The announcement comes after it was revealed in March this year that independent record stores in the UK are at a ten-year high. The Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) said there are now 461 indie record shops in the UK – 122 more than 10 years ago. However, just 8% of UK music sales are currently in physical form, ERA finds.

The shop will also open at a time when Denmark Street itself – which has lost much of its musical heritage in recent years to surrounding development and which has sparked the Save Denmark Street Campaign – is also on the up once again, having seen a handful of music shops return to the street in the last year.

“Over two floors the state of the art store will carry a huge selection of curated vinyl across all genres for avid collectors. As customers are welcomed in, they will find alongside the vinyl offering books, clothing, merchandise and limited edition one offs,” Rough Trade said in a press release. “Although the Denmark Street store will not offer a live performance space, it will host album signings and work in partnership with neighbouring venues HERE and The Lower Third to contribute to Rough Trade’s existing out-store events programme.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rough Trade (@roughtrade)

Denmark Street – also known as Tin Pan Alley – played an indispensable role at the cutting edge of UK and world music throughout the second half of the 20th century, and took on almost mythical status as the focal point guitar-based music worldwide. The street was most prominently home to an array of guitar shops, many of which hosted recording studios in their basements, as well as record company and promoters’ offices on their upper stories. Many music stores still dominate the small street, although their numbers have fallen in the last decade. Among the famous shops on the road to this day are Regent Sound Studios, Hank’s, and Wunjo’s, which have been joined by newer entrants in recent years. Artists who have recorded in the street’s studios include The Rolling Stones, The Jimi Hendrix Experience (cutting some rough demos and rehearsing), The Kinks (early demos), The Who (part of ‘A Quick One’). Elton John (playing sessions), The Lower Third with David Bowie (demos), Black Sabbath’s first two albums, and early albums and singles from The Bee Gees, The Troggs, Slade, Tom Jones, Sandie Shaw, The Equals, John Martyn, Davy Graham, The Yardbirds, Herman’s Hermits,, Mott The Hoople and countless others.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rough Trade Denmark Street (@roughtradedenmarkst)

The now closed La Giocanda Cafe on the street was the location of David Bowie’s recruitment of his first backing band, and also welcomed regulars including Elton John and Thin Lizzy. While some parts of the street are listed, development throughout the 2010s saw several beloved  stores and venues, such as the 12 Bar Club, close or move locations.

But in announcing the new store, Rough Trade paid homage to the immense weight of musical history that is palpable on the street, saying in its press release: “We can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful new central London store in a location that holds such a profound place in the capital’s music history”.

With an illustrious lineup of artists representing the vibrant spectrum of Caribbean and African musical genres, the festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to attendees. Headlining the event are acclaimed performers such as Capleton, Busy Signal, Shy FX, and Iration Steppas. Joining them are talents like Cameroonian-American singer Libianca and the innovative dub sound system crew Channel One, enriching the festival’s offerings with depth and diversity.

In addition to these headliners, the festival further boasts a diverse array of performers, including the likes of Anthony B, Black Sherif, Ding Dong, Lojay, Queen Omega, WSTRN, Rage MC, Dubwise Jamaica, Ayanna Heaven, Kalia Goddess, and many more. This year’s festival showcases a full lineup of exceptional talent from various corners of the world, with esteemed acts like Jamaica’s Beenie Man, Shenseea, and Busy Signal also gracing the stage. Attendees can anticipate a dynamic display of musical talent, honouring the rich and vibrant heritage of Caribbean and African music.

City Splash Festival stands as a testament to the profound impact of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond, showcasing the abundant legacy of genres like Roots, Dub, and Dancehall while embracing the evolution of Jungle and Garage music.

Featuring seven unique stages offering “diverse sounds and vibes,” attendees can immerse themselves in a medley of musical experiences. Additionally, with over 45 Black-owned food traders tantalising taste buds (delivered in partnership with Black Eats LDN), authentic rum stalls, and engaging panel talks, the festival promises an immersive cultural experience.

Located in the heart of Brixton, Brockwell Park serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Afro-Caribbean heritage, underscoring the area’s rich history and cultural significance. More than just a music event, City Splash Festival is a vital cultural melting pot that celebrates, amplifies, and uplifts Black music, food, dance, and style.

