Mica Millar Owns Manchester in Stunning Live Show
Mica Millar proved she is one of the most compelling soul artists performing today, delivering a near-complete run through both her albums at Manchester's New Century Hall. With effortless vocals and a crowd that knew every lyric, this was a live show that punched well above its years.
A Soul Performance That Defied Second Album Syndrome
Millar's second album 'A Little Bit of Me' arrived four years after her Jazz FM Soul Act of the Year-winning debut, and she showed zero signs of a difficult follow-up. Opening with 'Flashlights' and rolling straight into 'A Little More Time For Love' and 'Hard Times', she set an immediate, high-energy tone. Her vocals were controlled yet passionate, drawing the audience in from the very first note.
Band Chemistry and Crowd Energy Elevate the Night
A tight backline of bass, guitar, drums, and keys provided deep soul and funk grooves throughout, while backing vocalists Amber Kuti and Grettel Killing added warmth and texture. The title track 'A Little Bit of Me' sparked serious seat dancing and earned a standing ovation so intense the band had to pause before their next song. Millar and her musicians fed off that energy for the rest of the set.
Twenty-One Songs and a Greatest Hits Feeling
With 21 of her 28 recorded tracks performed plus a cover of Kirk Franklin's 'Smile', the evening felt more like a career celebration than a second-album tour. The audience sang along with the confidence of devoted long-term fans, offering the kind of love usually reserved for artists two decades into their career. Support act Simon Dale also impressed with his 30-minute hometown set, highlighting new single 'Father Time'.
Key Takeaways
Mica Millar is building a devoted following that rivals artists with far longer careers, and this Manchester show made a strong case for her as one of the UK's finest soul voices. With European dates in Rotterdam and Amsterdam followed by London and Glasgow, now is the perfect time to catch her live.
Author: Sebastian Scotney
Source: UK Jazz News
Published: October 2, 2026
