Smokey and sensual, with a groove straight out of the 70s, “Superstar” is a collaboration that works on every level. The low vocals provided by Ruby Wood swirl into the smooth, bubbly bass and trumpet accents to make a rich sound that’s the audio equivalent of red wine.
“Superstar” is a song about the fantasy of dating a superstar, and the lyrics are filled with a sort of quiet awe that speaks to the head-spinning notion of that premise – though given Wood’s extensive touring and sellout Wembly Arena and Manchester Apollo performances, it’s fair to say she’s the superstar in the relationship.
“Superstar” is R&B at its finest – an easy-listening jam that’s hard to dislike.
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.
The Parish in Huddersfield, known for its intimate, energetic atmosphere, was the perfect crucible for the sonic fireworks delivered by Ibibio Sound Machine on Friday night. It was an evening that started in soulful reflection and exploded into a joyous, sweat-drenched dance party, proving once again that the best nights out are those where the walls feel like they’re breathing along with the crowd.
Support: Hannah Rowe—A Local Star Shines Bright
Leeds based and Kirklees Most Wanted alumni Hannah Rowe set the bar high, proving exactly why she’s generating so much buzz. Trading the massive festival stages for the confines of The Parish, Rowe’s powerful, soulful voice filled every corner of the room. Drawing heavily on her jazz and soul influences, she delivered tracks like the reflective “Bellevue” and the massive “Waistcoat” with an emotional depth that belied the venue’s small size. Performing with a scaled down outfit from her normal 10-piece band they managed to create a sophisticated, layered soundscape that was both rich and intimate, providing a perfect, locally-sourced dose of warmth before the main event.
Headliners: Ibibio Sound Machine
When Ibibio Sound Machine took the stage, the vibe shifted instantly. Led by the magnetic Nigerian-British vocalist Eno Williams, the eight-piece group immediately plunged the packed room into a mesmerizing blend of West African highlife, post-punk electronica, and pure 80s synth-funk.
Williams is an unstoppable force of nature, narrating in the Ibibio language (often translated in real-time through her movements and sheer energy) while commanding the stage. The band’s setlist, featuring fan favourites like “Electricity,” “The Chant (Iquo Isang),” and the hypnotic “Protection From Evil,” was a masterclass in controlled chaos. Each song was a vibrant, polyrhythmic workout, driven by the relentless, propulsive basslines and the swirling, retro synthesizers that give the band its distinctive electronic edge.
The Parish’s relatively small 300-capacity room amplified the intensity; there was no room to stand still. By the time the band launched into the irresistible call-and-response of “Fire Fire Fire, Higher Higher Higher” the floor was a unified mass, hands in the air, echoing the sheer joy radiating from the stage.
The Huddersfield crowd’s embrace of the band’s global sound was a testament to the universal language of rhythm. Ibibio Sound Machine didn’t just play a gig; they curated a transcendental experience that lifted the spirits and left everyone feeling like they’d just participated in something primal and necessary. An unforgettable show, cemented by the raw energy that only a venue like The Parish can provide.
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 🎧
Hannah Rowe is an upcoming jazz vocalist based in West Yorkshire. After selling out a multitude of local venues and a summer full of festivals, her 10-piece band of close friends are now celebrating their recent EP with a new single called ‘Bellevue’. It’s a bittersweet, beautiful song which takes the listener on a journey of hesitant growth after friendship break-ups and growing apart. Rowe’s soulful sound and lyricism guide us through being young and learning to live, nostalgia and embracing the nature of change.
‘Bellevue’ starts with some enchanting, fingerpicked guitar and it’s only a few seconds before Hannah’s vocals flow into the song like water. A simply paced bassline then brings more reliant rhythm into the first verse and a lack of percussion at this point produces calm ambience with emphasis on the emotional vocals. From the beginning, this track is an obvious musical masterclass because we’re constantly being introduced to new instrumentation. So much energetic innovation is packed into this 3-minute song, yet it still upholds a sense of settled tranquillity. The chorus is vulnerable, intimate and is soon built with a swelling brass section and backing vocals which completely transform the song into its own alluring scene which still re-enforces that classic lounge jazz sound.
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.
Ruby Wood’s “My Favourite Song” is exactly that, my new favourite song.
Described by Wood to be a love letter to music, “My Favourite Song” unearths the connection between a person and the music that brings them comfort. Not only does it have an irresistible groove, but has such a level of danceability that you can’t help but put on repeat. This song is the perfect mix of intimacy and summertime R&B, captivating you from the second it starts until the saxophone gracefully fades out at the end.
The third track from Wood’s solo debut EP “Sincerely”, “My Favourite Song” is one of five beautifully written songs. This EP covers subjects such as letting go and pouring love into manifestation and growth, as well as watching daughters grow into powerful women – a beautiful and important sentiment supported by the love received by Jamie Cullum, Craig Charles and various other radio shows since the tracks release in 2023.
Originally from Huddersfield, Ruby Wood has been all around the world! Any fans of Bryson Tiller will be familiar with Wood’s mesmerising vocals after her appearance on “Right My Wrongs”, Tiller’s 4 x Platinum Winning hit from his 2015 album TRAPSOUL and its subsequent sell-out shows at Wembley Arena, Manchester Victoria Warehouse and Manchester Apollo. Although, this wasn’t Wood’s first collaboration or live performance. In fact, she has many collaborations including the likes of Alfa Mist and Krept & Konan, has toured with Bonobo and Nubiyan Twist and continues to grace the luckiest audiences alongside Nightmares On Wax, Abstract Orchestra and under her own name at venues such as The Great Escape and Cross The Tracks.
