Here is a question: why should you get out to support independent music in 2025?
Answer- because so much of it is so good!
Morganway is an example of one of those bands that have worked incredibly hard to get a decent foot in the door; there are so many indications that they are heading all the way up, not least us here at the magazine saying so lol. Bluntly, we are blessed in the UK with some great little venues that give independent bands a place to build up audience and experience, and the Cluny in Newcastle is exactly such a venue. You get a great night’s entertainment at a reasonable price so you can turn up with the family and friends and rock away the night!
As for Morganway, they played the Cluny on Saturday, 5 April, with Run Remedy providing support.
Morganway are a six-piece from the East of England, founded by twin brothers Callum (vocals, guitar, bass) and Kieran Morgan (lead guitar, backing vocals). They became Morganway and suddenly people started listening. Joined by SJ Mortimer (vocals), Nicole Terry (fiddle), Matt Brocklehurst (keys), and Ed Bullinger (drums), this 6-piece means business. They arrived in Newcastle after three dates in Germany and were heading off to play Glasgow the following day (with Robyn Red supporting that night).
Morganway hit the stage at 9pm and played a really entertaining set, running through songs old and new with energy and style. The set opened with “Hurricane,” which remains in the setlist from their debut 2019 album, and it should stay there! It’s a killer track that demands attention the moment the first notes are played.
The band live is musically tight and talented; SJ commands the stage and has a powerful vocal that is calling for a much bigger stage to really let fly; she also plays tambourine and occasional guitar. Nicole takes flight with the fiddle and positively bounces her way through the night. The guys are having a blast on the guitars and the whole band is clearly enjoying life on the tour and stage.
The Cluny audience were having a load of fun, dancing along and clapping away with the band; a highlight was when the band came down into the middle of the audience to play an unplugged sing-along for “Halfway Tonight” from the new album. For this reviewer, other highlights from the set list included “Boy on the Train” (one for my much-missed Dad, who always loved trains!), “Devils Canyon” (superb fiddle, drum sound and overall groove), and the closer “I Feel the Rain.” My little group all had a terrific night, and the band interacted closely with their audience; it had a strong open connection between band and crowd.
In summary, a night of visual and listening pleasure. And honestly, if you weren’t there, you missed out.
Morganway delivered the kind of live experience that reminds you why we go out to gigs in the first place: not just for the music, but for that electric feeling when the room lifts, the crowd sways, and you find yourself grinning at strangers because everyone is in on the same beautiful moment. It was a celebration of musical grit, charm, and real-deal talent that deserves to be seen on even bigger stages. So yes—support independent music in 2025 because it’s so worth exploring. And because bands like Morganway aren’t just knocking politely at the door of the mainstream anymore—they’re kicking it open with a fiddle solo and a smile.
Get out there. Buy the ticket. Wear the T-shirt. Sing along even if you don’t know the words. And next time Morganway rolls through town, make sure you’re not hearing about it second-hand. This grassroots is growing right in front of us and next time it’s the Arena.
You can stream music from Morganway here
Mark C. Chambers