Music / Feature
Nathan Shepherd on indie music, the power of the BBC and Bristol’s music community
Following the success of the BBC Radio 6 Music Festival’s Indie Forever night in Manchester, the radio station has announced that the indie forever club night will be coming to Bristol next.
“Bristol is just the hub of everything. It’s great. It’s similar to Manchester that way, very diverse and there’s a lot going on, so yeah, it just seems seems a right place to do it,” Nathan Shepherd tells Bristol24/7.
As of June 2023, Nathan is the host of BBC Radio 6 Music’s Indie Forever show. He is also known for the viral music mash-ups he produced during lockdown under his band name, Good Future.
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Has he always been passionate about indie music?
“I’ve always been into it, I’ve been raised on bands from the 70s, 80s, 90s, that kind of vibe. I think when you’re younger you kind of gravitate towards indie music, it resonates with you more as a child,” he tells us.
This passion for discovering new music is translated into Nathan’s radio show, spotlighting infamous artists like Arctic Monkeys and Oasis, alongside rising stars like Bristol’s own Getdown Services.
The DJ caught the duo’s track on a Spotify playlist before watching them support Donny Benet in Manchester in March.
“I love that album, Crisps [Getdown Services debut album], I’ve got it on vinyl, I think they’re great.
“But that’s why I’m always big on the support acts. A lot of people probably didn’t even know Getdown Services but they got down early and everyone loved them.”
The first Indie Forever Club Night took place on March 8 at BBC Radio 6 Music Festival in Greater Manchester, featuring an almost all-female lineup in honour of International Women’s Day.
“I thought was so good, an amazing weekend,” Nathan tells us. “It was Independent Women’s Day and it was Emily Pilbeam, Amy Lamé, Lily Fontaine, Lolly Adefope and then I finished the night.
“It was just a mint night all round. I’m hopeful the Bristol one will be just as good as that, I was extremely happy.”
Taking place on April 19 at Thekla, the event will welcome DJ sets from Steve Lamacq, Welsh punk quintet Panic Shack, BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Nathan Shepherd and Bristol’s own IDLES.
It’s a great lineup at a brilliant venue, known for it’s beloved indie scene – Thekla hosts Pressure every Thursday night which showcases the best of indie bangers.
How did such a good lineup come about?
“The power of the BBC,” Nathan laughs.
IDLES returns to Bristol for a hometown live set at Thekla. photo: Matt Barnes
“In terms of the lineup, I think it was just the power that be and I’m just thankful to be honest, very thankful to be doing it and for being on a lineup with some amazing people.
“IDLES, they will probably walk to the venue, they don’t need to drive three hours from Manchester. You’ve got the legend Steve Lamacq, and then you’ve got Panic Shack who are a new rising band so I think it just showcases what 6 Music is all about.”
There is a hope that the events will become a regular thing, going across the country spreading the love of indie music for all to hear.
Tickets are on sale now at https://www.ents24.com/bristol-events/thekla/bbc-radio-6-music-club-indie-forever
Main photo: SJM Concerts
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