Just where is NS heading in the future?

[Monny1916]

On 15/06/2024 at 19:13, Mithras said:

Bletsoe reunion to have been there you would need to be 70+ most of my mates are dead Tony Warott,Tilly for starters ,Alan Day??? thinks not  its all gone now sad but true.

You would be very surprised as to how many are very much alive and enjoy hitting the dancefloor,, check out their FB page 

[Hooker1951]

3 hours ago, Shaafi P said:

Plenty of playlists posted from the night if you have a dig about. 

Good luck with all your Events enjoy and embrace the music and have a Great time, that’s what it’s all about, Don’t ever let the politics interfere with a Good night out and remember if your in it for the long haul it’s a great journey, keep of the B roads and cul de sacs stay on the Motorways and everything will come thick fast and exhilarating 

Mick L

[Tlscapital]

On 20/06/2024 at 09:24, Kenb said:

i know it's just one tiny clip, but if Spring Rain is where it's heading good for them, but they can keep it to themselves.

Going along these words I've looked at one other of the videos from that night playing the Carstairs 'it really hurts me' (nothing as bad as Silvetti I mean). Yet it left me as to how I pictured these 'Peckham' nighters as "borrowers" in the nicest and respectful way that I can think of.

Meaning here to point out that they seemingly rather try to 'portrait' a sort of Wigan 'era' sound that could also fit a "broad" Club crowd. A crowd made of seemingly regular punters mostly into 'alternative' club sounds (like the shop advertises) featuring the NS bit amongst many other genres.

My point being that I wouldn't qualify such an event representative of the NS scene in the future nor even just of today... Seems more like a 'calibrated' commemorative night of a certain era of NS more than what the NS scene is in its essence like from the early days of 'Rare Soul', to NS and MS to today.

With dee-jays pushing sounds of their own (not necessarily rare) and 'taste of their own' for punters and dancers following these tunes... I mean focussing on tunes more than on 'what is or was'. Like a revival 'scene' does. The scene evolved some ever since music wise and in my mind should still to be 'the scene'...

Certain that I would enjoy such a 'Peckham' nighter. Still I wouldn't live it like a NS event. For the same reasons I still don't dig week-enders and other 'fancy' events. Where most is just too pleasing, predictable and safe. Soundwise too. Preferring the tense, risky and adventurous nighter adventure in sounds and atmosphere.

But that's only me. Not putting down for that or other matter the 'Peckham' brigade, organisation or crowd. Far from it. Or even the other "young" detached wanting to remain on their own (the today "woke" or left wing paranoid either 'you're agreeing with all that we feel IS or your against we') 'borrowers' of the NS label, stigmas (working class "elite") and partial heritage.

Just saying that in my eyes they're else. Not it. Nor a continuation of it as is. Unlike the NS kept going through the decades. Never stopped happening. Even in its lowest of down days. It kept on. With 'die hards' records collectors, bricks & beer matts collectors (LOL), clubs, dee-jays, dancers and punters old and new (few but still). But it kept on. Will they do appart ? Or joining in even ?

Edited June 21 by Tlscapital

[TommieOnTheSpot]

Soul Source has remained consistently predictable over the years, especially evident since my teenage years when I started DJing. The platform often attracts opinionated keyboard warriors whose views seem irrelevant. The nostalgia for the past, particularly for older individuals reminiscing about their youth, is a prevalent theme... It's still boring. My biggest gripe? As a younger fan, it's frustrating to witness older individuals cashing in on their pensions, contributing to the rising prices of records. Laters 

Edited June 21 by Nstomp97

[Shaafi P]

53 minutes ago, Tlscapital said:

Going along these words I've looked at one other of the videos from that night playing the Carstairs 'it really hurts me' (nothing as bad as Silvetti I mean). Yet it left me as to how I pictured these 'Peckham' nighters as "borrowers" in the nicest and respectful way that I can think of.

Meaning here to point out that they seemingly rather try to 'portrait' a sort of Wigan 'era' sound that could also fit a "broad" Club crowd. A crowd made of seemingly regular punters mostly into 'alternative' club sounds (like the shop advertises) featuring the NS bit amongst many other genres.

My point being that I wouldn't qualify such an event representative of the NS scene in the future nor even just of today... Seems more like a 'calibrated' commemorative night of a certain era of NS more than what the NS scene is in its essence like from the early days of 'Rare Soul', to NS and MS to today.

