Up Front?

[Simon T]

Genuine question. I’ve seen the term ‘up front’ in a few threads and presume it’s used like oldies, modern, crossover etc. Are there specific venues and DJ’s? What tunes would be classed as examples of this genre and are any of them considered as ‘classic’ up front sounds or would that be an oxymoron?

[Guest]

I think its something to do with ovo only or some bollocks like that.

[barney]

I think upfront is used to describe a venue that plays more than the current top 500

[Louise]

'Oxymoron' a figure of speech that combines two apparently contradictory ideas i.e northern soul

Dave

[Roger Williams]

'Oxymoron' a figure of speech that combines two apparently contradictory ideas i.e northern soul

Dave

 

Or 60s newies 

[Cunnie]

Or 60s newies 

Or even Modern Oldies 

[Guest Byrney]

I think it means what Northern Soul traditionally used to be until the last decade or so.

[Louise]

Or even Modern Oldies 

 Or even DJ's (Disc Jockey's) playing downloads and Mp3's

[Roger Williams]

 Or even DJ's (Disc Jockey's) playing downloads and Mp3's

 

Or 'spinning' them lol! 

[Guest Soulsurfer]

To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene:

Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys)

Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension)

Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow)

Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit)
 

[Labeat]

The past, present & future.... Soul is Soul. You can drive a brand new discovery but collect 60's oldies, others buy vinyl newish discovery's but drive a banger. The term "up-front" most certainly applies to the current crop of early 70's that

is constantly being found. It is what a minority have chosen as their leash of life.

      Actually, it can be a cause of debate.... The Ravins & The Parliaments are definitely "Northern" as both are 60's

productions but both were 2000's+ "Newcomers", so what are their description.... oldies, newies, up-front?

[Len]

'Oxymoron' a figure of speech that combines two apparently contradictory ideas i.e northern soul

Dave

 

Or good R'n'B :wicked: 

 

Have a good week folks

 

Len  

Edited April 13, 2015 by LEN

[Chalky]

To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene:

Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys)

Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension)

Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow)

Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit)

 

 

10 years or so ago, and in the case of at least one 25 years, maybe, but these would more than likey be played at Kings Hall  today.  Jospeh Webster and Henry Ivy especially so have crossed over to the oldies nights, both been around since the mid to late 80's.

 

Upfront?  Just another pigeon hole used by some to differentiate one kind of night from those that are basically oldies and classics only. F*** all to do with OVO as many oldies nights advertise as this, again another useless term.  We do like to complicate things on this scene.

Edited April 13, 2015 by chalky

[Quinvy]

10 years or so ago, and in the case of at least one 25 years, maybe, but these would more than likey be played at Kings Hall  today.  Jospeh Webster and Henry Ivy especially so have crossed over to the oldies nights, both been around since the mid to late 80's.

 

Upfront?  Just another pigeon hole used by some to differentiate one kind of night from those that are basically oldies and classics only. F*** all to do with OVO as many oldies nights advertise as this, again another useless term.  We do like to complicate things on this scene.

Or "Real Deal" Chalky?

 

Whatever description you use to promote an event, someone will pull it to pieces. 

[Ncfc]

Henry Ivy made my ears bleed  25 odd years ago.

Edited April 13, 2015 by NCFC

[Tailormade Gaz B]

I had a bash at explaining it here, albeit in a specific context (£25.00 records) though the premise of the article was to challenge the perceived idea of the term "up front".

 

https://www.soul-source.co.uk/articles/soul-articles/£2500-and-under-the-challenge-r2929

 

In a broad sense, I think the notion of up-front culture within the soul scene, and I say culture because it extends beyond genre for me, is the overall approach to the music /  venue / aesthetic. 

 

For example, you wouldn't have an upfront night with loads of baggies, and you wouldn't really want to hold it in a damp working mans club. So i'd argue that its part of a shift in the scene on the whole - more city centre based, free entry (doing away with old promotion cartels and the bullying that goes on about 'someones patch'). I wouldn't say its a largely younger movement though...but I od think it has a lot to do with the space thats used!

 

N.B. Sorry for the typos in the attached link, i'd written the article on the train, on my phone. 

Edited April 13, 2015 by TailorMade Gaz B

[Pete S]

To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene:

Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys)

Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension)

Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow)

Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit)

 

 

If thats the future then give me the past, liked the Sir Henry thing, the rest are cack especially that last one, it's like a joke record with that out of tune wah wah effect

[BrianB]

To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene:

Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys)

Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension)

Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow)

Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit)

 

I don;t wish to sound disrespectful, as NS these days is very much each to their own...but if these 4 were played consecutively at an event/venue classed as a NS nighrt I would be saying " one more like that love and we're off!

