Gig Review: A Night to Remember in London - ITM’s First Tour Stop Ignites 229 The Venue
Credit: Fin Dudman (@findudman)
Last Thursday night, London’s live-music heartbeat pulsed loud at 229 The Venue, Great Portland Street, as the ITM Live Tour — part of the four-year In The Making (ITM) programme — launched its first official UK date. The night proved that the capital’s grassroots scene is alive, fearless, and brimming with next-generation talent.
Curated and driven by Cassel (Cassell The BeatMaker), the show captured exactly what ITM stands for: creativity, collaboration, and raw musical honesty.
The Setting
229 buzzed with anticipation — low lights, a packed floor and that telltale hum before the first note hits. On hosting duties, DJ Dukez kept the atmosphere loose and vibrant. Between sound-checks and guitar tune-ups, his humour, crowd chat and sharp tune choices kept the energy up. What might have been quiet intervals became shared moments that drew everyone in. By the time the first act appeared, the room was ready to move.
Malika: Smooth Start, Gentle Strength
Malika opened the showcase with calm assurance. Her warm, soulful delivery set an inviting tone — steady rather than showy — easing the crowd into the night. Songs about self-worth and resilience carried a quiet emotional pull, marking a grounded start that built the foundation for what was to come.
Open Mic Participants
The Open Mic segment gave a spotlight to emerging voices, offering an authentic glimpse into the capital’s rising talent pool. Participants included Nillaloca and ShyMarieX, both bringing unique sounds and personality to the stage. Their performances reflected the spirit of the night — open, expressive and full of heart.
Credit: Fin Dudman (@findudman)
Miss Lilly: A Light Dusting of Rock
Miss Lilly followed, bringing an unexpected twist with what she called “a light dusting of rock.” Her soulful voice found new edges, blending warmth with grit. The crowd caught on quickly — especially when Mike Skinner was spotted nodding along in the audience. That flash of recognition pushed her further; she finished on a high, met with real cheers and appreciation.
Aileen Kelly: Poise, Presence and Reinvention
Next came Aileen Kelly, whose quiet confidence instantly commanded the room. Performing tracks from her forthcoming album, she delivered “Peace of Mind” — a reflective, guitar-led ballad — and “Talk Like That,” an Afrobeats-inspired track currently being re-edited for release.
Credit: Fin Dudman (@findudman)
Between songs, Kelly told the audience:
“Every song I write is a reflection of where I am — not just musically but emotionally. Peace of Mind came from learning to slow down, and Talk Like That is me learning to speak up. They’re two sides of the same journey.”
Her words mirrored her delivery — calm, thoughtful and quietly bold. Kelly’s blend of serenity and rhythm made for one of the most composed sets of the night.
Rob Green: Closing with Fire
Rob Green closed the evening with a rush of energy and charm. His opener, steeped in bright funk and smooth phrasing, had the room moving instantly. Between songs, he spoke with ease — mixing humour and heart as he shared stories of school-day crushes and the “emo teacher who never judged.” Every number landed with purpose. By the time he reached “Nobody Knows,” the crowd was his — singing, clapping and spilling onto the dance floor. It was a finale that captured the night’s true spirit: connection, joy and fearless expression.
Credit: Fin Dudman (@findudman)
Cassel: The Heart of ITM
Throughout the show, Cassel’s touch was everywhere. As curator, mentor and steady driving force, he shaped not just the sound but the ethos of the night. His belief in collaboration and genuine artistry tied the entire showcase together.
Cassel’s vision for the ITM programme has always reached beyond music itself. It’s about access, growth and creating real opportunities for rising voices. On this opening tour stop, that vision came to life — beautifully and unmistakably. T
Credit: Richard Woodburn
The ITM Live Tour continues its mission to celebrate emerging artists and creative independence with the following UK dates:
• Sunday 9 November 2025 – The Jam Jar, Bristol
Each event promises new collaborations, local flavour and that unmistakable ITM spark.
The Final Note
As the lights came up and applause filled 229, few people were in a hurry to leave. Conversations lingered, laughter carried, and the last echoes of Rob Green’s finale hung in the air.
What unfolded on Great Portland Street wasn’t just a gig — it was a statement of purpose. The ITM Live Tour showcased artistry with depth and reminded everyone how vital community-driven spaces are to the future of UK music.
At the centre stood Cassel — visionary, mentor and tireless champion of talent — guiding the next generation forward with drive, care and unshakable rhythm.
Big up Cassel, DJ Dukezuk and the entire ITM family. If this opening night is anything to go by, the rest of the tour will keep the UK music scene moving — inspired, connected and beautifully alive.
Written by Sacha Purmessur
Opinion