With dee-jays pushing sounds of their own (not necessarily rare) and 'taste of their own' for punters and dancers following these tunes... I mean focussing on tunes more than on 'what is or was'. Like a revival 'scene' does. The scene evolved some ever since music wise and in my mind should still to be 'the scene'...

Certain that I would enjoy such a 'Peckham' nighter. Still I wouldn't live it like a NS event. For the same reasons I still don't dig week-enders and other 'fancy' events. Where most is just too pleasing, predictable and safe. Soundwise too. Preferring the tense, risky and adventurous nighter adventure in sounds and atmosphere.

But that's only me. Not putting down for that or other matter the 'Peckham' brigade, organisation or crowd. Far from it. Or even the other "young" detached wanting to remain on their own (the today "woke" or left wing paranoid either 'you're agreeing with all that we feel IS or your against we') 'borrowers' of the NS label, stigmas (working class "elite") and partial heritage.

Just saying that in my eyes they're else. Not it. Nor a continuation of it as is. Unlike the NS kept going through the decades. Never stopped happening. Even in its lowest of down days. It kept on. With 'die hards' records collectors, bricks & beer matts collectors (LOL), clubs, dee-jays, dancers and punters old and new (few but still). But it kept on. Will they do appart ? Or joining in even ?

I implore you to pop along before you deep it that much off the back of two clips

[Tlscapital]

5 hours ago, Shaafi P said:

I implore you to pop along before you deep it that much off the back of two clips

True like for everything. But how does one do them all ? Time and place for a playlist maybe ? Now I've visualized few others of these Peckham Soul videos like the Clovers, Bobby Womack, Towanda Barnes, Detroit Soul, George Kirby... As I said. Almost all classic sounds I love. Fitting the NS 'bill'. Indeed. Maybe in a creative set making some sense... But as "highlight" moments of a night I'm still not convinced...

A bit like on another subject with dee-jays playing impressive tunes one after the other in the most uncreative way like a Soul Supply compilation... To a bore IME. Big deep pockets 'bling-bling' showing off on the decks to spoil the enthusiasm to dance. For me at least. That or for having more money than imagination. This example just to show it's not even about having the right expensive or elusive records.

Going to a venue or a club with such a dee-jay line-up means different sound expectations and such. Meaning more on how to differentiate than to assimilate to and from the others. Sharing a common ground. Not a median sound into homogeneity at all times... Still leaving rooms for other "small" time occasional dee-jays 'expression'. These videos were posted. Hopefully representative enough of the nights I believe.

Knowing how hard it is to organize and gather a relevant dee-jay line-up on no or little budget with sometimes the unexpected 'dance floor ram' call effect or to gather a crowd in such nowhere 'soul scene' land (Belgium) and to have a nighter that will please one and all is HARD. One or two local connoisseurs, many amateurs and mostly punters who shan't be able to tell what they danced to before or after if ever...

Since a late teen I've tried to organize such nights since the late 1980's in Belgium (where I stil am) outside the regular Mod or Pop-Corn scenes that back then didn't match sound wise and public wise either. Unlike it does some now awkwardly IMO. And I admit not all nighters were memorable. Some were even memorable for the worst parts. At least making history in our memories. But to see them for what they are is a must.

Being open to 'constructive' criticism is the way to evolve, improve or change what we do good and bad. True for young and old. New and experienced. You have what seems a great location there and a rather good organisation team, support and crowd going on with these. That is top notch. Hats off to you all for that ! What I've not seen in those vids is the 'spice' that makes me 'GO' when I hear 'one tune' or a 'whole set' even better...

The NS sound at the right stages had that 'edge' that doesn't make it so or too accessible to mainstream. To keep it 'differentiated' and 'underground'. Free and loose from commercial or political imperatives. That was reflected in some sounds. Driven by the dee-jays competition to crate dig deeper into sounds and venture into new NS border lines to break the then 'politically' correct "guide lines" of the moment. At times creating schism within the scene (s)...

Not to my liking but the so called 'New Breed R'n'B' or 'Pop-Corn' sounds introduced in the NS circuit by the mid to late 1990's is a late reflection of that for example. Then what some refer to as to the 'Euro-Scene' with dee-jays mixing more and more 'funky' sounds tell such 'schism' stories again. Not all the time to my liking either but that is most natural and understandable. Even if not to my liking I witnessed that some of these nights were 'HOT' with 'spices'... Peace.

