Keane

A truly great british band.

Keane, made up of front man Tom Chaplin, backing vocals Tim Rice-Oxley, Jessie Quin,  and Richard Hughes, are an alternative rock band from Sussex.

Keane hit the big time in 2004, when their their debut album "Hopes and Fears" became the second best selling British album of the year. Proving to not just be a one time wonder, Keane followed this album with "Under the Iron Sea" which not only topped the UK album charts, but also made the top 5 on the US billboard 200 chart.

Now, fifteen laters, Keane have released their fourth album "Strangeland" (May) which went straight to number 1 on the UK album charts.

So what makes this "band with no guitars" so great? Well for one, like the quote suggests, Keane have separated themselves from all the other rock bands out there by the continual feature of pianos in their tracks.

Although regarded as a seriously awkward guy who struggles to create any sense of rapport between himself and the crowd,  no one can dispute his vocal talent. A seriously powerful voice that hardly ever falters, Tom Chaplin is in his own way the perfect lead singer.

With a hugely successful past, it comes as no surprise that this band has accumulated quite the following. Due to this I would say if you are hoping to get tickets you will have to do so quick as their gigs frequently sell out.

Tour Dates:
19th Nov. Usher Hall - Edinburgh, UK
22nd Nov. Waterfront Hall - Belfast, UK
28th Nov. Capital FM Arena - Nottingham, UK
29th Nov. Manchester Arena - Manchester, UK
30th Nov. The O2 Arena - London, UK
2nd Dec. Brighton Centre - Brighton, UK
3rd Dec. Winter Gardens - Blackpool, UK
4th Dec. BIC - Bournemouth, UK
31st Jan. Radio City Music Hall - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and their tour dates (N.America & European) check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/273877-keane/calendar?page=1

Band of Horses

A seriously awesome Rock Band.

Band of Horses, is an American Rock band from Seattle. Since forming in 2004 these boys have released four albums, the most recent being "Mirage Rock" in September of this year.

The band, formed of Mat Brooke, Bridwell, Ryan Monroe, Tyler Ramsey, Bill Reynolds and Creighton Barrett received the greatest success in 2010 with the grammy nominated album "Infinite Arms." I first became aware of this band many years ago when I heard their single "The Funeral" (see below) feature on an episode of One Tree Hill. This track is one of those songs that no matter how much you listen to it, it never gets old. From this single I was eager to hear the rest of the bands music,  and I was in no way left disappointed.

Similar artists to Band of Horses include; The Shins, My Morning Jacket, Iron and Wine, and Mumford and Sons.

With any band that has been together for a long time, these boys are well practiced live performers,  resulting in some serious superb show. A tight knit group with a huge fan base, it comes as no surprise that Band of Horses play to sell out crowds.  With an endless list of great tracks you can be sure of an enjoyable night of live entertainment.

Tour dates:
15th Nov. HMV Institute - Birmingham
16th Nov. O2 Academy - Glasgow
19th Nov. Manchester Academy - Manchester
20th Nov. Hammersmith Apollo - London
11th Dec. Manhatten Center Grand Ballroom - NYC

For information regarding tickets and tour dates (European, N.American and Aus/ NZ) check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/354376-band-of-horses/calendar?page=1

The Killers

An indie rock band that needs no introduction.

I absolutely love this band. I was truly ecstatic when I heard, back in 2011, that they were returning from their short break. With the fantastic single "Runaways" and the recent release of their fourth album "Battle Born" (18th September) I am certainly one very happy person!

I was fortunate enough to see The Killers live when they headlined at Hard Rock Calling held at Hyde Park, London. They were truly fabulous live. The uproar from the crowd when the four piece band walked onto stage and opened with "Glamorous Indie Rock & Roll" was huge. As predicted Brandon Flowers particularly stood out - he was his usual self, an extremely talented natural performer and a great singer, who can work a crowd of any size.

The crowd was certainly not left disappointed that night with the set list: Glamorous indie Rock & Roll, Spaceman, Somebody Told Me, For Reasons Unkown, Smile Like You Mean It, Losing Touch, Bones, Bling, Shadowplay, Human, A Dustland Fairytale, Moon River, Read My Mind, Mr. Brightside, All These Things That I've Done.
Encore: This Is Your Life, Jenny Was a Friend of Mine, When You Were Young.

