What is the “Northern Soul” that is conquering British Gen Z?

The Northern Soul represents one of the most fascinating musical subcultures in the United Kingdom. Born as an evolution of the Mod movement, the phenomenon involved thousands of young people in Northern England, driven by a passion for American soul music. Today, decades later, an entirely new generation is rediscovering this world made of rare vinyl records and acrobatic dances. Between the late 1960s and early 1970s, the pop music offered by official English channels seemed to lack energy and depth, while in the United States, a particularly rhythmic and overwhelming sound was gaining momentum. Thus, more and more DJs began looking at the American record market, searching for unknown tracks to introduce in their homeland. Soon, in the northern part of the United Kingdom, a series of clubs dedicated to this new trend emerged, fostering real competition among DJs to discover the rarest and most danceable tracks. These clubs became gathering places for entire communities but with an atmosphere more welcoming and relaxed than exclusive mainstream clubs. In short, people went there to have fun without excessive expectations or pressures. Like the Mods, the Northern Soul culture was also based on a well-defined aesthetic code, featuring short-sleeved shirts, flared trousers, and shoes suitable for dancing for hours. However, by the early 1980s, many of the movement’s iconic locations were shut down by local authorities due to issues related to drug use and public disorder. But Northern Soul never truly disappeared—between nostalgic events and historic clubs like the Leeds Central Soul Club, still active today. Recently, more and more young people have been approaching the genre thanks to venues and festivals that bring back its sound. Lately, the phenomenon has experienced a genuine revival, driven by new initiatives such as the Deptford Northern Soul Club—a series of themed nights held in London and Manchester.

One of the key figures of this revival is Levanna McLean. After going viral with a video in which she danced to Pharrell Williams’ Happy with typical Northern Soul moves, McLean founded the Bristol Northern Soul Club, which quickly became a reference point for the scene. The venue has helped spread this culture among young people, offering a sense of community and belonging that many could no longer find elsewhere. The youth of Bristol, McLean explained to the magazine B247, «wanted more genuine nights out, with real dancing and tracks they could relate to». Over a few years, the club has managed to bring out a new generation of enthusiasts: more and more under-30s in England are adopting the fashion style of the era, becoming passionate about the unique dance techniques, and starting to collect soul vinyl records. For this reason, the Deptford Northern Soul Club does not just organize themed events but also helps make rare records more accessible by reissuing some Northern Soul classics, allowing young DJs to play them without spending exorbitant amounts. «Even though it is retro music, it has always been ahead of its time, and new tracks are still being discovered today», McLean points out.

However, there is no shortage of criticism from the old guard, with some original scene supporters struggling to accept this new wave. «They think we should 'pay our dues' or be over 50 to attend a Northern Soul night», says Will Foot, co-founder of the Deptford Northern Soul Club, in an interview with Far Out. According to him, «the sense of belonging» is the reason why the genre is making a comeback. Others, however, welcome the new generation of soulies with enthusiasm, seeing in their passion the confirmation that Northern Soul was never just a passing trend, but a movement capable of transcending time. «We see young people getting hooked after just one visit», says McLean about the nights at the Bristol Northern Soul Club. «Probably because you can truly dance and have fun without fear of being judged».