Music Box

05/09/2022

04/09/2022

Smoove and Turrell on stage kicking it Northern Coal style!

04/09/2022

Let’s have it! The Big AC Soul R***e is now on stage!

Where are you? You’re missing such a great show.

04/09/2022

Now on stage, King Bee funking it up!

04/09/2022

Little reminder of todays line-ups

04/09/2022

The ☀️ is out and Weekend Sun have kicked off todays Music Box.

Get yourself down here to enjoy the tunes

04/09/2022

It’s going to be a great day at Music Box today in Darlington.

Smoove and Turrell Ashley Beedle Big AC Soul R***e with Nick Corbin Abi Farrell Emma Noble Carmy Love, Weekend Sun, King Bee, Steve Tolson and Mr Watson are playing.

There’s also parties all around town with some of the best Soul, Funk and Disco DJs playing.

Plus it’s all free!

03/09/2022

Tonights Music Box stages...

Spinning soulful vinyl till late...

03/09/2022

Todays DJ line up....

Wood fired Pizza from Greedy Soul

Vinyl market stalls

Great tunes

03/09/2022

Main Stage set up nearly complete

Sound check soon then first tunes at midday

02/09/2022

All kicks off tomorrow from midday

02/09/2022

House Of Hop are hosting one of our break outs with some excellent DJ’s.

Music Box are proud to bring you great sounds all over the weekend all over the town!

02/09/2022

Here’s the set times for the DJ’s on the Hoochie Coochie stage on Saturday.

Expect some cracking tunes to be dropped here!

02/09/2022

Here’s the set times for this Sunday on the Hoochie Coochie stage in Darlington’s market square.

Smoove and Turrell, Big AC, Abi Farrell, Carmy Love, Emma Noble, Nick Corbin, King Bee, Ashley Beedle, Weekend Sun

02/09/2022

Playing on Sunday as part of the Big AC Soul R***e, Emma Noble is a British singer, songwriter and DJ born in Hampshire, England. She is one of the members of the DJ duo Noble & Heath, and in 2020 she released her first single as a solo artist, "No Turning Back".

Between 2013 and 2014, Noble sang back up vocals for New Street Adventure, and after that started to write and sing with the musician and producer Lack of Afro. Together they wrote songs, including "Fires Glow" for the album "Hello Baby", which was featured on BBC 6 Music's Album Of The Year 2017.

Together with Sophie Heath, she formed the DJ duo Noble & Heath. The duo has played music in places like the Royal Albert Hall, XOYO, and KOKO. They also host their own show on the radio station Totally Wired Radio.

In June 2020 she released the single "No Turning Back" which was her first single as a solo artist. It premiered on Eddie Piller's Eclectic Soul Show on Totally Wired Radio, and was soon thereafter played on BBC Radio London by Gary Crowley, and by Craig Charles in the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show on BBC 6 Music.
The song was followed up by the single "Woman Of The World", which premiered on BBC Radio London the same year, and was featured on their 6 Music Recommends with Lauren Laverne. The song is a cover of a 1972 Marvin Gaye song from the album " You're The Man" (released in 2019).

01/09/2022

Hash Bar on Sunday 4th

The Butt Naked Soulful House Sessions

01/09/2022

Mr Watson, who is hosting the main stage on Sunday has just posted his regular DL21 show from Method Radio on Mixcloud with a special programme showcasing the artists playing the Hoochie Coochie stage at Music Box.

Click and enjoy 2 hours of tunes from Smoove & Turrell, The Big AC Soul R***e stars inc Nick Corbin, Emma Noble, Abi Farrell and Carmy Love, Ashley Beedle, King Bee & Weekend Sun.

https://www.mixcloud.com/james-watson/dl21-with-mr-watson-on-method-radio-31st-august-2022-music-box-special/

A special programme showcasing the artists playing at the Music Box festival on Sunday 4th September in Darlington. Includes tracks from Smoove & Turrell, The Big AC Soul R***e: Nick Corbin, Carmy Love, Abi Farrell, Emma Noble. Also Ashley Beedle, King Bee and Weekend Sun.

01/09/2022

This Saturday, we have some brilliant DJ’s on the Hoochie Coochie stage playing Soul, Funk and Disco for you whilst you enjoy a drink, eat some food, browse through the vinyl fair.

Come down and enjoy the tunes!

12-1pm Daz Carr

1-2pm Paul Wright

2-3pm Dave Hancock

3-4pm Mike Charlton

4-5pm Bob Armstrong

5-6pm Sean Treacy

6-7pm Steve Szekely

7-8pm Gary Prescott

31/08/2022

Playing this Sunday at Music Box as part of The Big AC Soul R***e, Abi Farrell has been described by London’s ‘Soul Stripped Sessions’ as ‘a powerhouse and then some’. Oxfordshire’s Abi Farrell was raised on a soundtrack of female-driven pop, funk and soul.