With the string of big hits The Killers have released over the years, it came as no surprise when the park was soon filled with hundreds of dancing and singing bodies. Despite the poor weather and cool temperatures, people were having a great night. The only time spirits were dampened was when The Killers came to the end of their set. With "When You Were Young," and fireworks signalling the end of the show - it was safe to say The Killers lived every bit up to the hype that surrounds them.  These boys really are great artists and so all that there is left to say is buy tickets NOW - it will be worth it!

Tour Dates: 
26th Oct. SECC - Glasgow
27th Oct. AECC - Aberdeen
31st Oct. LG Arena - Birmingham, UK
1st Nov. LG Arena - Birmingham, UK
3rd Nov. Capital FM Arena - Nottingham,UK
4th Nov. Metro Radio Arena - Newcastle Upon Tyne
5th Nov. Motorpoint Arena - Cardiff, UK
8th Nov. Motorpoint Arena - Cardiff, UK
9th Nov. Liverpool Echo Arena - Liverpool
13th Nov. Manchester Arena - Manchester
14th Nov. Manchester Arena - Manchester
16th Nov. The O2 - London
17th Nov. The O2 - London


For more information regarding tickets and the rest of their tour dates check out: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/The-Killers-tickets/artist/924503#artist_table_focus

Emeli Sande Review

I recently posted about Emeli Sande. I was fortunate enough to win tickets to see Emeli Sande perform at the iTunes Festival.

Before the show I can honestly say I never really listened to Emeli Sande that much. However after her live performance I can confidently say I am a fan. An incredibly humble individual who took the time between each of her songs to thank the audience and explain the thought presses behind each of her tracks, she is certainly a lot more than a good voice.

The set list for her performance was: Daddy, Tiger, Every Teardrop is a Waterfall (Coldplay Cover), My Kind of Love, Suitcase. Breaking the Law, Maybe, Read All About It (Part 111), Wonder, Mountains, Where I Sleep, One Love/No Woman, No Cry, Heaven. Encore: Next To Me.

For me the highlight of the night was her stripped performance of SuitCase which she sang with her bassist. In addition to this, Emeli did a great cover of Bob Marley's 'One Love' - urging the entire crowd to sing along and get involved.

Overall I had a great night and would definitely recommend people to see her live.

Tour Dates: 
6th Nov. The SECC - Glasgow
8th Nov. Symphony Hall - Birmingham
11th Nov. Royal Albert Hall - London
12th Nov. Bridgewater Hall - Manchester
17th January. Webster Hall - NYC

for more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/138061/Emeli_Sande.html and for information regarding her N. America tour dates check out: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Emeli-Sande-tickets/artist/1629986

Tomorrowland

So tickets for Glastonbury Festival next year sold out in record time (1hr 40) leaving the people who were not so lucky thinking in despair "where do I go now?" Well I have your answer: Tomorrowland. 

Tomorrowland is an electronic dance music event held in Belgium. The festival started in 2005 and has gone on from strength to strength ever since with bigger crowds and more renowned djs playing every year. Last year the festival attracted many big names including Avicii, Steve Aoki, and David  Guetta.

I am seriously pumped for this festival and have made it my mission to get tickets for next year. Although tickets are yet to go on sale the dates for Tomorrowland 2013 have been released and are: 26th, 27th and 28th of July.

I would urge you all to check this out - it looks epic!

http://www.tomorrowland.be/home

Benjamin Francis Leftwich

I first posted about this guy in March when he was a complete newcomer to the music scene.  

Benjamin Francis Leftwich is a singer-songwriter from York, UK who has, in the last six months, really began to make a name for himself. Benjamin released his debut album "The Last Smoke Before The Snowstorm" in July and has since gone on to receive a great deal of support and positive reviews.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich has particularly earned respect for his songwriting abilities and it is partly because of this that in my eyes Benjamin falls into the same category as Ben Howard and Ed Sheeran.

