Searching for Aural Gold

Working as a Corporate Engagement & Publishing manager for a record exposes me to a lot of music, but you still have to know where to find it. So, here’s a quick run down of some decent places to find those sonic (aural) treasures.

Middlesex students are particularly blessed when it comes to discovering an evening of sonic treats. North London has some of the best mix of live music venues in the country, all conveniently close together and easy to get to (and even more importantly - get back from!)

The best pickings of the music scene are found in Camden. Boasting three of London’s best performance spaces within walking distance of each other and the tube station: KOKO, Electric Ballroom and The Roundhouse offer pickings from some of the biggest international artists.

However, as is so often the case, some of the finest jewels around are found with just a little bit more searching.

For those in love with a distorted guitar, The Underworld, The Blackheart, The Devonshire Arms, Nightclub Kolis/The Lounge and The Unicorn have options unmatched anywhere in the UK.

Those who are after a more electronic night are just as spoilt for choice, with The Camden Assembly, Dingwalls, FEST Camden, Scala and the Electric Ballroom.

However, everything else on offer still boggles the mind. From international artists playing intimate and sweaty shows at The Blues Kitchen, Northern Soul ska and rock n roll at Joes, truly vintage vinyls at the Elephants Head. The beautiful thing about all of these venues is the fact they are independent and mostly locally owned. This shows through in the quality of their programming and, just as importantly, sound quality!