing about this artist is that she has a cookbook that accompanies her music, she has written songs that can be related to a broth or a honeycomb pudding. The only thing that seemed missing from her set was her backing band. Listening to her album, it does give her music more character (as you would expect). But, none-the-less, her one-lady performance was still very strong. Her beautiful, strong soulful voice takes you on a journey like no other. Exactly what you need on a damp, cold night; some hearty music to re-ignite the soul. It is definitely music best listened to whilst at home with friends or a loved one, chilling with a bottle of wine. Real comfort music.
Her album, Safe Place is out now on Mint Lime Records – even her record label is food-related. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing this soulful, bluesy Bristolian back in Northampton sometime soon in the near future. Check her out on Spotify, listen out for Sweet Honey Bee and Please You, the video for the former is a particular testament to the track.