As anticipation builds for this year’s festivities, City Splash Festival promises to be a highlight of the summer calendar, offering an opportunity to celebrate and embrace the diversity and richness of Caribbean and African culture in the UK and beyond. Tickets are available for purchase for the bank holiday celebration here.

In the announcement post on Instagram, Skepta expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support and proclaimed his anticipation to reconnect with fans at the Big Smoke Festival in 2024, writing, “It’s been years since I dropped my last album and I want to thank you for all the love during my hiatus. I’ve seen the messages, tweets and Tik Toks, I’m truly grateful that my music is still resonating with the world, even in my absence. I’m happy to announce my next studio album #KnifeAndFork is loading this year, the first single #GasMeUp (Diligent) will be out January 26th Can’t wait to see you all @bigsmokefestival happy 2024″

‘Knife and Fork‘ is set to be Skepta’s sixth solo project, with the first single, ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent),‘ scheduled to drop on January 26. The album signifies Skepta’s long awaited return after a five-year hiatus following the acclaimed ‘Ignorance is Bliss’ LP in 2019.

In the absence of his solo work, Skepta has been active in collaborations, releasing the EP ’48 Hours’ with 19-year-old producer Ryder in November 2023. Ryder’s TikTok remix of Skepta’s ‘Konnichiwa’ track ‘Text Me Back’ achieved viral acclaim with the hashtag #skeptacore, prompting the rapper to make contact. Additionally, Skepta and BBK collaborator Jammer also delved into club culture, founding the house music label Más Tiempo, and acting as producers and DJs for the project. The duo celebrated with a sold-out event at London’s Drumsheds venue late last year.

In November, Skepta revealed plans for the inaugural Big Smoke Festival scheduled for July 6 at Crystal Palace Park in London. The festival promises a full live performance by Skepta, complemented by a Más Tiempo DJ set side-by-side with Jammer. Big Smoke Festival stands as Skepta’s only announced live performance for 2024, and tickets are already available here.

Hailing from North London, Skepta’s influence on the grime scene is unmistakable, evident in both his solo projects and contributions to the musical collective BBK (Boy Better Know). His groundbreaking album ‘Konnichiwa,’ released in 2016, earned him the prestigious Mercury Prize Award, solidifying his place as a heavyweight within the music industry.

With the impending release of ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent)’ this month and the promise of ‘Knife and Fork,’ Skepta’s return is set to make 2024 an exceptional year for grime enthusiasts.

Ashcroft, a two-time Ivor Novello winner, is expected to showcase his extensive body of work, including tracks from his latest album, ‘Acoustic Hymns‘ which reached No.2 in the UK Album Chart in 2022.The former Britpop sensation will not be alone on stage with special guests yet to be announced to join him for the evening. The event is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm.

In addition to Richard Ashcroft, the 2024 lineup includes pop sensation Mika, set to headline on Tuesday, July 9, and Passenger to perform on Thursday, July 11. Following the success of their 2023 reunion tour, JLS will command the stage on Friday, July 12. The festival also offers ‘An Evening in Conversation with Monty Don’ on Monday, July 8, providing a unique blend of music and dialogue throughout the week.

Further acts for the 2024 edition, including headliners for Wednesday, July 10, and Saturday, July 13, are yet to be revealed.

Kew The Music, celebrated for its picturesque setting at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kew Gardens, has a rich history of hosting renowned artists as part of its Heritage Live concert series. Past performers to have graced the stage include The Human League, Van Morrison, Billy Ocean, and Mary J Blige.

The festival spans a week, featuring diverse picnic concerts designed to cater to a wide spectrum of musical tastes and interests. The festival organisers aim to create an immersive experience for attendees, combining music with the serene and iconic beauty of Kew Gardens. Guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drink to the event, making it a distinctive feature in the British festival calendar.

Alongside Kew The Music, Richard Ashcroft has announced his return to hometown Wigan, with a show scheduled for July 20 at Robin Park. This signifies his first hometown performance in over 25 years in the town where his illustrious career began.

For those eager to partake in the Kew The Music 2024 experience, tickets are currently on sale and are available for purchase here, and additional announcements are anticipated in the months leading up to the event. Stay tuned for further headliner updates on what promises to be a notable highlight in the summer music calendar.