 

Edited June 21 by Tlscapital

[Jessie Pinkman]

2 hours ago, Nstomp97 said:

Soul Source has remained consistently predictable over the years, especially evident since my teenage years when I started DJing. The platform often attracts opinionated keyboard warriors whose views seem irrelevant. The nostalgia for the past, particularly for older individuals reminiscing about their youth, is a prevalent theme... It's still boring. My biggest gripe? As a younger fan, it's frustrating to witness older individuals cashing in on their pensions, contributing to the rising prices of records. Laters 

When you say older individuals or as Labours new tax adviser calls us Old Codgers. I think you'll find that some are collecting rarer records from their younger days that weren't readily available at the time.

I thought a young dj like yourself would be out trying to find your own next big future rarity and leave all of the over priced oldies to the generation that grew up with them

[Fiftyboiledeggs]

Do any modern releases get played at Peckham?

Have you got yourself a signature end-of-the-night tune?

[Mark S]

5 hours ago, Nstomp97 said:

Soul Source has remained consistently predictable over the years, especially evident since my teenage years when I started DJing. The platform often attracts opinionated keyboard warriors whose views seem irrelevant. The nostalgia for the past, particularly for older individuals reminiscing about their youth, is a prevalent theme... It's still boring. My biggest gripe? As a younger fan, it's frustrating to witness older individuals cashing in on their pensions, contributing to the rising prices of records. Laters 

We all come onto the scene at different times and I appreciate that, and that gives us differing perspectives. 

I am old and opinionated and do reminisce about my youth and that may seem boring to you. 

Many younger people have discovered a ready made scene and have missed the excitement of the scene evolving it was awesome at the time and has shaped our lives in a way that subsequent generations couldn't possibly imagine. 

I make no apologies for my outlook and if it frustrates you so what. 

The Northern soul scene is so divided at the moment posts like yours dont help there is room for everybody that loves the music and has good intent. 

Enjoy the music after all it's supposed to be fun. 

[Woodbutcher]

It'll be interesting to see how many of these youngsters are still out and about doing 'it' when they're in their sixties and beyond having done 'it' for 40, 50, or 60 years ... 

Hopefully they've caught the bug that gripped most of us on here through hearing the music rather than just hopping on the latest trendy bandwagon they've seen on the telly. 

[Leicester Boy]

1 minute ago, Woodbutcher said:

It'll be interesting to see how many of these youngsters are still out and about doing 'it' when they're in their sixties and beyond having done 'it' for 40, 50, or 60 years ... 

Hopefully they've caught the bug that gripped most of us on here through hearing the music rather than just hopping on the latest trendy bandwagon they've seen on the telly. 

More surprising someone in their "youth" would even care what us older guys think, at their age you didn't give one.

[Frankie Crocker]

5 hours ago, Nstomp97 said:

Soul Source has remained consistently predictable over the years, especially evident since my teenage years when I started DJing. The platform often attracts opinionated keyboard warriors whose views seem irrelevant. The nostalgia for the past, particularly for older individuals reminiscing about their youth, is a prevalent theme... It's still boring. My biggest gripe? As a younger fan, it's frustrating to witness older individuals cashing in on their pensions, contributing to the rising prices of records. Laters 

Congratulations on posting one of the most condescending opinions ever seen on Soul-Source, a forum ostensibly for those wishing to share their appreciation of soul music and the soul scene down the decades. The main cause of rising record prices is wannabe-deejays hell-bent on filling their hot-boxes with sounds that have become increasingly scarce. As an old soul-boy, I have insufficient income to buy records but the joy of reading about the soul scene in the 70’s makes up for this

[Hooker1951]

Here we go again,

Happy has can be

All Good Friends

And Jolly good Company

When your Young you are  selfish and expect the world to go around you.

When your Old your just glad your still on this world.

God Bless

Mick L

[Tlscapital]

1 hour ago, Leicester Boy said:

More surprising someone in their "youth" would even care what us older guys think, at their age you didn't give one.

Well not here. Those elders that I encountered with whom I saw no 'malice', who had respect towards one and all without prejudice and evidently had knowledge on music and records (to impress me and learn from), who shared opinions on complex matters and had some taste of their own I 'gave a lot' of toss. Humbly I'll forever be grateful to them. Remembering them for giving me that. Even if with time some went...  taking my own paths quickly from there on. Pulling strings of my own and taking all my liberties in taste, collecting and making my own opinions on it all. 