I first came across this artist when his video popped up as an advertisement on Google. Since then I have become quite the fan of his music - his soothing and gentle voice singing combined with his beautiful and meaningful lyrics makes him the perfect playlist choice for chilled out session of music.  Although he is a solo artist, Benjamin Francis Leftwich not only relies upon his voice, but also on the accompaniment of a guitar.

Due to Leftwich being such a newcomer his shows are going to be nothing on performances by bands like Mumford  & Sons or Ray Lamontagne, but I don't think that should be a reason to skip it. This quiet kid has confidence and a back bone - not many performers are willing/or able to stray from the mic and give an equally strong vocal performance without it than with it. Although his songs are soulful and he has a no fuss style - no gizmos or stunts - his vocal performance will certainly hold you captive and attentive. With this in mind it is clear why you shouldn't expect a raucous night of music, but rather allow yourself to be lost in the peaceful trance which he emits through his songs. 

I would give this guy a chance. His sounds offer that perfect ingredient  for that downtown music session when all you want to do is relax and chill out. Give him a try - I did!

  

Tour dates: 

17th October. Birmingham Irish Centre - Birmingham
20th October. Nottingham Rescue Rooms - Nottingham
22nd October. The Brickyard - Carlisle
23rd October. Stanley Theatre - Liverpool
24th October. KOKO - London
25th October. HMV Ritz - Manchester
26th October. The Sugarmill - Stoke-on-Trent

For information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Benjamin-Francis-Leftwich-tickets/artist/1536763

Of Monsters and Men

This indie folk band from Iceland are absolutely awesome.

After being crowned winners of an annual battle of the bands competition in Iceland, this six piece have gone from strength to strength. Their single Little Talks has so far been the bands most successful single to date - and not just in Iceland. Within the States this band has proven already to be a huge hit, and have even been deemed by Rolling Stone as the "new Arcade Fire."

Of Monsters and Men released their debut album "My Head Is an Animal" earlier this year. Despite the occasional play on UK radio, this band still remains off the radar - not for long though. I would jump on the bandwagon soon - this band are expected to achieve great things.

I am a huge fan of this band and have already secured my ticket to see them -  I urge you to do the same! 

Tour Dates:
20th Nov. Terminal 5 - NYC
22nd Feb. O2 Academy - Glasgow, UK
24th  Feb. Ritz  Manchester - Manchester, UK
25th  Feb. Rock City - Nottingham, UK
26th  Feb. HMV Institute - Birmingham, UK
27th Feb. O2 Academy Bristol - Bristol, UK
1st  March. O2 Academy Oxford - Oxford, UK
2nd March. Pyramids  Centre - Portsmouth, UK
3rd March.  Norwich UEA LCR - Norwich, UK
5th March. O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
6th March.  O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK

For more information regarding tickets or the rest of their European tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/3631016-of-monsters-and-men/calendar?page=1

Cat Power

 

Cat Power (Charlyn Marie Marshall) is an American singer/songwriter from Georgia. 

I am a big fan of Cat Power - her raspy and soulful voice create songs that are perfect for that evening of chilled music. Her unique voice also makes it impossible to not recognize her songs which include "Maybe Not," "Sea Of Love" and "Werewolf." Another song to check out is her incredible cover of wonderwall by Oasis.

Similar artists to Cat Power include Feist, Warpaint and Bat For Lashes.

Cat power has a number of albums; Dear Sir, Myra Lee, What Would the Community Think, Moon Pix, The  Covers Record, You Are Free, The Greatest, Jukebox and the recently released Sun. Sun, which was released on September 3rd, has proven to be a great hit, with reviews stating it to be "a passionate pop album of electronic music filtered through a singer-songwriter's soul. "

Cat Power has previously received bad reviews for her live performances - being seen as "unpolished" and "erratic." However after a breakdown which she describes as a "psychotic break" and publicly admitting to a drink problem, Cat Power has become sober and as a result seen her career flourish. She now performs on stage with great confidence, and repeatedly delivers a polished, professional and emotional performance.

Go on. Check her out.  

