Paloma Faith

Big voice and big personality.

Paloma Faith is a singer/songwriter from London, and has to date released two albums; "Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?" and the recently released "Fall To Grace."

If you are fans of Marina and the Diamonds, Emeli Sande and Lana Del Rey, than Paloma Faith should be right up your street!

In terms of live performances, expect eccentricity. Combine Paloma Faiths' huge voice with her typical vintage frocks, flamboyant personality and onstage banter , you can be sure of having a fun night.

The thing I like most about Paloma Faith is her ability to sing anything. She can be given any song to sing and make it her own.  For example, take her cover of David Guetta's "Sexy Bitch" - she is able to turn this dance tune into one of her typical ballad-esq singles.

Tour Dates:
1st Sept. The Big Festival - Oxford, UK
8th Sept. CarFest North - Cheshire, UK
9th Sept. Radio 2 Live in Hyde park - London, UK
23rd Jan. O2 Apollo - Manchester, UK
24th Jan. O2 Apollo - Manchester, UK
25th Jan. Royal Concert Hall - Nottingham, UK
27th Jan. O2 Academy - Leeds, UK
28th Jan. O2 Academy - Glasgow, UK
29th Jan. Usher Hall Edinburgh - Edinburgh, UK
31st Jan. O2 Academy Newcastle - Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
1st Feb. York barbican - York, UK
2nd Feb. The Civic Hall - Wolverhampton, UK
4th Feb. Brighton Dome - Brighton, UK
5th Feb. Portsmouth Guildhall - Portsmouth, UK
7th Feb. HMV Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
9th Feb. Motorpoint Arena - Cardiff, UK
11th Feb. O2 Academy - Sheffield, UK
12th Feb. De Montfort Hall - Leicester, UK
13th feb. Opera house - Blackpool, UK
15th Feb. Plymouth Pavilions - Plymouth, UK
16th Feb. Reading Hexagon - Reading, UK
17th Feb. Corn Exchange Cambridge - Cambridge, UK

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/594011-paloma-faith/calendar?page=1

BT London Live Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert

As someone who had previously seen 3 out of the 4 performers (Paulo nutini, Snow Patrol and Duran Duran) I was still psyched to get hold of tickets to the opening ceremony celebration in Hyde Park. As a huge fan of major sporting events I was desperate to get hold of tickets so I could be part of the olympic mania in London.

With the rain holding out and the sun trying to shine, things were looking good. First thing that I noticed, which surprised me slightly, was how much older the crowd in Hyde Park seemed to be compared to crowds at other concerts and festivals I have been to.

First to kick off the night was Scotland representative Paulo Nutini. I am a fan of Paulo Nutini, however his performance was somewhat bland and did nothing to warm the crowd up. Having fallen off the radar slightly over the last year, Paulo Nutini seemed to offer nothing new or exciting. Even when he introduced his new singles, it was not enough to persuade the crowd to stand and move closer to the stage.

Next on was England representative, Duran Duran. Singing some of their popular hits "Notorious," "Ordinary World," and "Wild Boys," the atmosphere finally began to pick up. To add even more excitement to their performance, the crowd were treated to the spectacular sight of the Red Arrows flying past - leaving red, white and blue trails in the sky. A definite sweet moment for all.

After the flypast of the Red Arrows, the night for me kicked into gear and improved greatly. With an hour break before the next act, all eyes in Hyde Park were fixed on the big screens for the start of the opening ceremony. Huge cheers and applause erupted when the Queen and James bond scene  came on. After the superb performance by Emeli Sande in the opening ceremony, the screen cut off and out came Wales representative; Stereophonics.

 I have never seen the Stereophonics live before, but being a great fan of theirs I was intrigued to see how they would be. After a shaky start, with little interaction between Kelly Jones and the crowd, something needed to happen. Thankfully Stereophonics kicked into gear, and by the end of their set they had won the crowd over. Finishing their set with "Dakota," the sold out crowd (myself included) was soon singing and cheering along enthusiastically.

For me though, the highlight of the evening was the fabulous performance given by Snow Patrol. I love love love this band!! Having been previously impressed by their live performances I was confident this would be no different. Singing some of their greatest hit singles "Open Your Eyes," "Run," and "Chocolate," the band were in their element, and the crowd were loving it. To make things even better, while singing "Chasing Cars" the huge screens switched over to show the GB olympic team walking out during the opening ceremony - cue rapturous applause and cheering! Other songs that Snow Patrol performed were "Called Out Into The Dark," "This Isn't Everything You Are," and "Just Say Yes."