54 and I still don't see 'age' as an Identity issue. It's evidently part of 'who' one is (physiologically at least) at one time or stage in life. Is it so relevant of one's compatibility factor in social interaction ? Never much for me really. Individually I mean. What is called the 'generation gap' on the other hand is effective in society phenomenon. Hence why it's used and abused by such who deal with society issues such as sociologists and politicians. Who for the most benefit by mounting such pre-defined 'social' groups against each other for the sake of 'power'. Divided we fall...

Remember my first nights early nineties at the 100 Club and loved the music evidently but also the mix of crowd who were there only for the sake of NS music. Specifically sixties (or sounding so if later) sounding proper... no Wigan crap that always left me wondering from day one what got into those dee-jay's and dancers alike back then. Beside drugs. Anyway no dress code (I was a skinhead), a crowd of all ages and not only men... Uncoded and 'open' to one and all as long as one was respectful to all. Before the 2000 'Togetherness' statement that made it all fake IMO.

Edited June 21 by Tlscapital

[Fiftyboiledeggs]

nostalgia is for cowards;)

[Frankie Crocker]

3 hours ago, Tlscapital said:

 

Remember my first nights early nineties at the 100 Club and loved the music evidently but also the mix of crowd who were there only for the sake of NS music. Specifically sixties (or sounding so if later) sounding proper... no Wigan crap that always left me wondering from day one what got into those dee-jay's and dancers alike back then. Beside drugs. Anyway no dress code (I was a skinhead), a crowd of all ages and not only men... Uncoded and 'open' to one and all as long as one was respectful to all. 

Spot on. Vintage years for the nostalgic. Rare 60’s and 70’s tunes, latest discoveries, one-offs, rarest of the rare. Dance floor code followed by all. Folks from all over the country. Sales boxes on the tables full of records you want nowadays. Dress code was smart, presentable, casual, informal and still is. Packed dance floor, good dancers, both ladies and gents. A few new onlookers but barely noticeable. Back then, an underground scene, members only, most folk still on the young side. The 100 Club will long be remembered in the same way as The Wheel, Torch, Wigan, Blackpool etc…you can’t beat a good dose of nostalgia looking back on the scene.

[Tlscapital]

5 hours ago, Fiftyboiledeggs said:

nostalgia is for cowards;)

Am not nostalgic. Coward ?  But what's that got to do with it anyway ? Memories are past. Present is too close and future not yet to be told. Nostalgia in my book is like regret ; not good to live with. Especially in high doses. Being 'middle' age I was merely trying to share bits of my path to make my point that there are different ways to perceive and approach elders when one's a teen or a young adult. Not necessary in defiance but also just like one picks its peers at school going along with those that seem worthy of one's interest, able to teach and inspire for the better.

Like with anything there's always a time and place where it happened 'best'. So I put it in my context at the 100 Club mid 1990's. Would my hook with the NS scene been that strong if not there and then for that matter ? I guess not. Even though I was crate digging long before and loved my NS sounds (mostly not only) and OVO records way before that. Only that 100 Club experience then made me see that scene differently. With respect for those who were therein then. Yet evidently with others less. Or much less. Age for me was never a 'sociability' factor in my book.

Although for some elders as for other peers at school it seemed to be an exclusion factor on its own. For those last seclusion on 'age' factor seemed an evidence. Attitude and similar interest in music and its definition to some extent is all that I am seeking in the music 'nightlife'. Having been put off by the 'New Breed' thing then the NS oldies 'revival' and return from the 'dead' on the NS scene I've stopped traveling to attend nighters. As for today's scene it seems very active 'commercially' with plentiful of nighters about. Even with 'age' "segregated" circuits apparently.

Not saying that they are effectively 'segregated' (today I could still walk in both circuits without being stopped at the doors upon presentation of a valid ID to attest of my 'middle' age) but because that seem to be a prevailing argument both ways 'preferably' by some or 'adversely' by others. Or by none like me and many others. As those journalists articles lines and subjects underline is an observable phenomenon happening. Adding poison to the debate without further contradiction like a proper reporter would for a proper article if ever. Doubling it up with racists assumptions.