Influences from the likes of Aretha, Carole King, Eva Cassidy and Chaka Khan may all be present in Abi’s music but each song is brought into the here and now by her effortlessly pure voice and lyrical dexterity.

In November 2019 she released her debut EP ‘The Only Way I Learn’ which has amassed nearly 50K streams to date.

Following its release, Abi was named Richer Unsigned’s ‘Artist of the Week’ - “Abi’s control and vibrato of her incredible vocal tone is truly stunning”.

At an East London jam In February 2020, a chance meeting with Nick Corbin (New Street Adventure, Lack of Afro, Laville, Big AC Records), sparked a songwriting partnership that would develop fruitfully over lockdown.

A shared love of soulful music contributed to ‘Empowered’ - Abi’s solo composition, re-produced in demo form by Nick - and the co-written ‘I Will See You Through’.

The songs attracted the attention of producer, Mitch Ayling (The Milk), who invited Abi and her band to record at Woods Lodge Studio in Essex.

Darlington, you’re in for such a treat!

31/08/2022

Sunday sessions at Number One Bar.... Sept 4th... And it's FREE

31/08/2022

Playing this Sunday as part of The Big AC Soul R***e, Carmy Love may be a familiar face to fans of New Street Adventure: As an original member of the band she made a major contribution to “No Hard Feelings” - NSA’s debut album on Acid Jazz - with her stunning backing vocals elevating the record to modern soul classic status.

Born and raised in North West London, Carmy had a rich musical upbringing: Her Mother and Step-Father were DJs on several underground stations including Roots, Unique and Flava Radio.

The likes of Janet Kay, Louisa Marks and Chaka Khan all featured heavily during her formative years, whilst an early grounding in Gospel singing developed her vocal style and stage craft.

Having also sung with Cool Million, Ruby Blu and House Gospel Choir it’s now time for Carmy Love to take centre-stage by teaming up with Big AC Records to release her first two solo singles.

Produced by Mitch Ayling (The Milk) and backed by a NSA-heavy line-up of musicians, her first 7” single ‘Thinkin’ About You’ & ‘Rebel’ sold out and offers an exciting glimpse of what’s to come from this incredible new soul artist.

31/08/2022

This Sunday! Whatever the weather, Music Box will be the place to be.

Independently established in East London by husband and wife, Nick Corbin and Sophie Heath, Big AC Records is all about creative collaboration, working with contemporary artists to bring brand new funk and soul music to your turntables!

Whilst many soul-specialist labels are reissuing older sounds, Big AC Records work with new talent to create brand new, beautifully packaged compositions, pressing them on to limited-edition wax for vinyl enthusiasts like yourselves to play out loud.

As head of the label’s A&R, Nick is passionately involved in the craft of each record, offering his expertise in songwriting, production and performance.

Over the past 10 years he has worked with a high calibre of artists, producers and musicians, whilst writing for his own band New Street Adventure (Acid Jazz) and, more recently, his self-released solo album. “Sweet Escape”

Sophie brings extensive knowledge of the funk and soul scene; she is one half of vinyl DJ duo Noble & Heath who, amongst their usually busy gig schedule, host a popular show on Totally Wired Radio.

As well as managing the label, Sophie oversees art direction and design, ensuring each release is uniquely personal to each of our artist collaborations.

We hope you enjoy the sounds of Big AC Records and their Soul R***e playing on the Hoochie Coochie stage just after 4pm this Sunday

31/08/2022

Come and have a rifle through some records this weekend.

Maybe you'll find that missing piece of vinyl you've been searching for.

Or possibly get your first record and start a collection your wife/husband will be proud of.

Market Sq.... Saturday.... tunes.... food.... records

31/08/2022

Juke Box @ House of Hop - Part of the Music Box tribe this weekend.

Spinning Modern & Nu Soul all weekend.

Pop in, grab a drink, & tune in

28/08/2022

Here’s the full schedule for the live acts at Music Box on Sunday 4th September.

Can’t wait to see everyone there.

6.30-8pm Smoove and Turrell

5.45-6.30pm Ashley Beedle

4.15-5.45pm Big AC Soul R***e with Nick Corbin, Abi Farrell, Carmy Love & Emma Noble

3-4.15pm Ashley Beedle

2-3pm King Bee

1.30-2pm Steve Tolson

12:30-1.30pm Weekend Sun

12-12.30pm Mr Watson

27/08/2022

Stick these in the diary for next weekend.

