The K.M.W. Showcase came to The Terrace Dewsbury
Following the momentum of our January Huddersfield date, the tour moved across the district to prove that the Kirklees creative spirit is a unified, high-octane force.
The Dewsbury K.M.W Showcase
Prepare for an unforgettable night of live music as the Kirklees Most Wanted Showcase lights up The Terrace in Dewsbury on February 20th. This eagerly awaited event will spotlight an amazing lineup of homegrown talent, offering a dynamic mix of genres and an electrifying atmosphere for music fans.
Joining us on stage are 4 exceptional acts, each bringing their own unique flair;
Eve Joné
Eve Joné is an emerging Indie-Folk/Folk singer-songwriter from Huddersfield who is committed to creating music that is a “true and genuine expression of who she is,” drawing influence from artists like Noah Kahan and her parents’ musical background. Her deeply personal and lyrical music often tackles complex emotions, notably in her album, The Water And The Trees (Live). This work features the song “Our Time,” which she describes as a “three-minute-therapy session” that addresses the emotional complexities of feeling undervalued in relationships. Having recently finished her studies at CAPA college, Eve has dedicated herself fully to her music career, successfully performing at her first festivals, including the main stage at Todmorden and slots at Holmfirth Folk Festival and supporting Good Good Blood for his recent album launch party.
Devon Salinas
Fusing the technical precision of jazz with the velvet grooves of modern R&B, Devon Salinas is crafting a sound that feels both timeless and essential. The Leeds-based singer-songwriter and guitarist has reached a new creative peak with ‘Say It,’ a track that moves from sun-drenched romance to the haunting, minor-key mourning of a past flame. His live set is a masterclass in atmosphere: expect silk-smooth Neo-Soul vocals backed by the sophisticated harmonic depth that only a true jazz guitarist can provide.
Penny
Penny is a rising singer-songwriter from Huddersfield known for her unique brand of Dream-Pop and Electro-Pop. She pairs sweet, alluring vocals with vulnerable and candid songwriting, using the creative process as a form of therapy. Her music, which includes singles like “Sad Puppy,” “Ur Girl’s Fine,” and “Outside,” explores complex narratives such as processing jealousy, toxic relationships, and self-worth. Penny’s sound is characterized by a low-key groove and compelling seductiveness, finding a “tranquil beauty” in heartbroken narratives that resonate strongly with listeners.
Don Gonzo
Don Gonzo is a high-energy band that delivers a punchy and unpredictable blend of Psychedelic Rock with influences of Post-Punk and Funk. They are recognized for their driving rhythms and unique, complex sound that is highly danceable and entertaining. Their standout track, “Quit Your Job,” is delivered at breakneck speed, featuring rapid percussion, electrifying jazz chords, and a post-punk riff. The simple, repeated line in the bridge—”quit your job, it won’t do no harm”—highlights the song’s effective anti-establishment message. Don Gonzo is a prominent, engaging act in the local music scene, having previously performed at events like the WRXL Afterparty in Huddersfield.
Fiesta La Ginger
Throughout the night, there will be DJ sets from Fiesta La Ginger, opening up the event and filling the spaces between the live acts and keeping the energy high.
Don’t miss this extraordinary night of music and discovery.
The Kirklees Most Wanted Showcase is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of the thriving music scene in Kirklees. By providing a platform for local artists to shine, this event highlights the incredible talent within the community and offers audiences the chance to discover their next favorite act.
Facebook event link – https://fb.me/e/6i7CiUUTK
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kirklees-most-wanted-showcase-tickets-1976782852726?aff=oddtdtcreator
Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England
WRXL Afterparty at Amped
The Wilson’s Republic WRXL event, which celebrated a decade of fostering creative community with the theme of ‘Routes,’ culminated in an absolutely electrifying private afterparty at Amped in Huddersfield.
Seamlessly transitioning the day’s inspiration into a night of community and celebration, the party was curated by us, transforming the venue into a powerful showcase for local talent. Attendees were treated to a diverse and gripping line-up that kept the energy high well into the night. Highlights included the beautiful, honest songwriting of Good Good Blood, the alluring and soulful sounds of vocalist Hannah Rowe, and the complex, yet highly danceable, Psychedelic Rock fusion of Don Gonzo. The celebration reached its peak with Therealdemo, a staple of the West Yorkshire scene, spinning classic and new Funk, Soul, and Hip Hop that kept the floor moving.
Take a look at the Highlights from the event below;
More than just a concert, the afterparty was the perfect, vibrant finale—a powerful demonstration of the collective spirit of the Northern creative scene and a truly triumphant way to cap off Wilson’s Republic’s 10th-anniversary celebration.
Additionally take a look at the highlights from the day event at Bates Mill featuring six speakers from different creative disciplines, they delivered heard honest, inspiring and beautiful interpretations of the event theme ROUTES.
Missed WRXL? Don’t worry – we’ve got the soundtrack. A little gift from us to you.
If you couldn’t make it (or just want to relive the event), we’ve got an official WRXL playlist – featuring the incredible artists who brought the afterparty to life.
Plug in, press play and keep the WRXL energy going 🎧
Don Gonzo – Quit Your Job
Don Gonzo are back bigger than ever with their new punchy psychedelic rock song “Quit Your Job”. You can always depend on a danceable, spacey tune from the band and this one launches straight into rapid percussion with electrifying jazz chords. Their driving post-punk riff seamlessly blends into some tension building vocals. At its peak, there’s a sudden pause along with the ironic lyric “my mind’s so noisy”, then once more the radical rhythm changes and we feel like the instruments are chasing the vocalist in a more action packed second verse. The bridge of this song consists of some stripped-back guitar and the simple repeated line – “quit your job, it won’t do no harm”, further emphasising the band’s message.
A new switch into the second half of the song turns it into a totally different musical direction with funkier sounds and a new melody. Don Gonzo provides a unique and unpredictable listening experience at break neck speed.
Find out more: https://www.instagram.com/ohdongonzo/
WRXL. Routes.
Their theme is ROUTES. In a creative career, there is no one ‘golden path’. Routes will explore the pivots, twists and turns that shape creative careers.