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Back in spring 2015, I hatched a plan to form Nymphs & Thugs as an independent spoken word record label. The intention was always to run it as a small DIY outfit with a punk ethos at its core. However, it was destined for bigger things as soon as I met Salena Godden in a pub beer garden in Camden in summer 2016.

N&T has gradually grown into a nationally-established organisation. We seem to be well respected on the UK spoken word scene and have also worked with artists around the globe. This culminated in our Transatlantic ‘Disarm Hate x Poetry‘ project in 2021.

However, since our ‘LIVEwire’ tour in 2019-20, N&T has been recognised much more as an events producer than a record label. This is something that I’ve always been keen to push as much as possible, as well as introducing writer development to our offering.

So, N&T has evolved into a new organisation: LIVEwire Poetry. This new organisation will specialise in live events and writer development, whilst allowing N&T to do its own thing as an offshoot. The plan is to release at least one album per year and properly develop the record label side of things in its own dedicated field.

Continue reading “Introducing our next era: LIVEwire Poetry”

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After experiencing catastrophic production delays which wreaked havoc around Europe, we finally have our Disarm Hate x Poetry vinyl! Firstly, we’d just like to apologise profusely to the customers who’ve pre-ordered these and have been waiting patiently for them to arrive.

The records were pressed at Deepgrooves in the Netherlands, which is the greenest pressing plant in the world. But when we sent them our masters back in spring 2021, not even they could have predicted how long it would take for the job to actually be finished. It turns out that COVID + Brexit = quite the combo.

But the important thing is that they’re here now, in all their glory. And as pre-orders are shipped around the UK, out to Europe, and over to the US, the remaining copies are available to purchase here for £20 plus P+P.

You can read more about the Disarm Hate x Poetry project here. And it’s important to note that all profits from these vinyl sales will be split between LGBTQ charities. Apologies again for the delay. And fingers crossed you’ll all love this album as much as we do…!

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what a line-up this is!! for our second ‘Tubthumping’ event at the Old Woollen and our final event overall of 2023, we welcome Toby Campion and Khadijah Ibrahiim to Farsley. this is a rip-roaring night of spoken word and poetry which aims to pair nationally and internationally-renowned feature acts alongside some of the best new talent that West Yorkshire has to offer.

as always, there’ll be a showcase section featuring some of the region’s finest emerging talent. and your hosts for the evening will be Maria Ferguson and Matt Abbott. tickets are available here for £12 plus booking fee.

Tubthumping at the Old Woollen, Farsley on Thu 23 Nov
Continue reading “Tubthumping #8 | Toby Campion & Khadijah Ibrahiim on 23 Nov”

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we’re thrilled to have been invited to programme a showcase as part of this year’s Deer Shed Festival. if you’re lucky enough to be going, make sure you’re at The Lodge Stage on Saturday for 11am! performances from Abdullah Adekola, Caitlin McKenna, and Amy Schofield. more info here.

Nymphs & Thugs | Deer Shed '23
N&T Presents at Deer Shed Festival on Saturday 29 July
Continue reading “N&T Presents at Deer Shed Festival on 29 Jul”

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our ‘Tubthumping’ night returns for 2023 in a brand-new venue! we were all gutted to see The Constitutional close its doors for the final time, but the Old Woollen is one of the most exciting venues with an LS postcode and we’re buzzing to have been given the opportunity to programme there.

up first – pulling no punches – Steven ‘Polarbear’ Camden and Jasmine Gardosi! tickets are available here for £11 plus booking fee.

Nymphs & Thugs | Tubthumping June 2023
Tubthumping at Old Woollen, Farsley on Thursday 8 June

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we’ve decided to trial a new semi-regular series of intimate live poetry events at the snug in Hyde Park Book Club. this will feature extended sets by our headline act, followed by a relaxed interview and q+a. our very first headliner is Stephen James Smith!

Snug Sessions with Stephen James Smith on Tuesday 25 April

the event will be hosted by Matt Abbott, who will also be Stephen’s support act. tickets are available here for £8/6.

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Chelping returns for 2023 with its 20th installment, starring Clare Shaw and Nafeesa Hamid on Thursday 16 March! join us in the breathtaking 255-year-old The Leeds Library for one of the city’s leading poetry nights.

unfortunately, at the time of typing, all of the open mic slots have gone. apologies for any disappointment caused.

Chelping at The Leeds Library on Thursday 16 March
Continue reading “Chelping #20 | Clare Shaw & Nafeesa Hamid on 16 Mar”