Some pretty awesome tunes getting smashed out across the town next weekend

Sat and Sun soundtrack is all in hand

27/08/2022

// MUSIC BOX SATURDAY //

Plenty to keep your ears happy next Saturday.

Hoochie Coochie Main Stage on the market square. Plus plenty of food stalls and record fair.

Then the tunes continue into the night at
House of Hop
Market Tap
Vesuvio

26/08/2022

1 week to go.... oof

25/08/2022

Music Box are honoured to have the legendary DJ and producer Ashley Beedle playing the main stage on Sunday 4th September.

Beedle first began DJing in the late 1980s during the heyday of acid house. After hearing Norman Jay on KISS FM, he became more interested in deep disco. In the early 1990s, he teamed up with Rob Mello and John Howard to form the Black Science Orchestra, who released several club hits in the 1990s (such as their remix of The Trammps's "Where Were You?", "Strong", and "New Jersey Deep").
Beedle and the Black Science Orchestra were among the first British acid house artists to achieve notice in the house music community in the United States.

While working with the Black Science Orchestra, Beedle also started a project with David Hill and Rocky & Diesel, known as The Ballistic Brothers. The resulting LP, 1994's London Hooligan Soul, was a major dance music hit. Soon after this release, he teamed up again with Rocky & Diesel as X-Press 2; their single "The Sound" became a dance hit in America.
The Ballistic Brothers returned in 1997 with a second full-length, Rude System, and alongside them Beedle released two solo EPs. Beedle continued to remix into the 2000s, and was head of the labels Soundboy Entertainment, Afroart, and Ill Sun.

X-Press 2’s track “Lazy" features vocals from Scottish-American singer and Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and reached number two on the UK Singles Chart.

In 2003, Beedle remixed Elton John's 1979 single "Are You Ready for Love". It became a number-one hit, Beedle's first chart-topper and John's fifth.

In 2010, he collaborated with Darren Morris on Mavis, an album inspired by Mavis Staples.

Ashley teamed up with Jo Wallace and Darren Morris to form the North Street Studio One Remix crew and they add their golden touch to a lot of the Ramrock Record labels artists and many more.

Ashley is one of the musicians mentioned in the lyrics to the Daft Punk song "Teachers", a true salute to someone so respected in the scene.

If you’ve not heard Ashley’s compilation “Grass Roots”, check it out for some of the tunes which form some of his musical influences and inspiration.

Expect some amazing sounds when Ashley DJ’s on the main stage at Music Box.

24/08/2022

You’re all in for a treat as Weekend Sun will be the opening act kicking off the Sunday of Music Box in style!

Influenced by sample-heavy 90s Hip Hop, with its rule-breaking blend of 60s Soul and Funk and old danceable jazz, Darlington’s Weekend Sun blend the old with the new. This is not another wannabe derivative funk band. Some Double bass and beats, meet Teesside and Tyneside’s finest musicians whose influences vary wildly: from early Duke Ellington and New Orleans jazz through to the Incredible Bongo band, Be–Bop and Tribe called Quest.

Weekend Sun’s first demo-collaboration was given airplay on BBC 6’s Craig Charles' Funk & Soul show and then released on HERO records in as a sold out limited edition 7”.
It was the B-side ‘Keep Running’ that brought Weekend Sun the most praise.

It contrasts strongly with the Mr Scruff-style instrumental A-side. Their first attempt at a vocal track, it blends sultry vocals with Ramsey Lewis style double bass line and jazzy touches from a Fender Rhodes.

The successful move into jazz-tinged soul and funk territory saw the creation of a live band and support slots for the likes of Bellaruche (Tru Thoughts), Craig Charles’ live show and festival appearances including headlining a stage at Camp Bestival.

Encouraged by the support of local DJs, (receiving regular plays on BBC Newcastle, BBC Tees, BBC Scotland and Solar radio), the band kept a 70s funk soundtrack type feel and released another 7” on Hero records, with the Get Carter style Fender Rhodes, congas and wah wah guitar, this attracted further airplay from Dean Rudland (The Modcast / Acid Jazz) and remixes by Renegades of Jazz.

They played at the iconic 100 Club with New Street Adventure.
They supported Smoove & Turrell in Sunderland and supported Freak Power at The Borderline.
They were chosen to support Ocean Colour Scene, Soul II Soul & Brand New Heavies amongst others at the excellent Hardwick Live festival.

Marcia Carr (Mi-Soul Radio), Craig Charles (BBC 6 Music) and Eddie Piller (Totally Wired Radio / Acid Jazz) have all been playing their records. The world famous Norman Jay MBE also dropped Weekend Sun on his show.