Both sides preaching 'tolerance' but that in fact isn't necessary that welcoming to different opinions. FWIW respect is shown not claimed. And tolerance is accepting not to agree on everything. But with for common ground to accept to discuss respectfully with arguments and not insults, not mixing-up facts with beliefs and / or sensitivity with susceptibility. As effectively witnessed on here again hard to find. No wonder both seem doomed. But such is the faith of most scenes. Some survive better than others. Here the 1970's NS lasted through thick and thin this long...

Love it or hate it, it's a fact. In Belgium the Pop-Corn scene too. On a much smaller scale though. What other scenes lasted that long under a same 'banner' ? With for 'line continuity' some originators and newcomers on board ? To a critical point (early 1990's ?) for NS then raising the question of the 'scene' survivalism without 'young blood' new comers. Is that really a valid question one should ask itself ? knowing that institutions come and go. What was was. Whatever will be will be. Here a schism is happening apparently. Not on musical orientation apparently but on age.

Is it some medical 'therapeutic obstinacy' before the doctors pulls out the plug ? Or is a 'second chance' at life ? The answer lies in its 'line continuity' factor IMO. Without individuals making the 'bridge' between them 'scenes' it clearly states this is 'our' thing. Making it somehow 'tribal' and secluded. While the 'New Breed R'n'B' and 'Pop-Corn' things for example intertwined the NS scene. Creating a new 'schism' onto the scene somehow but still under the same 'banner'. Same for the 'continental' Euro-NS scenes... While here a 'generation gap' NS lives in a parallel universe...

Maybe something to consider for some forthcoming 'Mega' NS events with a Championship Dance Competition on wheel chairs with a to a TOP 500 most expensive NS records ever (with Notarial Certificate proof of overpriced paid for purchase) main room, a MS downstairs room next to the paramedic office and a little 'connoisseur' corner next to the loo. All accessible only for bold or white hair dee-jays and punters (and dancers hopefully). AND then have a roof-top terrace instead of room for 'young blood' dee-jays and dancers alike. Making the 'intertwining' happening.

[Hooker1951]

1 hour ago, Tlscapital said:

Am not nostalgic. Coward ?  But what's that got to do with it anyway ? Memories are past. Present is too close and future not yet to be told. Nostalgia in my book is like regret ; not good to live with. Especially in high doses. Being 'middle' age I was merely trying to share bits of my path to make my point that there are different ways to perceive and approach elders when one's a teen or a young adult. Not necessary in defiance but also just like one picks its peers at school going along with those that seem worthy of one's interest, able to teach and inspire for the better.

Like with anything there's always a time and place where it happened 'best'. So I put it in my context at the 100 Club mid 1990's. Would my hook with the NS scene been that strong if not there and then for that matter ? I guess not. Even though I was crate digging long before and loved my NS sounds (mostly not only) and OVO records way before that. Only that 100 Club experience then made me see that scene differently. With respect for those who were therein then. Yet evidently with others less. Or much less. Age for me was never a 'sociability' factor in my book.

Although for some elders as for other peers at school it seemed to be an exclusion factor on its own. For those last seclusion on 'age' factor seemed an evidence. Attitude and similar interest in music and its definition to some extent is all that I am seeking in the music 'nightlife'. Having been put off by the 'New Breed' thing then the NS oldies 'revival' and return from the 'dead' on the NS scene I've stopped traveling to attend nighters. As for today's scene it seems very active 'commercially' with plentiful of nighters about. Even with 'age' "segregated" circuits apparently.

Not saying that they are effectively 'segregated' (today I could still walk in both circuits without being stopped at the doors upon presentation of a valid ID to attest of my 'middle' age) but because that seem to be a prevailing argument both ways 'preferably' by some or 'adversely' by others. Or by none like me and many others. As those journalists articles lines and subjects underline is an observable phenomenon happening. Adding poison to the debate without further contradiction like a proper reporter would for a proper article if ever. Doubling it up with racists assumptions.

Both sides preaching 'tolerance' but that in fact isn't necessary that welcoming to different opinions. FWIW respect is shown not claimed. And tolerance is accepting not to agree on everything. But with for common ground to accept to discuss respectfully with arguments and not insults, not mixing-up facts with beliefs and / or sensitivity with susceptibility. As effectively witnessed on here again hard to find. No wonder both seem doomed. But such is the faith of most scenes. Some survive better than others. Here the 1970's NS lasted through thick and thin this long...

