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Resident Focus: Bristol Northern Soul Club

April Focus looking at party, radio and indispensable institution Bristol Northern Soul Club. Led by Bristol's very own Northern Soul Girl, Levanna McLean, the face of Northern Soul over the last seven years, she's crafted an event series and radio show which offers a space to hear and dance to Northern Soul classics and rarities.

Words Noods Editorial Published 09.04.24
N

Tell us a little about yourself, where you are in the world, one fun fact about yourself.

L

My name is Levanna a.k.a Northern Soul Girl and I co-host the BRISTOL NORTHERN SOUL CLUB with Eve a.k.a DJ Jackie Brown.

N

How are you spending your days at the moment?

L

At the moment, we have just been through a very busy period, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. Different things are coming in everyday which revolve around the club night we run and around the content we create. The events are becoming more frequent as we are finding the different nights cater for different people and it's very exciting to see lots of new people, and we are really enjoying meeting all the new Northern Soul fans coming through and getting involved. Our day to day tasks are usually planning events up to a year ahead, and making sure we have everything in place DJs and crew, and making sure things are in place so it all runs smoothly.

N

Favourite thing to hear in nature?

L

I love hearing waves on the beach… Especially just before sunset. There is something so soothing about it. I dont get much time off so when I do, it's got to be near a beach.

N

First song you fell in love with?

L

One of the first songs I played repeatedly as I was getting into Northern Soul which is when I really started to find myself and find my own music style. The song epitomises Northern soul, and will always take me back to where I started from.

N

If you could have anyone around for dinner, who would it be and what would you cook?

L

It would have to be Bowie. He is just a musical genius, I would love to just sit in a room with him and listen to him talk about music and his creative processes. He was so ahead of his time, and was not afraid to explore uncharted territory.

N

What album do you jump to when all else fails?

L

Little Anthony - Going Out of My Head. All the songs are real heart pounders and it gives me chills every time.

N

You’re cycling home after a breakup, what are you listening to?

L

It's a moody yet elegant girly song and you can just sing your heart out to it.

N

What is inspiring you outside of music right now?

L

Skateboarding has always been my second passion and inspiration but I have found a recent love for surfing too. It's such a thrill to be out on the waves but at the very same time, so peaceful.

N

How has where you grew up informed your taste?

L

I was born in Bristol and grew up here. I think the outgoing mentality of Bristolians has brought out a lot of craziness in me too, dancing in the street, going against the grain - Bristol has always done things differently and I think a bit of that is in me and my music taste.

N

You’re about to do karaoke with someone famous, who are you doing it with and what are you singing?

L

Probably my soul mates, they are famous to me, we mostly like all the same songs and at the afters, we always end up playing each other's songs, and belting out the lyrics.

Make sure you go check their show for us and keep up to date with their events on their Instagram.

by Noods Radio