Since it opened in 2015, it has given a platform to local artists spanning the whole spectrum of musical genres, hosting over 1,400 shows, for which more than 150,000 tickets have been sold.
Tonight, then, the Music Room welcomed back some of Liverpool’s most exciting young artists, musicians who have risen up through the Music Room and have since headlined their own shows here. One Night on Sugnall presented Ellis Murphy, Dan Astles, Motel Sundown, and MT Jones.
First on stage was Ellis Murphy. Dressed in black, he exuded the effortless cool of Scott Walker while resembling a young Jackson Browne. For his opening number, he played piano and harmonica, making it easy to see why he has garnered a reputation as a troubadour, telling stories through his songs. For the remainder of his set, he was accompanied by a pianist and string quartet. The highlight was an extraordinary cover of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Steer Your Way’, the lyrics of which Ellis read from a notebook as he sang. Make no mistake, this charismatic young artist is going places.
As he left the stage, Ellis introduced the next act, Dan Astles. Dan performs under the professional name Astles and can best be described as a writer of heartfelt, personal, and cinematic songs, a singer-songwriter, but not in the troubadour sense. He opened his set with ‘When Life Catches You by Surprise’ and did indeed catch the audience out with a false ending ‘Remember Us’ and ‘You Could Have Been Anything’ followed before he closed with ‘This One’s for You’. All songs were from his debut album, Soundtrack for the 21 Bus Home, a title inspired by his late Uncle Joe, released earlier this year. He was wearing a tie with the album’s title on it and had a spare, which he threw into the audience. This reviewer was too slow to grab it.
After the interval, it was Motel Sundown who took to the stage, all suited and booted. The trio have certainly been making a name for themselves this year, both as a band and as solo artists. Their opening song was ‘Better Life’, on which Bobby Johnson took the lead. Karen Turley sang ‘Waterfall’ before Bobby sang ‘Turning Wheel’. Naomi Campbell sang ‘Light of My Life’. Augmented by the string quartet, the band’s harmonies sounded ever more exquisite. Something special, ethereal, even, happens when their three voices combine. The harmonious effect takes you to another place altogether. It was a beautiful set.
The final act of what was already a memorable evening was MT Jones. I didn’t know what type of music to expect, but he absolutely floored me. Over the course of his four-song set, ‘All I Do’, ‘Rocking My Boat’, and his new single 'Why I Cry', his soulful vocals evoked another era, yet still sounded contemporary. Clearly, his inspiration lies in the ’60s and ’70s. He has a stage presence to match his vocals and had the audience in the palm of his hand.
All four acts returned to the stage and sang a lovely, if under-rehearsed, version of The Beatles’ ‘In My Life’.
The string quartet and pianist who accompanied every act were superb and clearly seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Ellis Murphy is playing The Arts Club, Liverpool, on Friday 28th November, tickets here -
https://www.skiddle.com/artists/ellis-murphy-123590248/
Astles returns to the Music Room, Liverpool, for his now traditional Christmas show on 3rd December, tickets here -
https://www.liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/contemporary-music/astles-and-the-balloon-moon-orchestra/9668
Motel Sundown is playing The Handyman Brewery, Liverpool, tomorrow as part of the SmithdownWeekender. More information here -
https://www.smithdownweekender.com/
MT Jones is currently on a UK Tour and is playing The Arts Club, Liverpool, on 17th October, tickets here -
https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Liverpool/Arts-Club-Liverpool/MT-Jones/41101153/
If you want to experience new artists and enjoy high-quality music in a relaxed and friendly venue, then the Music Room is the place for you.
Reviewer – Adrian Cork
On – 09.10.2025
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