Daughter

Indie folk at its finest.

Daughter, made up of Elena Tonra, Igor Haefeli, and Remi Aguilella are already achieving great things. Their debut single Smother has helped to build the bands already growing reputation by featuring on many popular tv shows including Skins and Vampire Diaries.

If artists Ben Howard, Bon Iver, and Keaton Henson are your calling than so are these. Personally lead singer Elena Tonra reminds me a great deal of a more 'deep and meaningful' version of Ingrid Michaelson.

 This band is due to release their debut album "If You Leave" on 18th March. If however you are unable to wait this long you can check out their EPs (released between 2010 - 2011) "Demos," "His Young Heart" and "The Wild Youth."

I really am a huge fan of this band I seriously urge you to check them out. If indie/ indie folk is your thing than Daughter will certainly tick all the boxes. Their soft vocals, eerie tones and painfully honest acoustic performances will have you truly enraptured.

Tour Dates: 
21st April. The Institue - Birmingham
22nd April. Liverpool Cathedral - Liverpool
23rd April. Oxford Town Hall - Oxford
24th April. Old Fire Station - Bournemouth
25th May. Victoria Park - London
30th - 1st Sept. End of the Road Festival - Salisbury

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates, check out: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/159884/Daughter.html

James Blake

Dubstep meets mainstream.

James Blake is an electronic music singer/songwriter from London. In July 2011 James Blake was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize for his self titled debut album "James Blake."

Blake got his first big break in 2010 when he released his cover of "Limit to Your Love" by Feist. Following this single, Blake was placed on 'BBC's Sound of 2011' and runner up in the 'BRIT Awards' Critic's Choice.'

I am a huge fan of this guy. Not only has he worked with great artists like Bon Iver, but he is able to produce music that is so different from anything else currently in the charts. In particular I absolutely love his track I Only Know (What I Now Know) due to the clash of chill vibes with chaotic beats. While some may think this song is total rubbish, I believe it is truly genius and I honestly can't get enough of it.

With his impressive vocal harmonies mixed in with electronic sounds, this artist is by no means everyones cup of tea. But for those of you, who like me, can't get enough of James Blakes' music, look out for him - he is a must see!

Tour Dates:
9th May. Terminal 5 - NYC

For more information regarding tour dates and tickets check out, http://www.songkick.com/artists/591219-james-blake/calendar?page=2

Jacko Hooper

Although I stumbled by this singer by mistake, I am glad I did.

Clearly still stuck in my  'deep and meaningful' ' acoustic guitar performance phase, this guy filfulls the quota perfectly! Jacko Hooper is a singer/songwriter from Brighton that reminds me a great deal of Athlete, Aqualung, Benjamin Francis Leftwich and James Vincent McMorrow.

Although Jacko Hooper is not hugely known (yet), he shows great potential and is already growing a steady stream of fans. In March of last year, Jacko released an EP "From Home," consisting of five beautiful folk tracks - my favorite being River.

So if wistful folk music is your calling, than this is an artist you must certainly check out.

Tour Dates: 
12th Feb. The Marlborough Theatre - Brighton, UK (supporting Rae Morris)
11th April. The brunswick - Hove, UK

For tickets and/or further info, check out; http://www.songkick.com/artists/5423688-jacko-hooper/calendar

You Me at Six

Like We the Kings, Blink 182 and Fall Out Boy? You're going to like these then.

You Me at Six, made up of Josh Franceschi, Max Helyer, Chris Miller, Matt Barnes and Dan Flint, is a British rock band from Surrey. These boys have proved to be incredibly popular, with their debut album "Take Off Your Colours" entering the UK album chart at no.33.

Starting as they mean to go on, You Me at Six followed their debut album with a second album "Hold Me Down." This album, which includes the tracks "Take Your Breathe Away," "Underdog," and "Hard to Swallow," reached no.5 in the charts - proving to be more of hit with their ever expanding fan base.

In addition to the two albums already mentioned, You Me at Six have released two more - "Stay with Me," and "Sinners Never Sleep."

Known for their passion and energy on stage, these guys have received some rave reviews for their live shows. This is definitely one of those gigs that you need to be prepared for mosh pits, screaming and a hell of a lot of sweat!! If your interested buy tickets quick - it is not uncommon for their shows to be complete sell outs.

Tour Dates:
April 24th. Best Buy Theater - NYC

For further information regarding their (N.American) tour dates and tickets check out: http://www.youmeatsix.co.uk/index.php/live-dates/

Andy Burrows

For those of you that are huge music buffs this is definitely someone you will have heard of.