Their ‘Losers & Fools’ song was voted the 'Sound Of The Summer' by Chris Donald (Viz) from the BBC Radio Newcastle Soul Club.

Renowned and respected producers Al Kent, Andy Smith and Mr Bird have all recently remixed new tracks by Weekend Sun.

22/08/2022

Less than 2 weeeks to go until Music Box hits Darlington.

Please let us introduce you to King Bee.

Created in 2011 by north-east based Dave Wilde and Chris Jelly, the original jazz/funk fusion sounds
of this seven piece Newcastle based band have carved a niche as some of the finest exponents of the genre in the UK.

Their debut album “King Bee” recorded in Newcastle in 2014 and mastered in Los Angeles was a success from the start, scoring a 9/10 from legendary magazine Blues and Soul.

In 2016, the band’s debut 7′′ single “Money Gone” was again a favourite with Blues and Soul Magazine, topped many DJ charts, reached Number One in the Juno Bestselling Vinyl Funk Chart, was included in Craig Charles “Best Funk Bangers” of 2016 on BBC6 Music, and became a b-boy favourite when re-mixed for the dancefloor by DJ Smoove.

The follow up vinyl release “Bee to the Flower” included a revision by renowned French DJ/Producer The Reflex and caught the ear of JazzFM DJ Robbie Vincent with a subsequent play-listing on the Ronnie Scott’s Radio Show.

The band has given exciting dance inducing live performances up and down the country, at Band on the Wall, Hoochie Coochie, Pizza Express Holburn, Sage Gateshead and many more, supporting the likes of Craig Charles, Roy Ayers and Lonnie Liston Smith along the way.

12/08/2022

Music Box can’t wait to introduce you to the Big AC Soul R***e with Nick Corbin, Carmy Love, Abi Farrell and Emma Noble on vocals.

Big AC Records have released some amazing singles over the last 2 years and this is the label coming together to celebrate their success.

You’re in for such a treat!

Playing on the Hoochie Coochie stage on Sunday 4th September.

11/08/2022

Just over 3 weeks until Music Box kicks off in Darlington.

Saturday 3rd Sept has a fantastic roster of DJs and a vinyl fair.

Sunday 4th Sept is the live music day.

Smoove and Turrell are headlining with Ashley Beedle DJing, The Big AC Soul R***e with Nick Corbin, Carmy Love, Abi Farrell and Emma Noble, King Bee and Weekend Sun all playing.

There will be plenty of food stalls to choose from and a bar.

Put it in your diary!

https://facebook.com/events/s/music-box-2022/1251580278715007/

10/06/2022

Here it is!

We are so proud to announce an amazing weekend of free music for you all.

The Music Box lineup for Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September in Darlington Market Square on the Hoochie Coochie stage.

On the Saturday, there will be some great DJ's playing, a record fair, street food and a bar.

The Sunday is then taking it to the next level!

Live music from Smoove and Turrell

The Big AC Records Soul R***e with Nick Corbin, Emma Noble, Abi Farrell and Carmy Love

King Bee

Weekend Sun

As if that wasn't enough, there will also be afternoon DJ sets from Ashley Beedle & Sophie Heath in between bands.

The party doesn't stop there, on both the Saturday and the Sunday, there will be Bands & DJ's playing in bars across the town to keep you all dancing.

Get this weekend in your diary, it's going to be massive and it's all free!

09/06/2022

Get ready and strap yourselves in!

At 6pm tomorrow (Fri 11th June), the amazing lineup will be announced for the new revamped Music Box festival in Darlington.

You’re gonna love it!

27/05/2022

Shut the front door ....

Music Box is back for 2022 !!!

Being honest we've had a little revamp and this year and the focus is Soul - Funk - Disco. Please trust us when we say the line up is stellar (not Stella).

We have two days of some seriously awesome musicians, vinyl junkies spinning tunes, live music, vinyl fair, street food, dancing, booze, and absolute top craic.

Check out the shiny poster for dates, put your holiday requests in and take the Monday off work.

Keep your eyes peeled for full details of all DJs, artists and associated frivolity..... Trust us when we say it's absolutely top drawer.

26/05/2022

News just in...... we are getting reports of something epic happening on the horizon.

Government officials are recommending everybody straps themselves in and keep eyes peeled for Music Box info.

26/05/2022

08/06/2016

Rock 'n' (barrel) Roll.

Barrel rolling high jinx from Goy Boy McIlroy at Avalon Darlington stage.

Video by Brian Boxx

08/06/2016

Even more snaps this time courtesy of Neil Hanlon.