As Snow Patrol concluded their set, the screens switched back to the live opening ceremony and we were treated to the final scene of the night - lighting of the Olympic Cauldron...cue more cheering/screaming and whooping!!

Overall a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Although I feel this, I would have to admit I put it down to the atmosphere rather than the live performances. Still, if either Stereophonics or Snow Patrol tour again in the future, I will certainly look at buying tickets.

Passion Pit

5 individuals creating great sounds.

Passion Pit are an American electropop band from Cambridge, Massachusetts. To date Passion Pit have released two studio albums; their debut album "Manners," and the recently released second album (July) "Gossamer." Songs that feature on the new album include "Take A Walk," "I'll Be Alright," and "Constant Conversation."

As far as their live performances go, Passion Pit are pretty sweet to watch! Having supported huge artists like Muse and performed on large stages like at Glastonbury Music Festival, these boys are no amateurs. With their fresh sounds and scruffy external appearance it comes as no surprise this band leaves their crowd raucous and begging for more.

Tour Dates:
24th - 26th August. Reading Festival 2012 - Reading, UK
24th - 26th August. Leeds Festival 2012 - Leeds, UK
13th November. Queen Margaret Union - Glasgow, UK
15th November. O2 Academy - Leeds, UK
16th November. Manchester Academy - Manchester, UK
18th November. The Junction - Cambridge, UK
19th November. HMV Institute - Digbeth, UK
22nd November. HMV Forum - London, UK

For more information regarding tour dates and tickets, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/1013305-passion-pit/calendar?page=5

Kyla La Grange

If you liked The Staves, and artists such as Marcus Foster and Alex Winston, this is an artist for you.

Despite Kyla La Grange being the new girl on the block (only appeared on the music scene this year), people are already predicting big things for her. Kyla La Grange is a 24year old Cambridge graduate from Watford.

Many people may well be weary of Kyla La Grange music and style due to the constant 'doom and gloom' feeling it leaves. After all, in an interview with The Guardian Kyla said "I don't have any fun songs, I like epic, miserable songs," something which she achieves exquisitely.

With the vocals to match Lana Del Rey and, dark and romantic style of Florence and the Machine, this singer has all the ingredients and potential to be a successful goth-folk singer.  On 30th July this year, Kyla released her debut album "Ashes" which includes the singles "Walk Through Walls," "Vampire Smile," and "Heavy Stone."

As someone who reminds me greatly of Lykke li, and Laura Marling, I am a huge fan.

Tour dates:
30th July. Rough Trade - London, UK
2nd Aug - 5th Aug. Fieldview Festival - Chippenham, UK
12th Aug. Strawberry Fields Festival 2012 - Leicester, UK
1st Oct. Thekla - Bristol, UK
2nd Oct. The Deaf Institute - Manchester, UK
3rd Oct. Glasgow School Of Art - Glasgow, UK
5th Oct. O2 Academy - Oxford, UK
6th Oct. The Bodega Social Club - Nottingham, UK
8th Oct. Joiners Arms - Southampton, UK
9th Oct. Scala - London, UK

For information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/145842/Kyla_La_Grange.html

If you want to check kyla La Grange's website out, its http://www.kylalagrange.com/gb/home/

Sadie Jemmett

A British singer with a beautiful voice.

Through this artist I was able to identify the true brilliance of Twitter. Twitter not only enables avid music fans like myself to discover new music, but it allows for upcoming bands and artists to promote themselves and their music. It is through twitter that I first heard Sadie Jemmett.

As a huge fan of acoustic guitar performances, Sadie Jemmett is right up my street! Sadie Jemmett is an award winning British singer and songwriter from London. With an impressive background - touring with the The Rose Theatre, writing music and performing in the show "13 Mirrors," and co-writing the music for a number of theatrical productions - Sadie is someone with great talent.

Over the years, Sadie has performed at a number of festivals including The Secret Garden Party and The Small World Festival, and supported artists like KT Tunstall on their tours. In 2009 Sadie also released her debut album "The Blacksmith's Girl" which includes the tracks "Come Down," my personal favourite "Another Way To Be," and "The Beautiful People."

What I particularly love the most when listening to Sadie Jemmett's music, is the raw emotion you hear during her acoustic performances. With lyrics that boast honesty, Sadie Jemmett is able to successfully  translate the difficult times she has experienced in her past into her music. Although a quiet performer, the sedate intimate sounds she is able to produce through her music will have you caught up in the moment. Check her out - it will be worth it!

