Music
Legendary Hip Hop record shop Real Deal returns to Carnaby Street
Legendary Hip Hop record store returns to its iconic home in Carnaby to celebrate the place where many of the new generation of hip hop stars, burst onto the scene. Deal Real was originally situated at 3 Marlborough Court, just off Carnaby Street between 2002-2007 and was the venue where the likes of Amy Winehouse, Kanye West, John Legend, Mos Def and Lupe Fiasco performed to fervent crowds of fans, tastemakers and inquisitive passers-by.
By its closure, it had become London’s epicentre for hip-hop and urban youth-culture, responsible for showcasing, supporting and nurturing a wealth of burgeoning talent, many of whom went on to attain mainstream success. The roll-call also included Oritse Williams, Estelle, Tinchy Stryder, Doc Brown and Mr Hudson to name a few.
Kayne West and John Legend – Real Deal Carnaby Street
Deal Real was a hive of activity and its legendary Friday night open-mics provided a platform for creative young people to come together, showcase their talents, share ideas, network with like minds, develop skills and build positive futures. It was social networking before Twitter, with many young people arriving as curious music enthusiasts, but leaving as fans, collaborators and friends.
The 2015 pop-up launches on Record Store Day Saturday 18 April 2015 at 14 Newburgh Street, Carnaby. It will showcase the cream of London’s undiscovered and unrepresented talent, including emerging visual artists, musicians and fashion designers. A photo-gallery will depict some of the memorable moments and in store performances, along with archive footage from a range of British artists including Example, Professor Green and Mr Hudson, as well as internationally renowned artists Kanye West, Will I Am, Akon, Mos Def and John Legend.
Reconnecting with notable alumni, Deal Real Legacy will curate a host of free one-off in store signings, performances and workshops. Visitors can expect definitive line-ups of some of the most established UK and international artists, alongside the freshest up and coming talent. More details will follow on Dealreal.co.uk and Carnaby.co.uk Within 5 years of thriving in one of London’s iconic music and fashion districts, Deal Real became known as “London’s Hip Hop Mecca” as quoted by Sleazenation magazine in November 2003.
Founder of Deal Real, Vincent Olutayo says “It’s fantastic being able to celebrate the legacy of Deal Real with Carnaby and to use the opportunity to re-establish our ethos of supporting up and coming talent from music, fashion or art, as well as young people aspiring to establish creative careers”
Doc Brown, former rapper and MC says, ‘I remember Mos Def was over here and he came through and he became addicted, he brought Pharoahe Monch, and Kanye West, and then it just spread from there, the Black Eyed Peas, the Wu Tang Clan, Red Man, Slick Rick, it was unreal. I met all my heroes right here.’
Magician Impossible Dynamo, recalls “Deal Real was like the epicentre of what was happening…they had all these superstars coming each week, it was quite special…it was where great people, who were into good music, would meet up and hang out”
Singer, rapper and songwriter Example says “Deal Real was the heart of the hip hop culture in London…The open mic events were legendary and gave me the confidence to perform in front of a crowd. So many successful British artists and international stars regularly hung out, bought records, or performed there.”
No shopping street in the world can boast a real connection with music and popular culture quite like Carnaby Street. Music and fashion have walked hand in hand ever since the young entrepreneur John Stephen opened his first boutique called ‘His Clothes’ in 1958. It became a mecca for the new mods, seriously into their sharp threads. By 1964 Lord John had opened, and owner Warren Gold found himself dressing the young John Lennon, Brian Jones and Mick Jagger.
Carnaby today is London’s coolest shopping and dining destination – an intriguing mix of 13 streets where you can discover independent boutiques, heritage brands, flagship stores and new concept stores as well as a vast choice of restaurants, bars and pubs. Today, many of the fashion stores have strong links with musicians including Liam Gallagher who chose Carnaby Street as the flagship home for his brand Pretty Green, at number 57.
The Great Frog at 10 Ganton Street opened in 1972 and makes rock inspired jewellery for the likes of Iron Maiden, Arctic Monkeys, Lady Gaga and Motorhead. Drop Dead, Vans, Dr. Martens, Ben Sherman, Lambretta, adidas Originals and the brand new European flagship for Pharrell Williams’ brand Billionaire Boys Club are among the many brands that have a big music focus.
With transatlantic roots and a sound that feels both nostalgic and new, Jonny Morgan is one of the most compelling singer-songwriters to emerge from the UK indie-folk scene. His heartfelt, cinematic style will take centre stage at Henley Festival 2025, as he joins a curated list of RISE musicians lighting up the Thames.
