Live Review + Gallery | Loyle Carner @ Summer Sessions, Southampton

Adam Tidman

A documentary and events photographer currently based between Cornwall and Hampshire. My personal work focuses on human stories and the ocean check me out @adamtidman.com

Loyle Carner kicks off his summer tour with a bang at the Southampton Summer Sessions

On Saturday night, in-front of the Southampton Guildhall, the stage was set for Loyle Carner to kick of his summer tour with a bang. Supported by Harvey Dweller, this was the first tour date of many for Carner over the summer months, soon heading off to a number of European cities.

Loyle Carner, whose real name is Benjamin Gerard Coyle-Larner, is a British rapper who blends elements of jazz, soul, and classic hip-hop to create his unique sound. In October 2022 Carner released his third studio album ‘Hugo’ which was a hit with fans, later being shortlisted for the 2023 mercury prize. Recent shows have been focused around the rappers 2022 album which delves deeply into several aspects of his life and experiences, exploring themes of race, identity, fatherhood, and personal growth.

Loyle Carner bounced onto the stage for his opening song ‘Hate’ in front of the Guildhall Square, packed out with thousands of fans wearing his ‘Hugo’ merch. Carner was full of energy, his stage presence was captivating as he paced from side to side, with the crowd singing back every word. The rapper played music from his 2022 release ‘Hugo’ mixed in with well known hits from his previous two albums. Carners lyrics flowed effortlessly, mixing in with the vocals of some of his collaborators which feature over his tracks including Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei, Sampha and Jorja Smith. Following the performance of his final song ‘Ottolenghi’, Carner mesmerised the crowd with an emotionally charged poem showing once again his incredible lyrical talent.