Words and Photos: Elliot Louis
One of the often-overlooked aspects of a gig is the role that ‘space’ plays in shaping the experience. The size of the venue profoundly impacts the sound and the presence of the artist, creating an atmosphere that can feel as important as the music itself. Last night’s performances at Prohibition Studios perfectly illustrated this, transforming the cozy venue into a space where stories were told and worlds were created, much like turning the pages of a book.
Nicola Hardman’s set drew from a wide range of material of her earlier albums/EPs and featuring some new tracks. Hardman stands out as an artist who can seamlessly blend the sophistication of jazz with the expansive soundscapes of progressive rock and psychedelia without being boxed into either genre. The audience enjoyed her set, especially tracks like “Take Me Away” and “Little Fish” and she even surprised everyone with a cover of an Incubus song, ‘Echo’ off the Morning View album. Nicola Hardman has a new album in the works.
Roxanne de Bastion followed with a similarly genre-blurring set, fusing old and new influences into something that felt distinctly modern. She opened with a high-energy guitar riff reminiscent of
something like Wire or Gang of Four before shifting to a more intimate piano performance. Her set felt rich with history, giving the audience music that was layered, textured, and deeply resonant. One highlight of her set was the performance of her song “Vienna,” which uses a home recording of her grandfather’s original piano playing from the 1950s, adding a deeply personal and historical layer to her music. She tied it all together by blending different musical eras, ultimately closing with a cover of Chappell Roan, bringing her set full circle.
As the night came to a close, the audience lingered, eager to express their admiration for both artists. In the intimate setting of Prohibition Studios, the connection between performers and listeners felt warm and genuine. We’d had the chance to witness two gifted storytellers share their tales of love, loss, and hope, all while adding a generous dose of humour and playful banter with the audience. It was a reminder that we should cherish and appreciate the spaces we inhabit.
Links:
Roxanne De Bastion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxannemusic
Nicola Hardman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicola.hardman
Prohibition Studios
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prohibitionrecordingstudios