by Pascale Loftus
Shuffling, kicking, and spinning onto the forefront of Bristol’s nightlife scene, Northern Soul has taken over the city in a flurry of talcum powder. Rooted in the mod, rude-boy, and skinhead scenes of Northern England and the Midlands during the late 1960s and early 1970s, Northern Soul has grown far beyond its original stomping grounds. The movement, characterised by its love of American soul records, high-energy dancing, and a deeply loyal community, has now found a thriving home in the haven of rhythm and soul that is Bristol. The Bristol Northern Soul Club, co-founded by Levanna McClean and Eva Burgusol, stands at the centre of this cultural renaissance. The Bristol Northern Soul Club’s rise began in 2021 when McClean and Burgusol organised a Northern Soul night at the Old Market Assembly. The night was a standout success, selling out and ushering an audience from all corners of Bristol onto the dancefloor. This milestone event quickly led to a series of regular gatherings at prominent Bristol venues such as The Jam Jar, the Crown Tavern, and the Phoenix Pub. The club’s dedication to curating authentic Northern Soul experiences, coupled with Bristol’s vibrant cultural backdrop, has been instrumental in its rapid ascent to prominence.
To learn more about the movement, we caught up with Jeanie Jean, a renowned subculture diarist and documentary photographer. Known for her ability to capture the essence of underground movements, Jean has spent years documenting the Northern Soul scene from behind the lens, offering a fly-onthe- wall perspective on its evolution. Her work provides an unparalleled insight into the lives that define subcultures, making her an invaluable voice in understanding the enduring appeal of Northern Soul.
Each Northern Soul night is shaped by the local culture of its host city, and Bristol is no exception. Jean remarks that having frequented iconic Northern Soul havens like Deptford and Rivoli Northern Soul Clubs, London’s Northern Soul scene often incorporates garage influences, whereas Bristol’s events lean more into funk. This gives the city’s nights a distinctive flavour, staying true to the soulful roots of the genre while reflecting Bristol’s musical identity. The unifying thread across all Northern Soul events, regardless of location, is the electric atmosphere on the dance floor. The palpable sense of community and a shared passion for the music bring together the old and young, the rhythmless and feather footed. Forget the awkward two-stepping of a typical nightclub; here, the dance floor is alive with intricate footwork, claps, spins, and kicks, all performed in a flurry of talcum powder to help the ‘Soulies’ glide across the floor.
Jean’s images capture these moments, encapsulating the absolute electricity of the movements. Her subjects are caught mid-air and mid-spin with a rawness that brings you so close, you can almost touch the Fred Perry shirts. The influence of documentary photographers such as Corinne Day and Derek Ridgers is etched across Jeanie Jean’s work, undercut by a touch of grittiness reminiscent of Nan Goldin’s work. Inspired by iconic pieces of media like Ken Loach’s Kes, her dad’s Mod style, and kitchen sink dramas, Jean’s work feels nostalgic in a very real, very British way. In the future, Jean plans on exploring the rise of Northern Soul and punk subcultures in Ireland, as well as publishing a photo series of punks and their grans.
As the Bristol Northern Soul Club continues to grow, its impact is being felt far beyond the city limits. Regular events, workshops, and collaborations ensure that the genre remains accessible to all. With its unique mix of tradition and innovation, Bristol is fast becoming a key player in the modern Northern Soul movement. As venue closures threaten the fabric of nightlife across the UK, it has never been more important to support the subcultures that keep them alive. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to step onto the dance floor – talcum powder and all – and join the movement that’s bringing soul back to the city.
You can stay up to date with Jeanie Jean’s work at
www.jeaniejeanphotos.com
JEANIE JEAN’S NORTHERN SOUL STARTER PACK:
WATCH:
Mike Leigh’s Secrets & Lies and Naked
Ken Loach’s Kes
Elaine Porter’s Northern Soul
LISTEN:
Noel Porter’s Keep on Keeping On
Constellations I Did Not Know How To
Booker T. & the M.G.’s Green Onions
Gloria Jones’ Tainted Love
JEANIE JEAN’S CURRENT PUNK LOVES:
Kneecap
Idles
The Chats
Amyl & The Sniffers
Soft Play
Oozes
Menstrual cramps
Hot Wax
Cumgirl8
Bitdogs
Find more of Jeanie’s work on Instagram @jeaniejeanphotos
