First of all, hello to everyone. First post as I'm not a keen writer on forums, but I have been lurking on these pages for a few years. And i have read a few threats about the problem with young people on the (rare, northern, whatever) soul scene. Here's my two pence's worth: When I moved to London when i was 20, I started going to Mod and Soul Nighters on my own, not knowing anybody or much about Northern Soul (well, knowing as much as you can know when you are interrested in this music/scene, and come from a small continental town). I am still passionate about soul music a few years down the line, and travel to soul nights throughout England and Europe with some of my fellow "young" soulies. Bottom line: I don't really get the discussions about youngsters in the scene and it's future. If youg'uns come to Nighters and love the music plus the whole shebang around it, they will stick with it, if not than not. No need to make the scene seem like something it is not to attract young people just for the sake of it. It is what it is, a nice mix of people from around 20 up to 70 (?) that share a common passion, including music/records, dancing, drinking etc. And anyway, I see plenty of "young" folks at the nighters i attend, and loads of young DJs putting on their own nights (which are also attended by olds). Hope that makes any sense.
M