Tour Dates: 
26th September. Green Note - London, UK
4th October. The Wilmington Arms - London, UK

For ticket details check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/1119057-sadie-jemmett

The XX

I am a huge fan of this band.

The XX, an indie pop band from the UK, have achieved great success since the release of their debut album "XX" in 2009.  With a Mercury Music Prize under their belt, it comes as no surprise to why their is so much hype and excitement for their upcoming second album Coexist (due to be released on September 11th.)

Popular tracks by this band include VCR, Crystalised, Basic Space and Heart Skipped Beat. Although great tracks, a personal favorite of mine is their remix version of "You Got the Love" featuring florence and the machine.  When I saw this band live I was ecstatic when Florence Welch turned up on stage to perform with The XX (see live performance below).

Since I saw this band perform at Glastonbury Music Festival, the The XX performed in a tent. I have never in my life (apart from when Mumford and Sons performed) seen so many people crammed in so closely together before. The atmosphere was pure electric.

The XX, made up of  Romy Madley Croft, Jamie Smith and Oliver Sim, had the whole crowd entranced. This  somber trio, who wore their usual all black attire, performed each of their tracks flawlessly.

Their set list included Intro, Crystalised, Islands, Heart Skipped A Beat, Fantasy, Shelter, VCR, Do You Mind, Basic Space, Night Time, Infinity and Stars. I had a fabulous time, and would definately encourage everyone to buy tickets - its a must!

Tour Dates:
2nd August. Terminal 5 - NYC
8th September. Bestival 2012 - Newport, UK
10th September. O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
11th September. Coal Exchange - Cardiff, UK
12th September. Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK
26th October. Paradise Theater  - Bronx, NY
28th October. Paradise Theater - Bronx, NY

For information regarding other tour dates and tickets, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/515434-xx/calendar?page=1

First Aid Kit

A duo worth looking out for.

First Aid Kit is a Swedish folk band made up of sisters Klara and Johanna. This pair first got noticed in 2008 with their cover of "Tiger Mountain Peasant Song"by the Fleet Foxes. As well as scoring an invite to appear with the Fleet Foxes in the Netherlands, First Aid Kit was able to spread their name and music around the world.

To date the girls have released two albums; "The Big Black & the Blue," and "The Lion's Roar," and collaborated with great artists such as Jack White, and Bright Eyes.

In terms of their live performances, one thing is certain from the reviews - the girls have powerful voices that can be soft and emotive one moment and, loud and raw the next. It is this vocal versatility that has resulted in the girls creating songs that range from the soft predictable harmonic folk songs to soft rock acoustic performances.

Check em out, you will be left pleasantly surprised.

Tour dates: 
31st August - 2nd Sept. End Of The Road Festival - Salisbury
6th Sept. The Boileroom - Guildford
6th Sept - 9th Sept. Bestival 2012 - Newport
20th Nov. O2 Shepherds Bush Empire - London
21st Nov. 02 Shepherds Bush Empire - London
22nd Nov. HMV Ritz - Manchester
27th Nov. O2 Academy - Bristol

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/128504/First_Aid_Kit.html

Julia Stone

Two words: soulful sounds.

Julia Stone, most notably known for being in "Angus and Julia Stone" with her brother, is a folk singer from Australia. Together this brother/sister duo followed in the footsteps of their parents into the folk scene and released two albums; "A Book Like This" and "Down The Way."

Currently both Angus and Julia are working on solo projects although, in 2011, Julia announced she would eventually reunite with her brother to create a third album. As a solo artist however, Julia has released two albums; "The Memory Machine" and "By The Horns."

Julia with her brother Angus. (Angus & Julia Stone)

Julia's voice can be instantly recognised due to the distinct sound she produces. Having been previously described as having a voice that has "a fractured feel like Jolie Holland," Julia's voice is perfect for that soft, soulful folk sound.

Known for her raw and emotional song writing, it is clear that Julia uses her past and current feelings/experiences in a way that makes her music both relatable and meaningful. Combine this honest emotion with her vocal ability and you have yourself an intimate performance in which you can allow yourself to be lost in the moment and music.

Certainly someone to check out if William Fitzsimmons and Bon Iver are your thing.

Tour dates:
31st October. Princess Pavilion - Falmout, UK
1st November. RNCM Theatre - Manchester, UK
2nd November. Oran Mor - Glasgow, UK
4th November. Thekla - Bristol, UK
5th November. Scala - London, UK

For information regarding tickets and dates for the rest of her European tour check out: http://juliastonemusic.com/

Bombay Bicycle Club Review

I am a huge fan of this band. 

