NO MAN’S LAND - FESTIVAL REVIEW

NO MAN’S LAND FESTIVAL / THE BODEGA, NOTTINGHAM / 13.08.22

We spoke a few months ago about how important supporting new music and new bands is, so it was without hesitation we jumped at the chance to be involved in the first ever No Mans Land Festival at The Bodega in Nottingham. 

Our support - your support, is even more so needed - necessary & weight baring, when it comes to supporting new bands, acts & events showcasing the underrepresented. No Mans Land is a festival with a difference, all the nights acts have a laser focus on women in music - we deliberately steer away from using the term “female fronted” as some believe this term in itself defines a genre, like all acts with a female vocalist all sound the same. 

No Man’s Land is the antidote to this way of thinking and a FUCK YOU to the laughable spectrum of artists represented on the bigger and renowned festival line-ups. With 2 stages running back to back, with no overlap (hey that rhymes) and over 10 bands - there was plenty for us to get our teeth stuck into. 

The first band that really caught our eye in the downstairs bar area was the energetic and incredibly talented King Violet. With fusions of jazz, pop, indie and rock this 4 piece from St Albans in Hertfordshire got and held the attention of the folks in the bar and are definitely a band to try and catch live if you can. 

Upstairs was opened up by the gentle musings of Sobscene, who were a perfect way to get the show going. Second up are the formidable Arch Femmesis, a 2 piece electronic/ dance/ punk infusion of feminist angst and social commentary. Their new single is out right now and is well worth checking out.

A late notice stand in for Modern Women comes Girl Band. We fell on love with them as soon as they hit the stage. With such a great vibe and real sense of fun, in this day and age Girl Band have a real unique sound. Elements of retro 90s American rock and straight guitar pop Girl merge effortlessly to create a sound that simultaneously sounds new and fresh but also in some way comforting, almost like you’ve heard it before.

You can listen to and download their first single Girls with Boys here

Panic Shack were the ideal cherry on top of our perfect cake! With their repugnant attitude and fun beats, they really bought the energy & the poignancy of the night to a head. It was track Baby that really grabbed our attention, with a message we embody… “I don’t wanna hold your baby” check it out;

We honestly had such a great night, the vibe at the Bodega was magic, warm & supportive. There was not a bad note played all night, the talent was electric. We’re so proud to have been present for the first EVER No Man’s Land, as we expect it grow bigger and more prominent from here on out. Music isn’t male-centric. Men don’t make the best music. End of mate. 

Didn’t make it to the show? Support NO MAN’S LAND FESTIVAL by buying merch HERE