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.
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.
Mick Rawlings channels his passion for songwriting and performance into his country rock sound. A skilled drummer and rhythm guitarist with extensive live experience, Mick describes songwriting as his “happy place,” and that joy translates into his music.
“Midnight Drive” captures the feeling of escaping troubles with a late-night drive. The song explores themes of depression and isolation, but ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience as the protagonist finds support and self-acceptance.
Musically, “Midnight Drive” is a classic country rock anthem, perfect for cruising on four wheels, two wheels, or even just exploring the wilderness on foot. The driving beat and rousing chorus are complemented by cool guitar flourishes, creating an energetic and uplifting listen. The song’s relatable themes and catchy melody are likely to resonate with fans of country rock.