Andy Burrows is an indie/acoustic musician from Winchester, UK. Despite recently releasing a solo album, Andy is most known for his earlier projects. First hitting the music scene in 2004, Andy was the drummer in Razorlight until 2009, and then for We Are Scientists. If this wasn't impressive enough, Andy has also worked with I Am Arrows and Tom Smith from the Editors.

In October 2012 Andy Burrows released his debut solo album "Company," which includes the singles "Keep On Moving On" and "Hometown."

For me Andy Burrows provides the perfect option when seeking music that is chilled out and easy to listen to. It also helps he is a great acoustic singer - something that always wins my vote!

Tour Dates
18th Feb. Komedia - Brighton
19th Feb. Wedgewood Rooms - Portsmouth
20th Feb. The Fleece - Bristol
21st Feb. Bush Hall - London
23rd Feb. The Institute - Birmingham
24th Feb. The Rub Lounge - Manchester
25th Feb. King Tut's Wah Wah Hut - Glasgow
16th Feb. Brudenell Social Club - Leeds

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/150027/Andy_Burrows.html

Mikky Ekko

A truly soulful voice.

Mikky Ekko is an American singer/songwriter from Louisiana. Mikky first built his rep (in the UK particularly) when he featured in Rihanna's single, Stay. Although Mikky's new single "Pull Me Down" is proving to be a hit, it is certainly not his debut. Previous to this single, Mikky released "Who Are You, Rally?"and "Feels Like the End."

This guy is definitely the newbie on the block. With his soothing voice, and wistful melodies Mikky Ekko flirts along the line between indie pop and alternative. When asked about his influences, he honestly answered "the idea of loneliness" something that I feel he translates beautifully into his music (listen to We Must Be Killers for proof!).

From listening to Mikky Ekko's music I am intrigued to hear what his new album (to be released very soon) is going to sound like. His voice, to me, sounds a great deal of OneRepublics front man and lead vocalist Ryan Tedder. Give him a try, i think you will like!

Tour dates:
(Supporting Jessie Ware)
6th March. The Junction - Cambridge, UK
8th March. O2 ABC 2 - Glasgow, UK

For information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/2385584-mikky-ekko

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

This uber cool trio are rockers to the core.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, otherwise referred to as BRMC, is an american rock band from San Fran, USA. Certainly not new to the block, this band first formed together back in 1998. Fourteen years and six albums later, BRMC continue to do their thing and provide their fans with timeless and cool rock music. Like with everything change is inevitable,  BRMC being no exception to this. Over the years the band has gone through a number of changes to its line up - the current one consisting of original band members Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been, and newbie (singer) Leah Shapiro.

Although 2012 was pretty quiet for this band, they have recently announced that they will be releasing  their seventh album "Specter At The Feast" on March 18th. Previous albums released by this band include "B.R.M.C.", "Take Them On," "On Your Own,""Howl," "Baby 81," "The Effects of 333," and "Beat the Devil's Tattoo."

I first came across this band back when their singles "Weapon of Choice" and "Mercy" featured in an episode of One Tree Hill. I instantly became attracted to their music for the evident mix of garage, blues, folk and rock that they applied to all their music.

Despite having a fairly quiet 2012, 2013 proves to be a busy one for BRMC with the release of their new album, and N.American and European tour.

I urge you to buy tickets asap if you are interested in seeing this band live. With the size of their fan base, it is normal for their gigs to sell out quick.

Tour Dates: 
10th March. Limelight - Belfast
24th March. Ritz Manchester - Manchester
25th March. O2 ABC - Glasgow
26th March. HMV Institute - Birmingham
27th March. O2 Academy Brixton - London
29th March. Rock City - Nottingham
20th March. O2 Academy - Leeds

4th May. Terminal 5 - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and their (N.America, European) tour dates, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/274854-black-rebel-motorcycle-club/calendar?page=1

Little Green Cars

Think Of Monsters And Men meets Sunshine Underground and you have the sound of this band. 

Once again Dublin continues to produce great new bands, this one being no exception. Little Green Cars is a five piece country rock band who has already captured the interest of many in America.

Despite being referred as a band to watch in 2013, you would be forgiven if you have never come across/or heard of this band. Although they hit the music scene five years ago, Little Green Cars only released their debut single,"The John Wayne" (see video below) at the end of last year (2012). 