Tour dates: 

18th Oct. The State Theatre of Ithaca - Ithaca, NY 

23rd Oct. Hammerstein Ballroom - NYC 

12th Dec. Roundhouse - London, UK 

For more details check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/460150-cat-power/calendar?page=1

Jake Bugg

Definitely one to watch!

Jake Bugg is an English singer/songwriter from Nottingham. He scored his first big break back in 2011 when he was chosen by the BBC to appear on their introducing stage at Glastonbury Music Festival, and was then given a contract with Mercury Records.

Jake's debut self titled album is due to be released on the 15th October.

This 18 year old boy with his mod haircut is certainly one to check out - his distinct and unique voice screams 'forget me not.' In a number of reviews Jake has been likened to Bob Dylan, and listening to him I really couldn't agree with this more. I am a huge fan of this guitar playing country/folk-esq guy and definitely feel he has the talent and potential to match the success of Ben Howard  and Ed Sheeran.

Check him out. It'll be worth it!

Tour Dates: 
16th October. Sub89 - Reading, UK
20th October. O2 Academy - Oxford, UK
12th November. HMV Institute - Birmingham, UK
13th November. Wedgewood Rooms - Southsea, UK
14th Novemer. KOKO - London, UK
15th November. Thekla - Bristol, UK
17th November. Manchester Academy - Manchester, UK
18th November. The Cockpit - Leeds, UK
19th November. Fibbers - York, UK
20th November. O2 Academy 2 Newcastle - Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
23rd November. Rescue Rooms - Nottingham, UK

For more information regarding tickets and his (European, N.American) tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/4172111-jake-bugg/calendar?page=1

The Low Anthem

This seemingly unknown American indie folk band is definitely worth checking out if you listen to bands such as 'Iron and Wine,' and 'Tallest Man on Earth.'

The thing I particularly like about The Low Anthem is they have no intention playing any of their songs in the same way night after night. Since each of the band members play an array of different instruments, The Low Anthem are successful in achieving this goal and as a result continually perform great gigs.

Something that should also get a mention is the bands willingness to deliver a great show to their fans. For their gig in Boston on 10/21/11 The Low Anthem took their gig outside as they had not finished their set list by the time the venue had to close for the night. Its not often you hear bands willing to do this, so with this in mind I urge you to give this band a go and see them live.

Songs I recommend checking out are "Charlie Darwin," "To Ohio" and "The Horizon is a Beltway."

Tour dates:
27th October. Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University - NYC

For more information about their N.American tour or to buy tickets visit: http://www.songkick.com/artists/934168-low-anthem

The Weekend

Fact: This artist is awesome!

Abel Tesfaye, better known for his stage name "The Weekend" is a record producer and artist from Toronto, Canada. A good friend of mine told me about this guy and urged me to check him out on youtube. I am glad I listened because I absolutely love this band!

My particular favourite song is The Morning. The Weekend has grown huge support and respect from fans and musical publications. Abel Tesfaye has even been labeled as the "Songbird of his Generation."

In 2011 The Weekend released a nine song free album, "House of balloons." Not only did this album really help make Tesfaye become noticed, but it was also nominated for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize. Later in the same year The Weekend released two more mixtapes; "Thursday" and "Echoes of Silence." Echoes of Silence proved to be equally successful as his debut album "House of Balloons" by being nominated once again for the Polaris Music Prize (2012).

Although The Weekend are only playing a few shows in the upcoming weeks, you should still check this artist out. After an extremely successful set at Coachella festival, there is no doubt that this guy can perform. His high vocal talent has resulted in him being compared to the late King Of Pop, Michael Jackson. I will add, if you want to get tickets to see this guy perform I would do it quick - his shows are frequently sold out.

Tour dates:
25th October. NYC
26th October. NYC
27th October. Paradise Theatre - Bronx, NYC
20th March. Ritz Manchester - Manchester
21st March. O2 ABC - Glasgow
22nd March. HMV Institute - Birmingham
24th - 27th March. Electric Ballroom - London


For information regarding tour dates check out: http://the-weeknd-xo.com/ and http://www.songkick.com/artists/4363463-weeknd/calendar