Ever since moving to Sheffield, my eyes have been opened to the world of multi-genres, vibrant communities and the free spirit of dance. As I’ve grown and developed alongside my music taste, I’ve weaved my way through underground clubs, hidden stages and some of Sheffield’s most loved grassroots venues.
Now is my time to share some of these hidden gems and “reyt” good recs of navigating the scene as a reveller…
For your weekly dose of alternative, rock, and indie acts, Sidney and Matilda always has something new on the horizon. The live music venue and bar at Rivelin Works hosts a packed line-up of acts throughout the week. With three different stages, showcasing resident DJs, up-and-coming acts and student bands, there is something for everyone.
Another personal favourite is Hagglers Corner on Queens Road. Slightly off the beaten track of the typical student circuit, this vibrant hub is home to everything from Footprints Jazz Club and funk, soul collectives to a spectrum of electronic music, spanning jungle, garage, techno and more.
From Footprints Jazz Club, funk, soul collectives to a wide range of electronic music spanning jungle, garage and techno, this is a great venue slightly off the beaten track of the typical student scene. It also houses Grub Records and Wine Bar, which combines record shopping with regular DJ nights, creating the perfect blend of music discovery, atmosphere and authentic wines.
At the heart of the Students’ Union, Foundry offers much more than its Roar and Pop Tarts club nights, it also has a diverse live music programme. From upcoming artists such as New Dad and Jamie Webster, many leading tribute acts, to a special performance from the electronic pioneers 808 State, there’s a real eclectic range of genres on its Autumn/Winter line-up, all sharing the same stage.
Sheffield’s underground clubbing scene is vast, energetic and charged with grassroots venues which are constantly putting some of the best nights in the city on. In the current difficult economic climate it’s more important than ever to support these venues and local artists they champion.
On Exchange Street, both grassroots venues, Panke Social and Plot 22, host DJs and producers spanning a variety of sounds. Whether you love jungle, garage, baseline, hardgroove or techno, these late night underground venues are guaranteed to keep you grooving all night long. Plot 22 deserves a special shout-out for its no-phone policy, which encourages ravers to fully immerse themselves in the music instead of recording the night away.
Forge continues to impress with amazing and energetic nights with inclusive line-ups and booking leading DJs. A personal highlight was the surprise Fred Again X Kettama pop-up night last month, which highlighted the need to support small and grassroots venues in the current economic climate to save our scene.
Whether you’re keen to broaden your musical horizons, support grassroots spaces, or simply discover your new favourite local artist, Sheffield’s music scene offers something for everyone, always celebrating the joy that live music brings to the community.
Image Credit – Panke Social