I urge you to keep an eye out for them though. I can honestly say I cant get enough of this band - absolutely love them!! Like many others, I am eagerly anticipating the release of their debut album "Absolute Zero" which is due out later this year. 

Tour Dates:
Touring with Jake Bugg:
2nd Feb. O2 Academy - Sheffield
3rd Feb. O2 Academy - Leeds
4th Feb. 02 Academy - Newcastle Upon Tyne
7th Feb. HMV Picture House - Edinburgh
8th Feb. O2 Academy - Glasgow

26th Feb. Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen - London
27th Feb. Soup Kitchen - Manchester
28th Feb. The Louisiana - Bristol

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/5285298-little-green-cars/calendar

Kodaline

A seriously great band!

Kodaline is an irish indie band made up of Stephen Garrigan, Vinnie May Jr, Jason Boland and Mark Prendergastan. I first came across this band when their single "All I want" featured in an episode of Greys Anatomy.

Kodaline have released a self titled, four track EP which includes the singles: All I want, Pray, Perfect World, and Lose Your Mind.

For me this band reminds me a great deal of Damien Rice, Coldplay and Aiden Grimshaw. Despite being new to the scene, I would urge everyone to check this band out - we haven't the last of them yet! 

Tour Dates:
31st January. Mercury Lounge - NYC
7th February. Fibbers - York
8th February. Cabaret Voltaire - Edinburgh
9th February. Coventry Kasbah - Coventry
11th February. The Green Door Store - Brighton
12th February. The Portland Arms - Cambridge
13th February. Jericho Tavern - Oxford
14th February. Dingwalls - London


For information regarding tickets and tour dates (UK and N.American) check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/5546973-kodaline/calendar?page=1

Walk The Moon

Another little indie band for you all.

Walk The Moon are an american indie band from Ohio. If the music of Neon Trees, Two Door Cinema Club and Imagine Dragons are your thing, than you must check out this band.

With the independent release of their album "i want! i want!" in 2010, Walk The Moon were rewarded a year later with a record deal with RCA Records. In June 2012, the boys released their official debut album, the self titled "Walk The Moon." This album includes their popular singles "Anna Sun" (which is playing a lot on the radio at the moment) and "Tightrope."

Unlike a lot of the bands i've posted about recently, Walk The Moon are an insanely energetic band, with incredibly upbeat and catchy tunes. This band (regardless of whether you know their material or not) will have you swaying and jumping along to their tracks. Whats particularly great about this band is all of its members have great stage presence, and all willing to chip in to deliver a great show. Nicholas Petricca (lead singer), Kevin Ray, Sean Waugaman and Eli Maiman are all truly great performers.

Despite only releasing their debut album last year, Walk The Moon are proving very popular. If indie slash dance pop music is your thing, I really do urge you to check these guys out.

Tour dates: 
25th Jan. Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NYC
26th Jan. Bowery Ballroom - NYC
(Date tbc). Roseland Ballroom - NYC

For more information regarding tickets, and their N.American tour check out: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Walk-the-Moon-tickets/artist/753460#artist_table_focus

Chvrches

Last week they came 5th in the Radio One Sound of 2013.

Chvrches (with a v) are an alternative electronic band from Scotland. If Purity Ring, The Knife and Naked and Famous are your thing, than so are these.

Made up of Lauren Mayberry, Iain Cook and Martin Doherty, Chvrches provide the perfect mix of electro and pop.

Despite being labelled as 'one to watch this year,' there is very little out there in terms of music. Despite a few (very good!!) singles being released such as Lies, and The Mother We Share, and a tour with Passion Pit, Chvrches are yet to release any EPs or Albums. All I say to this however is watch the space!

Tour dates
25th February. The Ruby Lounge - Manchester
26th February. Thekla - Bristol
27th February. Institute of Contemporary Arts - London
2nd March. The Arches - Glasgow
25th May. Field Day - London

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/5933069-chvrches

Haim

A sister act that is taking the music industry by storm.

Haim is made up of three sisters; Este, Danielle and Alana, from LA, California. Described as a 'nu-folk meets nineties R&B' band, this trio are filling a gap that no one seemed to know needed filling!

2013 has started tremendously for this band. On 9th December Radio One announced that Haim had won "Sound of 2013," a fantastic achievement when you consider the winners from previous years (Adele, Ellie Goulding and The Bravery).