[Bridgesoceity]

To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene:

Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys)

Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension)

Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow)

Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit)

Mad mouth woman is oldie

[Guest Matt Male]

Mad mouth woman is oldie

 

They all are.

 

It's when you are dancing at the back of the room and your mate wants to dance by the stage he says, 'Are you going up front?' and a good record comes on and you join him. That's an 'up front' record. That's where the saying comes from. Honest.

Edited April 13, 2015 by Matt Male

[Ncfc]

So if you go to the back of the room when a record comes on their must be an "Up Back" scene.

[Labeat]

Up front, Y front, back to front, what does it really matter? Just go out and enjoy yourselves with an open mind.

All venues are established now in all parts of the country so take note of the dj's, if you dislike their material then

don't go

[Chalky]

Or "Real Deal" Chalky?

 

Whatever description you use to promote an event, someone will pull it to pieces. 

 

 

They will indeed Phil, it is simply Lifeline Rare Soul Club these days.  I've never liked the term upfront or even Northern Soul.  It was usually rare Soul in the 80's.  But today every aspect of the scene has to have a tag or term and be picked apart, why we just can't simply "get on with it" is beyond me.  Things were much easier with everything in one room.

[Guest Matt Male]

So if you go to the back of the room when a record comes on their must be an "Up Back" scene.

 

I think the term is 'outback', and if you drift to the back of the room and then you wander to the stage again, you are 'back to front'.   

 

Up back is a different scene altogether...

Edited April 13, 2015 by Matt Male

[Labeat]

They will indeed Phil, it is simply Lifeline Rare Soul Club these days.  I've never liked the term upfront or even Northern Soul.  It was usually rare Soul in the 80's.  But today every aspect of the scene has to have a tag or term and be picked apart, why we just can't simply "get on with it" is beyond me.  Things were much easier with everything in one room.

Better with 2 rooms isn't it now at Lifeline..... added variety. During the course of an evening the R&B room can have slightly more folk in, so i think it's good you can drift in and out.

[Wiggyflat]

Sir Henry Ivy is a reactivated oldie.I'm sure it was played by Soul Sam as was the Rufus Wood 2001 record at the end of Wigan.I heard James Pogson play the Sir Henry Ivy and eventually got one...am I upfront.No I think I like a good record.Im with Pete though I don't rate the other records.

[Labeat]

Wayne Carter.... the business through loudspeakers, same goes for Johnathon Capree

[Winsford Soul]

Another day. Another name. What next.

Who honestly gives a toss.

A good soul record is a good soul record, whether it's danceable or not . Rare or common. Cheap or expensive.

Plus unless it's a new release they're ALL old records

Steve

Edited April 13, 2015 by Winsford Soul

[Chas]

"Crossunder"..now there's a genre.

[Benji]

IMO, "upfront" is more describing a dj's attitude and eventually a venue's music policy. There's not one single record in the world I'd tag as "upfront".

[Benji]

"Crossunder"..now there's a genre.

 

I know that genre. That's Gospel played in Australia, isn't it?

[Ncfc]

I think the term is 'outback', and if you drift to the back of the room and then you wander to the stage again, you are 'back to front'.   

 

Up back is a different scene altogether...

Think i will just stay at home and play ballads :-)

[grouse]

I think the term is 'outback', and if you drift to the back of the room and then you wander to the stage again, you are 'back to front'.   

 

Up back is a different scene altogether...

And I still haven't figured out what 'tittyshakers' are.

I don't stand a bloody chance of keeping up with the current trends...........

[recordsnracin]

that comment screams for a visual      

[Guest Gogs]

To keep with the question posed by the thread originator, here are some examples of tunes getting spins on the upfront scene:

Wayne Carter - Mad Mouth Woman (Mootreys)

Sir Henry Ivy - He Left You Standing There (Future Dimension)

Joseph Webster - My Love Is So Strong (Crow)

Rich Ward - My Baby She's Gone (Hit)

 

i've been into northern soul for almost 40 years and i have never heard any of these tracks before (and i've djed for 25 years) show me somewhere close to me playing this type of our music (due to circumstances i can't now travel too far) and i would be there in a heartbeat.

[Ncfc]

i've been into northern soul for almost 40 years and i have never heard any of these tracks before (and i've djed for 25 years) show me somewhere close to me playing this type of our music (due to circumstances i can't now travel too far) and i would be there in a heartbeat.

Funny how tastes change?

25 years ago when Henry Ivy and Joseph Webster were being played in the modern room all the 60s guys used to turn their noses up and go straight to the northern room.

Rock City being a classic example.

[Philt]

Funny how tastes change?

25 years ago when Henry Ivy and Joseph Webster were being played in the modern room all the 60s guys used to turn their noses up and go straight to the northern room.

Rock City being a classic example.

