Multi-instrumentalist, Laila Sakini, put on a minimalist yet captivating performance in Salford’s leading experimental music venue, The White Hotel.
She also highlighted the importance of venues like The White Hotel to the local communities and performing artists during her time in Salford.
Originally from Melbourne, music has always been a big part of Laila’s life. Last weekend was her second visit to The White Hotel.
She plays the piano and sings as well as playing a range of percussion and melodic instruments. Where better to share her craft than inside a former car repair workshop located in a Salford industrial estate?
Laila said: “I think it’s excellent. The space and the sound inside conduce to both socialising and just enjoying the music.”
Named after DM Thomas’ erotic 1981 novel, the intimate setting inside The White Hotel coupled with the lustre of the stage setting makes for an engaging listening experience. The dark room where red ambient lighting elongates the shadows of people walking around before they slowly sink into the ground, was complete with white candle lit tables and small wooden chairs.
It becomes a versatile arena for young and experimental musicians who thrive off the obscurity of the venue. There is a no photo policy inside the venue – you just have to go and see it for yourself.
The venue really handed itself to a performance like Laila’s. Her performance was preceded by the eccentric and capricious ‘Yes Indeed’ who would set the initial spark of the night. Belting about ‘asbestos’ and ‘grandad’s foot’ over some alien synths, the dadaism style of the duo grabbed everyone’s attention and charged the room for the night. To my surprise, no one was driven out by their wildness, and instead hung on to find out what this was all about.
Laila’s performance took on a whole other approach of a slow and minimal nature. It was something that you’ll struggle to find in bars and venues across central Manchester. Her performance gripped the room and attracted all focus.
Laila said: “If you go to The White Hotel, you have to make an effort. It’s intentional. It generally means that the people who end up there are attuned and attentive, it makes for engaged audiences.”
As well as fans of Laila’s, there also seemed to be some unknowing locals inside. One regular visitor said: “This place is like where all the weird kids from school come together.”
The White Hotel gives the local community the opportunity to stumble onto some new and experimental music in a completely different scene. They might love it, they might hate it.
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