A popular alternative rock band from the UK, Bombay Bicycle Club are someone you should definitely check out. 

Since winning Channel 4's "Road to V" competition in 2006, Bombay Bicycle Club has continue to fins success and achieve great things. To date, this band has released three albums; "I had the Blues but I Shook Them Loose" (2009), "Flaws" (2010) and "A Different Kind Of Fix" (2011). 

Last year I was fortunate enough to see Bombay Bicycle Club live in New York. For a ticket priced at $10, this gig was an absolute bargain, and I loved how small the venue was. Bombay Bicycle Club was playing at the Mercury Lounge, which is just two long rooms; one filled with a narrow long bar which leads into an equally small room with a stage in it. I have never been to such an intimate gig before, but it was great as I was literally only an arm’s length away from all the action. It’s not often that there is no hustling through a crowd to ensure you have a spot where you can see the band.

I was surprised with the crowd – despite being aware you had to be over 21 to enter, it wasn’t a young crowd at all. I also found that apart from the immediate crowd of people by the stage, people were very subdued and vacant. This did not seem to affect Bombay Bicycle Club however, as when on the stage they transformed from these nerdy looking boys into becoming indie musicians that seriously rocked out on their guitars.  

I was unsure before the gig to how Jack Steadman’s (the lead singer) voice would be during a live show, something I certainly didn’t need to be. His riveting, deep and wavering voice translated into his songs just as well as they do on their albums. His voice simply allowed more emotion to be transferred into each of the songs, which made them seem even more powerful when listening to them. Due to the waver in his voice however, there were times when the bass and the drums drowned his voice out, but this only happened on a few occasions. Something that was more noticeable however was the use of base guitars and drums, which surprised me as they seemed more of an indie-rock band than their more recent label as an acoustic folk band.

One thing however I did find was how awkward this band seemed. Between songs only Steadman ever spoke, and he either thanked the crowd for coming out, or simply said nothing and went straight into the next song. Despite being one of the quickest concerts I have ever been to, the energy given by the band was high throughout and the quality of the performance was such that you were left wishing to hear more.

Songs they sang included, Cancel on Me, Magnet, Lamplight and my absolute favorite Always Like This.

I would give this gig a rating of 7.5/10. I had a great time and they delivered a great performance, although comparing it to a band, such as Mumford & Sons, it was not quite there! I will add though, I was impressed that all the members happily hung around the bar at the end of the show and talked to fans for a little bit, something many bands don’t often do.

Tour Dates:
30th July. Webster Hall - NYC
12th August. Hyde Park Closing Ceremony - London, UK
24th August. Reading Festival - Reading, UK
25th August. Leeds Festival - Leeds, UK

For more information regarding N.America tour dates and tickets, check out: http://www.bombaybicycleclubmusic.com/live.php


Previous Blog entry regarding Bombay Bicycle club: http://musicgigsnfestivals.blogspot.com/2011/02/bombay-bicycle-club.html

Glastonbury Festival UK

If I had to recommend one summer festival it would be Glastonbury.

Glastonbury Music Festival is the largest open-air music and performing arts festival in the world, attracting around 150, 500 people of all ages and nationalities. When I went two summers ago I was lucky enough to see Stevie Wonder, Gorillaz, Florence and the Machine, and my personal highlight Mumford & Sons.

I must add, having attended this festival, its not for the feint hearted. Although a lot of fun, it does require you to camp for 5 days and 4 nights, with each day being very long and very busy. The crowds are big, the lines are long, the toilets are smelly, and since its held in England, you are always at the mercy of the weather - usually rain! Despite this however DO NOT BE DETTERED.

Every year the line up is always superb, the atmosphere is electrifying, the people are friendly, and there is always plenty to do. There are not many places that can boast about the acts that have played on the Glastonbury stages - Van Morisson, Blur, Oasis, Johnny Cash, Coldplay and U2, are to name but a few.

In addition to seeing loads of great bands you can also explore the sites. You can watch movies and make crafts in "the Park," send your kids to play in the "Kidz Field," and dance all day and night in the "Dance Village." If that is still not enough for you, every night after the music finishes (usually around midnight) there are a number of different "Villages" you can visit. The different villages cater to all tastes - whether you wish to dance to the early hours of the morning, or simply just wander around and explore with friends.