Love it or hate it, it's a fact. In Belgium the Pop-Corn scene too. On a much smaller scale though. What other scenes lasted that long under a same 'banner' ? With for 'line continuity' some originators and newcomers on board ? To a critical point (early 1990's ?) for NS then raising the question of the 'scene' survivalism without 'young blood' new comers. Is that really a valid question one should ask itself ? knowing that institutions come and go. What was was. Whatever will be will be. Here a schism is happening apparently. Not on musical orientation apparently but on age.

Is it some medical 'therapeutic obstinacy' before the doctors pulls out the plug ? Or is a 'second chance' at life ? The answer lies in its 'line continuity' factor IMO. Without individuals making the 'bridge' between them 'scenes' it clearly states this is 'our' thing. Making it somehow 'tribal' and secluded. While the 'New Breed R'n'B' and 'Pop-Corn' things for example intertwined the NS scene. Creating a new 'schism' onto the scene somehow but still under the same 'banner'. Same for the 'continental' Euro-NS scenes... While here a 'generation gap' NS lives in a parallel universe...

Maybe something to consider for some forthcoming 'Mega' NS events with a Championship Dance Competition on wheel chairs with a to a TOP 500 most expensive NS records ever (with Notarial Certificate proof of overpriced paid for purchase) main room, a MS downstairs room next to the paramedic office and a little 'connoisseur' corner next to the loo. All accessible only for bold or white hair dee-jays and punters (and dancers hopefully). AND then have a roof-top terrace instead of room for 'young blood' dee-jays and dancers alike. Making the 'intertwining' happening.

Everybody Now Take a real deep breath and hope for the best!
ML

[Devlam]

It’s heading corporate.

https://fb.watch/td_vlQjgLq/?

Edited July 10 by Devlam

[Tlscapital]

35 minutes ago, Devlam said:

It’s heading corporate.

https://fb.watch/td_vlQjgLq/?

 

[Steve G]

Just a small point, but I wonder just how many young kids from the north of England were going to America in the 70s.  Not that many surely? 

Edited July 11 by Steve G

[Hooker1951]

I went to the USA in the 1970,s but was in my mid 20 ,s, went again in 80 and 81 seen what was going on, Seen a few acts over there in California, ie, Coasters, Bo Didley, Chris Montez, Freddy Cannon etc etc, There were numerous house bands  playing in Santa Monica and on Sunset strip live sets of 1960,s soul and RnB nearly every night you were never far away from Soul music

ML

 

 

Chris Montez

[Benji]

Just wondering, how do you guys want Northern Soul to continue as a dance scene?

[Dobber]

I want it to live forever (as the bag patches always told me)

[Steve G]

10 hours ago, Benji said:

Just wondering, how do you guys want Northern Soul to continue as a dance scene?

I am more than happy for a new generation of young people to take it forward in a direction that suits them. The worst scenario would be that this wonderful music goes the way of doo-wop. But, and it is a big but, not by re-writing history about the history of the scene.  

[Chalky]

On 13/07/2024 at 00:40, Benji said:

Just wondering, how do you guys want Northern Soul to continue as a dance scene?

I think out time in influencing the direction of the scene is about done, the new breed and social media will dictate and is dictating the direction.  We have had out time really, we never for a minute imagined we still be here decades later still doing this thing.  We have certainly had the best of the music and the scene as well.  It's just a parody, watered down and commercially driven now.

As Steve says let them get on with it, as long as history is not rewritten as it seems to be on a daily basis to suit then all is good.

[Paraboliccurve]

On 13/07/2024 at 00:40, Benji said:

Just wondering, how do you guys want Northern Soul to continue as a dance scene?

Why would we even care? I just like the music. 

[Benji]

7 hours ago, Paraboliccurve said:

Why would we even care? I just like the music. 

Who is "we"?

