Tonic Music @ Teenage Kicks
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Tonic Music were thrilled to support Teenage Kicks’s debut at The Fickle Pickle in Westcliff on Thursday 12th February.
On a school night, you would have typically seen me drawing on my bed listening to Muse’s entire discography at a volume that was higher than I would like to admit, suddenly remembering I had English homework due the next morning, and began to frantically scan the pages of a Shakespeare book and hope that it would all sink in.
However, if I ever had the option to attend a Teenage Kicks gig on a Thursday evening, I would have certainly been up for that instead.
Held at The Fickle Pickle Club in Westcliff-On-Sea, Teenage Kicks is a club night that knocks down the age restrictions on gigs– bringing local live music to the forefront of the next generation.
Partnering with Southend-based promoter Indie Cult Club, the event welcomes anyone over 14 to attend, as well as providing a safe and affordable way for young people to enjoy live music, with tickets costing just £3 on the door.
“There is nothing better than seeing live music and the crowd cheering,” says Jenny Sexton of Teenage Kicks, “and when you are under 18, you are not supposed to be drinking. They can get drunk on the atmosphere of a gig instead.”
Kickstarting the club night on the 12th February, Teenage Kicks was undeniably a success.
Something you could not miss as doors opened was the atmosphere– a concoction of nerves and anticipation whether anyone was going to turn up or not, as it was Teenage Kicks debut.
As though I had just blinked, the venue went from playing indie music with no one to listen, to crowds of young people gradually pouring through the doors onto the dancefloor.
And with that, the night had begun.
Teenage Kicks offered three killer bands to perform, including Tonic Supporters Monumental headlining, The IDKs, The Number Twenty, and Indie Cult Club’s very own DJ keeping the liveliness going between sets.
The IDKs were up first. The four-piece band took no time in stirring up a storm in Westcliff, and kicked off the night enthusiastically with rock n roll inspired tunes.
Up next was The Number Twenty, which did not disappoint either. Offering a soundscape similar to the likes of Sam Fender and Arctic Monkeys, the indie band did not hesitate to engage with the audience by encouraging them to clap on time with an original song, to which the crowd delivered exuberantly.
It was now Monumental’s time to perform, closing the first of many Teenage Kicks club nights with a bang.
Crashing into their set with strong vocals, gritty guitar riffs, explosive drum lines, and punchy bass riffs, the Tonic Supporters even incited a mosh pit to form in the middle of the dancefloor, which of course went down a treat with the young audience.
When chatting to Monumental, the band spoke about how “detrimental” music is to their mental health.
“Listening to music is a way to just chill out,” explains drummer Denny, “and playing music is a way to get sadness or anger out of you.”
Similarly, lead guitarist Alfie described making music as a form of therapy for him.
“When I am writing songs, it helps me get out my feelings and talk about my experiences.”
“Getting your thoughts out by writing,” says singer Finn, “does help because not only are you getting those feelings out, you are creating something good and it can leave you with a sense of pride.”
When asking advice for other musicians in terms of looking after their mental health, bassist Nathan stated to simply “speak out”.
“There is always someone to listen to you, and there is always someone’s shoulder to cry on. It is important to use music to benefit you instead of using it as a shield to hide behind.”
Catch Tonic Music at the next Teenage Kicks club night
Thursday 9th April at The Fickle Pickle Club at 7pm.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Don't forget to check out all our Courses, Groups and Workshops currently open for registration for working musicians and those working within the music.