Bridging UK Folk with Americana Depth
Jonny’s story is written in movement. Raised in the UK but deeply inspired by American roots music, his artistry blends ambient textures with emotional storytelling—earning him the 2024 UK Americana Music Association’s ‘Emerging Artist of the Year’ award.
His debut album ‘Good Luck With the Music’ (2023) showcases his distinct ability to create spacious, soul-bearing songs with wide appeal—perfectly balancing the intimate with the epic.
Henley Festival: A New Chapter in a Growing Journey
As one of the standout performers on the RISE Stage this summer, Jonny Morgan will bring his warm stage presence and deeply resonant songs to Henley’s audiences. Expect lyrical honesty, acoustic richness, and moments of shared reflection.
Whether you’re a long-time indie-folk fan or new to the genre, Jonny’s set is sure to connect.
This is music for anyone who’s ever felt caught between worlds—and found beauty in that space.
See Jonny Morgan live at Henley Festival’s RISE Stage, 9–13 July 2025.
Learn more about the full programme at henley-festival.co.uk
Darcy Winter is quietly shaking up the UK’s alternative scene—and this summer, she’ll bring her genre-defying blend of jazz-pop to the RISE Stage at Henley Festival 2025.
Hailed as a “rising star” by Wonderland Magazine, Darcy has spent the past year creating a real community on the London circuit. Her sound is equal parts sultry and bold—lush jazz chords meet heavy basslines and raw, soulful lyrics, giving listeners something both familiar and fresh.
From Bristol Roots to Festival Spotlight
Darcy’s music carries the DNA of her upbringing. With formative years spent in Bristol and a love of jazz passed down from her dad, she’s shaped her own unique blend of sonic influences. Her debut album, released earlier this year, delivers that signature warmth and depth: smoky vocals, intimate lyrics, and a live energy that translates straight into her recordings.
The Henley RISE Stage: A Natural Home
Appearing on Henley Festival’s RISE Stage is a fitting step for Darcy. The platform champions emerging artists with vision, originality, and real talent—something Darcy has in abundance. Her performance promises to be immersive, emotional and unforgettable.
“Classic with an edge” isn’t just a tagline—it’s the backbone of everything she creates.
Expect mood-driven melodies, captivating vocal runs, and a fiercely personal set.
Catch Darcy Winter at Henley Festival’s RISE Stage, 9–13 July 2025.
Find out more about the RISE programme and full line-up at henley-festival.co.uk
From Swansea to the Thames, Leila McKenzie brings bold vocal finesse and cross-genre vibrancy to the Henley Festival’s RISE Stage on Wednesday 9 July. Tipped as the UK’s next breakthrough R&B/pop voice, she’ll blend bold lyrics with fierce energy under the open skies of one of Britain’s most elegant summer festivals.
A Sonic Fusion Rooted in UK Garage, R&B & Pop
McKenzie’s craft defies simple categorization. Born in Wales to Jamaican heritage, her sound marries the tight grooves of UK garage and 2-step with smooth R&B melodies and pop-savvy structure. Henley’s description highlights her “striking vocal energy” and genre-bending style — a sound that has already resonated with listeners across the UK.
Breaking Through: Festival Booking & Social Buzz
Her performance on the RISE Stage isn’t the only sign of her rising star. Announced through her own channels, Leila excitedly shared booking news:
“Only went and booked my first festival slot of the year—catch me on the RISE stage this July at @henleyfestival”
What to Expect at Henley Festival
Attending Henley Festival? Here’s why McKenzie’s set is one to catch:
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Vocal power meets poetic flair: Soulful delivery layered over rhythms steeped in British club culture
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Festival-ready energy: Her announcement reflects a fierce, stage-ready persona
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A start of something special: As one of RISE’s highlighted acts, her presence signals real momentum
Listening In: Where to Discover Leila
Though her debut festival slot is her most public performance yet, McKenzie’s online presence is an inviting entry point: https://linktr.ee/leilamckenzie
Why Her Performance Matters
Henley Festival’s RISE initiative spotlights artists on the verge of wider acclaim, and McKenzie’s inclusion confirms her promise. Her blend of UK sounds with heartfelt expression fits the festival’s elegant yet adventurous ethos — especially in a black-tie, riverside setting.
Expect something warm, personal and musically adventurous: a set that bridges acoustic warmth and club-ready rhythms, ideal for Henley’s eclectic audience.
