Unsigned talent on show

Lyrically Speaking offers a new acoustic showcase at Shoreham’s Ropetackle Centre of Arts (Wednesday, July 20), hosted by Brighton’s Donna Fullman, a performer currently at work on her debut album.

As Donna says, if the night goes well, the hope would be to turn it into a regular event, presenting the “very best unsigned talent from Sussex’s vibrant, eclectic music scene”.

The idea is to feature rising stars and musicians about to break into the mainstream, from folk to blues, Americana to country.

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Donna will herself headline the night: “It’s very much trial and error to see how it goes. Each of the performers will have about 20 minutes. We have got five acts including myself. It will be a big night. I will do about 45 minutes.”

Donna brought an EP out, called Happiness And Victory, three years ago; she’s hoping to bring out her debut album, Inner World, late summer. Listeners should detect an interesting progression between the two.

“I would say the music is alternative folk rock, though some would say folk blues or indie folk. It’s certainly transitional.

“At the moment, I am moving out of folk into... well, less folk. I think that’s because we have different rhythms, different instrumentation, moving more into a West coast blues, American feel. I think that’s what will determine where the album goes. It is going to be a different vibe from the current EP.

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“For the show we are hoping it will be a chance to preview some of the new stuff. I have played some of the new tracks solo, but this will be this first full band experience of them.

“I have been doing the music now for seven years, 100 per cent commited. Before that, I was just writing. We have been quite successful in America. We have had lots of air play. I am looking to go out there in September to do an East Coast tour.”

Doors open at 7.30pm. Music starts 8pm Tickets £4.50 from the venue on 01273 464440. The full line-up will be Donna Fullman, Emily Baker, Sam Batt, Conrad Vingoe and Samantha Horwill.

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