[Hooker1951]

When I started this thread 6 weeks ago I never dreamed it would receive 20,000 views and cause more ripples than wrinkles on Syd James face, Every body is entitled to their view on where NS is heading in the future, because everybody is at different stages of their lives involving the music their personal lives there priorities in life at present , their ages , their health n fitness etc etc all come into play, Especially those who have been there, worn the badge, never been part timers always full on, For us it wasn’t just all niters it was all weekenders and sometimes all weekers so for us it is very hard to reach those heady heights, listening to the all time classics mixed with the best in new sixties, new discoveries in an atmosphere that  was underground and with a mysterious edge to it that only those who did it could feel and know it was something very special and you belonged to that special thing. 60 years on now and it still sounds just as good but there is something missing , The Edge has gone, The magic is gone, The dark dingy sweaty clubs are gone, A lot of the characters that made the scene are gone forever, Instead and I don’t mean to disrespect anyone here because if they like what they are doing and it’s enough for them who am I to disagree, but I’m afraid it’s never going  to be enough for me and I would imagine many more of the same ilk, So my take on the future of NS it will never die but be a watered down version of what we knew, it will be used as it is now as background music in bars and retro clubs even supermarkets etc etc,  even on tv and film soundtracks, People who touched on it years ago will become gurus on the Subject, the young ones who carry it on in their way could go either way they don’t have to discover the music that’s already done for them what they do with it is another question, The future for me is having like minded friends round playing the best and what everybody likes the best with a few strong cocktails maybe a touch of ecstasy and remembering the good times through rose tinted glasses LOl. Whatever you decide to do I wish you all great times, memories, and happiness for the future of N S,

Don’t forget and always remember if you like what your doing keep on doing it

Best wishes

ML

[Kenb]

Sod the eulogy…let’s hope those that follow don’t F’ it up 

[Twoshoes]

16 hours ago, Hooker1951 said:

The magic is gone

I don't disagree with anything you say, yes it is personal to us all, on that note for me it has always been about the music. Life took a different path for me hence I was never part of the scene as such, collecting started at school and didn't stop until children came along. Come the mid 80's I was in my own quiet way on the scene with a mate and his wife discovering all that I had missed in the days of Wigan and the Mecca, much the same as the young guns of today. 

     After starting to buy again during Covid the magic had definitely not died for me, the thrill of that square of cardboard dropping through the door holding my latest buy, nothing expensive mind, later finding records I'd always loved were not as expensive as I thought. The magic of that little 7" piece of vinyl will never die for me. 

    It puts me in the strange position of not so much regretting  I wasn't on the scene in its heyday, sure I'd like to have been but reading posts like yours with a heartfelt loss of a special time in your life as with many others on here in some ways I'm glad I don't feel that something's missing. The magic in my life always has and always will be in the music. Where it goes in the future is up to those falling in love with it anew.

  Whether they are falling in love with the music or the general atmosphere of the events I think will determine the longevity of any scene moving forward. If it's for the music then the future looks a little brighter, if it's going out meeting people, having a drink and a good time well there's plenty of ways to do that and the novelty of the soul scene will wear off when the next media led fad comes along.

    Looking back more than 50 yrs if a certain knock on the door had come 15 mins earlier I could well be in the same position as you, a phone call 15 mins before that knock took my life on a different path, otherwise I would have been on my way to Wigan with a mate who I'm glad to say is still a mate today, he has his memories, I have a nice selection of his records .

[Paraboliccurve]

On 14/07/2024 at 21:05, Benji said:

Who is "we"?

Who is 'you guys'?

[Benji]

Obviously, all members of this forum in general and all members frequenting this thread in particular. Have you answered in their name?

[Leicester Boy]

I think the idea that there is one northern soul "scene" has pretty much disappeared,  so the future is what individuals decide, mainstream events, rare and underplayed, weekenders, nighters, handbags nights, plenty of options for everyone,  personally hope traditional ways continue but that will be down to the next generation. Still good events just harder to find.

[Paraboliccurve]

1 hour ago, Benji said:

Obviously, all members of this forum in general and all members frequenting this thread in particular. Have you answered in their name?

Obviously not. I am part of the group of 'you guys' that doesn't really care, but even there I'm really only answering for myself. I'd have thought that quite... obvious?

I'm not that interested in silly semantics though, so I think I'll leave it there. 

[Mod Life Crisis]

1 hour ago, Leicester Boy said:Still good events just harder to find.

I agree with everything you say. For me, your final line is what remains most fun about today’s scene(s). While remaining loyal to a select number of local clubs run by mates, we love trying out new clubs further afield. Sometimes they fail to hit the spot, but when they do …. .

if you want to get away from Top 500, in your immediate vicinity there are excellent sounds to be heard at the Rugby and Dark Horses all-niters, while Kettering club night offers a good mixture of tunes. We also tend to keep an eye on where our favourite DJs are playing, as they tend to not associate themselves with handbaggers events.

Happy hunting!