Sonar Sessions at The Watershed

On the banks of the River Colne in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, sits The Watershed, a vibrant creative mill and riverside studio. Today, we speak with Noah Burton, the driving force behind this space. Noah shares the story of his live music series, Sonar Sessions, a platform for Yorkshire’s diverse musical talent. We delve into the inspiration behind the events, his vision for their future, and the unforgettable moments that have defined their journey so far.

Tell us about Sonar Sessions, what it is and how it started.

Sonar Sessions is a live music event series designed to showcase established artists alongside emerging local talent, in an intimate, creative setting. We wanted to create something special—a space where artists feel valued, and audiences can discover new music in a welcoming atmosphere. The Watershed had put on a small number of events before but we wanted to set up a regular event that we could grow both a following for and build relationships with acts and musicians.

What acts do you usually showcase during these events?

We aim to feature a diverse lineup of talented musicians across the genres of world, jazz, soul, acoustic & folk. The main focus is on original music, highlighting artists with a unique sound and high quality artistry. Most of the events are fairly stripped back and acoustic style acts although we are starting to program some bands as well. 

How would artists and bands apply to play during these events? Is there a contact form, email, application, etc.?

We’re always looking for fresh talent! Artists can apply to play by reaching out to us via email info@thewatershed.org.uk and provide links to their music, a short bio, and any live performance footage. We encourage anyone interested to get in touch—we’re always excited to discover new acts.

Have any acts stood out to you in the past and why?

Absolutely. Every event has featured standout performances, but there have been a few acts that left a lasting impression. One particular highlight was a set from Monique Clare, a wonderful singer/songwriter and cello virtuoso from Australia that had the audience completely spellbound—one of those shows where the whole crowd watches in awe. Another was from Kora player Josh Doughty who shared his stories of learning to play the west african harp instrument and filled the room with the most amazing melodies and polyrhythms. But all the acts have been wonderful in their own ways – you can watch all the performances from 2024 shows here www.youtube.com/@thewatershedslaithwaite

What is your main goal when putting on these events?

The primary goals are to deliver a high quality and enjoyable live muisc experience, for both artist and audience. For emerging acts to gain live performance experience, build confidence, and connect with new listeners. We also strive to create a community atmosphere, where the audience feel part of the event, encouraged to return and inspired to seek out more music or maybe even play themselves, Additionally, we’ve used Sonar Sessions to raise the profile of the Watershed itself and the other activities and workshops that take place here – more info on this at www.thewatershed.org.uk. 

Are there any specific acts that you are looking forward to / would like to showcase at Sonar Sessions in the future?

There are so many talented artists we’d love to feature. We’re always on the lookout for musicians who bring something fresh and exciting to the table. The lineup for 2025 is coming together really nicely and we can;t wait to share them all with you. One event that we have already announced and very excited about is Kris Drever & Chris Stout, two absolute powerhouses of the Scottish folk music scene who will be joining us on July 27th.

What is the perfect audience in your opinion?

The ideal audience is engaged, respectful, and open to discovering new music. We are extremely fortunate to say that this is what the Sonar Sessions audience is! The concerts are pin drop quiet whilst the performances take place and then erupt into applause and cheering after each song, and of course there’s sometimes a bit of crowd participation too! There’s nothing better than an audience that truly listens and appreciates the talent that is on the stage.

Tell us about The Watershed and why it is a significant part of the creative scene in Slaithwaite.

The Watershed is an incredible venue that plays a huge role in the local creative scene. It’s not just a music venue—it’s a community space that hosts workshops, community gatherings and cultural events. The intimate setting makes it the perfect place for Sonar Sessions, allowing for a real connection between artists and audiences. It’s a hub for creation and connectivity, and we’re grateful to be part of that energy.

What does the future hold for Sonar Sessions? Are there any upcoming gigs, special events, etc.?

We have some exciting things in the pipeline! Our next event is on Sunday March 30th, which will feature the incredible Jazz quartet – Pocket Aces and Punjabi folk duo Kinaara. Beyond that, the rest of the year is looking very exciting with some really remarkable acts coming to Slaithwaite, Check our socials and website for listings info and be sure to come and check it out for yourself.