Mine hasn't. Three of em are still total and utter bobbins and t'other is ordinary at best and, as you suggest, none of those would constitute pushing anything anywhere new and exciting would they (apart from me over the edge) 

 

I feel a a bit for the person who posted them as examples to be honest as that was a genuine attempt to be helpful I think but the choices and any attempt to 'categorise' them was always gonna get panned wasn't it. Realistically, in 2015 how many real quality, new [60s / crossover] things are left out there? Fair play to anyone who is at least actively looking for em though!

 

I tend to agree with those folk who've already suggested that 'upfront', like all the other labels and sub genres, is pretty meaningless and unhelpful. I just look at who's dj-Ing and decide from there really.

[Steve S 60]

So if you go to the back of the room when a record comes on their must be an "Up Back" scene.

 

So if you have to go to the other side of the dance floor, that's Crossover?  I think I'm starting to get the hang of this.

[Jumpinjoan]

Upfront ffs lol

Going by venues using this term it would appear to be the not good enough 'funky edged' stuff they're referring to? Absolutely not for me, no way no how. Total bobbins

My new year's resolution is to be less tolerant ... it's going well

[Guest Soulsurfer]

If thats the future then give me the past, liked the Sir Henry thing, the rest are cack especially that last one, it's like a joke record with that out of tune wah wah effect

I love the Rich Ward - in fact, I've just bought one Pete   

[jocko]

 

 

 

Sir Henry has been played at Northern venues for over 30 years, obviously none you were at!

[jocko]

Upfront ffs lol

Going by venues using this term it would appear to be the not good enough 'funky edged' stuff they're referring to? Absolutely not for me, no way no how. Total bobbins

My new year's resolution is to be less tolerant ... it's going well

 

I may disagree with you on some of these, but love the way you say it, proper 80's girl :-)

 

And yes 2 out of the 4 arent very good!

[Platters 81]

Up front, Y front, back to front, what does it really matter? Just go out and enjoy yourselves with an open mind.

 

 

 

You should get Johnny Beggs to write a tune to those lyrics....and sell the song to Jay Z for lotza moolah......

[jocko]

Its one of those surely if you have to ask you shouldnt be involved............

[Raremusicdirect]

Always took it to mean leading or cutting edge in terms of soul music, a progressive mindset from promoter and djs he/she selects.............

 

By default that would exclude most well known tunes - least place them in the minority of tunes played.    No oldies night can be upfront.................

 

These days seems to sit with the funky edged crowd or the more mellow 70ts and crossover types................

 

All "just" labels - but many use them, don't seem to do any harm........

[Quinvy]

Mine hasn't. Three of em are still total and utter bobbins and t'other is ordinary at best and, as you suggest, none of those would constitute pushing anything anywhere new and exciting would they (apart from me over the edge) 

 

I feel a a bit for the person who posted them as examples to be honest as that was a genuine attempt to be helpful I think but the choices and any attempt to 'categorise' them was always gonna get panned wasn't it. Realistically, in 2015 how many real quality, new [60s / crossover] things are left out there? Fair play to anyone who is at least actively looking for em though!

 

I tend to agree with those folk who've already suggested that 'upfront', like all the other labels and sub genres, is pretty meaningless and unhelpful. I just look at who's dj-Ing and decide from there really.

We can argue endlessly [come to think of it we do] on this forum. But the paragraph above says it all. 

 

Hats off to those trying to keep it going. But if I'm not constantly thinking "wow what is this" when I go out, then what's the point?

[Winnie :-)]

For 'upfront' read 'innovative', but don't necessarily also tag it with 'quality'. 

[Cunnie]

15 years ago a Modern event was considered Up-front if it played predominantly Soulful House.

Seems that you Northern punters have stolen yet another thing from the Modern scene.

[Chalky]

Anyone who expects to go out and be wowed by an endless stream of quality 60's discoveries toady must be totally disallusioned.  New discoveries have been getting harder and harder to find for years.  BUT some are still gettin unearthed.  Butch had more than enough to satisfy most at the recent Crewe event.  Andy Dyson still finding gems, Mick H etc.  Finds from the vaults will be a big source of new material and we are seeing many recently released 60's and 70's material making it to the decks.

 

The trouble is though when something is unearthed the hot boxers chase it down and all of a sudden quite a few have it and hammer it, it soon becomes overplayed and you get fed up with hearing it.  Not many seem to know how to look after a record, when to rest it, when to bring it back.  All it takes is some imagination to keep things fresh.

 

As per usual on here, many knocking the topic of this conversation who have nothing to do with the kind of events we are talking about 

Edited April 14, 2015 by chalky

[Bazza]

" Up Front " is a totally meaningless term, just another daft label ,promoters like to use 

 

Bazza