For more information or to register for tickets check out: http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/

John Peel Stage

Pyramid Stage

Wilco

 There is no question about it I am definitely going through a phase at the moment. I'm constantly flicking absentmindedly between artists Ryan Adams,  Bon Iver, Joe Purdy, Alexi Murdoch and this band...Wilco. It seems I can't get enough of the chilled, soft and quiet rhythmic tunes, intimate lyrics and, deep, raw emotive vocals. 

Wilco is an alternative rock band based in Chicago, US. They have been around for quite some time and have been deemed by Rolling Stone as "one of America's most consistently interesting bands" and "America's foremost rock impressionists."

Wilco formed after the country band 'Uncle Tupelo' split up. Since their formation in 1994, Wilco have released eight albums; 'A.M.,' 'Being There,' 'Summerteeth,' 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,' 'A Ghost Is Born,' 'Sky Blue Sky,' 'Wilco (the Album)' and,  their most recent 'The Whole Love.'

Unsurprisingly, with their long history of performing you can expect a good show. With practice comes perfection, something this band demonstrates to the T. Lead singer Jeff Tweedy looks every bit in his element when on stage, and combine this with the instrumental talent and vocal ability of the entire band you can be promised a great show. If you do want tickets to see them live however, I urge you to do so quick as they will sell out.

Tour dates: 
21st July. Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ
23rd July. Prospect Park - Brooklyn, NY
24th July. Prospect Park - Brooklyn, NY
25th July. Terminal 5 - NYC
28th July. Brewery Ommegang - Cooperstown, NY
3rd August. Highland Bowl - Rochester, NY
12th  August. Wilderness Festival - Cornbury Park, UK

For more information regarding tickets and/or their N.American/  Europe tour check out: http://wilcoworld.net/#!/shows/

Bon Iver

Although I have already posted about Bon Iver (April 29th) he has just come out with some more tour dates which I feel I have to be mention.

Their recent self titled album "Bon Iver" has been a massive hit, with over 100,000 copies sold during its first week in the US alone.

I really can't stress enough how insanely talented this band is. Justin Vernon can create such emotion from his vocal performance that you will be truly mesmerized and left feeling in awe. With their two hugely successful albums and exceptional reviews from fans and the media, it comes as no surprise that their shows are a sell out. I really do urge you to buy a ticket. Go on - I did!!!

Tour dates: 
12th July. Latitude Festival 2012 - Suffolk, UK
17th September. Brewery Ommegang - Cooperstown, NY
19th September. Radio City Music Hall - NYC
20th September. Radio City Music Hall - NYC
8th Nov. Wembley Arena - London, UK
8th Nov. Manchester Arena - Manchester, UK
10th Nov. Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre - Glasgow, UK

 For more information regarding Bon Iver's European, Australian and N.American tour dates: http://www.songkick.com/artists/590705-bon-iver/calendar?page=4

Mumford and Sons

 Mumford and  Sons are an awesome band!

I love everything about Mumford & Sons; their songs, their charisma, their attitude, and their voices. I have been fortunate enough see Mumford & Sons live twice, once at Glastonbury Music Festival and once in New York. They definitely didn't disappoint! Each gig was performed flawlessly.

Not only are these four Londoners great live singers, but they have great personality's which always come out during their shows. Both times the boys worked the crowd, and had us all craving to hear more by the end.  I can honestly say this gig has been one of best in terms of euphoric atmosphere.

During both gigs Mumford & Sons performed their popular hits Sigh No More, Little Lion Man and The Cave as well as new material such as the unreleased song, Below My Feet.  

Since finishing their US tour, Mumford & Sons have been working on their next album which is said to be "Doom folk, kind of like Black Sabbath meets Nick Drake." I urge you all to get tickets to see them as it is really is a gig not to be missed.

Tour dates: 
1st Aug. Pier A - Hoboken, NJ
7th Aug. Marvin Sands Performing Arts - Canandaigua, NY

For more information regarding tickets and their N. American and Australia tour check out: http://www.mumfordandsons.com/live?list=0

Bloc 2012

 This two day electronic music festival looks epic!!

Recently, whilst on a flight and flicking through a travel magazine I came across an article about Bloc. Having not heard about this event before I was immediately intrigued to learn more about it.

Bloc first began six years ago, and is now regarded as a 'truly international music festival' that features all genres of electronic music such as reggae, dubstep, electro and hip hop.

Tickets are still available for this two day event which will take place on the 6th and 7th of July. The lineup is impressive with acts including Snoop Dogg, James Blake and Orbital.

For further information regarding this event check out: http://www.blocweekend.com/