If you are questioning their live performance ability, this would be a huge mistake. Growing up, the three sisters were in a band "Rockinhaim" with their parents - something they believe was 'crucial' to how they are as a band today. Not only have these girls been performing for most of their lives, but they have already supported a number of impressive bands and artists including; Florence and the Machine , Mumford and Sons, Ke$ha, and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

After the buzz created by their three single EP, it comes as no surprise there is much anticipation for their debut album, due to be released sometime this year (2013). Check them out - you really will be foolish to ignore these three.

Tour Dates: 
17th February. Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden NJ (supporting Mumford and Sons)

For further information on tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/503872-haim/calendar

Frightened Rabbit

If Biffy Clyro, The National or Gaslight Anthem are your calling than so are these.

Frightened Rabbit are a Scottish indie rock band from Selkirk. To date this band have released three albums, "Sing the Greys," "The Midnight Organ Fight," and "The Winter of Mixed Drinks," and a new EP "State Hospital."

The band is made up of lead vocalist Scott Hutchison, backing vocalist and drums, Grant Hutchison, and backing vocalist and guitarists, Billy Kennedy, Andy Monaghan, and Gordon Skene.

In terms of live reviews, this band has received some mixed ones. Don't be put off however as the negative reviews mostly originated in the earlier stages of their career. Now, despite singing more 'deep and meaningful' singles about drinking too much, and spending a lot of time alone, their shows are very good and surprisingly energetic! In particular, lead frontman Scott Hutchison consistently is able to create great banter between himself and the (usually sold out) crowds. If you are looking for an evening of entertainment, and are a fan of indie music than this is the perfect gig for you.

Tour dates:
9th February. HMV Institute Birmingham - Birmingham
11th February. Wedgewood Rooms - Pourtsmouth
12th February. Brighton Concorde 2 - Brighton
13th February. The Forum - London
16th February. The Fleexe - Bristol
21st February. Nottingham Rescue Rooms - Nottingham
22nd February. Manchester Gorilla - Manchester
23rd February. O2 Academy Liverpool - Liverpool
25th February. Sage Gateshead - Gateshead
4th April. Terminal 5 - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: UK dates and US dates

Ben Howard

 

I am a huge fan of this guy. 

If you like artists benjamin francis leftwich or Ed Sheeran than Ben Howard is someone you should definitely check out.

Ben Howard is a folk singer from Devon, UK who released his debut album "Every Kingdom" last year. The album includes the hit singles; The Wolves, The Fear, and Keep Your Head Up.  More recently, Ben Howard released the fantastic new EP "The Burgh Island," which includes the singles "Oats In the Water," "Burgh Island,"and "Esmerelda."

Being from Devon and a keen surfer himself, Ben Howard has certainly built himself a large and devoted fan base (especially within the circle of UK surfers). His gigs have received many great reviews, and as someone who last year was labeled as the "one to watch next year," it would definitely be worthwhile to check him out. Ben Howard has great stage presence, which combined with his ability to sing acoustically on his guitar, makes it the perfect choice for a chilled out evening listening to live music. 

I was fortunate enough to get tickets to see Ben Howard live in NYC. For my GIG REVIEW check out: http://musicgigsnfestivals.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/ben-howard-review_04.html

 

Tour dates: 

11th Feb. Terminal 5 - NYC 

17th Feb. Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ 

18th Feb. Terminal 5 - NYC

13th June. Isle of Wight Festival 2013 - Newport, UK

For information regarding tickets, and (UK & USA) tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/1212276-ben-howard/calendar 

Jessie Ware

An artist making serious waves.

Jessie Ware is an English singer/songwriter who earned her big break at the end of last year (2012).

Despite her debut single "Strangest Feeling" not making it into the charts, her debut album "Devotion" reached number 5 in the UK Album Charts, and also scored her a nomination for the 2012 Mercury Prize (losing out to eventual winners Alt J).

So far, Jessie Ware has received rave reviews for her live shows - a strong stage presence with a truly incredible voice. Many are predicting she will achieve great success in 2013, something I would definitely have to agree with.

Tour Dates 
16th January. Highline Ballroom - NYC
17th January. The Bowery Ballroom - NYC
6th March. Junction - Cambridge
7th March. HMV Ritz - Manchester
8th March. O2 ABC - Glasgow
9th March. HMV Institute - Birmingham
11th March. O2 Academy - Oxford
12th March. O2 Academy - Bristol
13th March. O2 Shepherds Bush Empire - London
14th March. O2 Shepherds Bush Empire - London

For more information regarding tickets and (N.America, European) tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/4956458-jessie-ware/calendar?page=1

The Feeling

The Feeling are one of the first bands I ever saw live.

Although I may have initially only gone to this gig to see the support band The Fray, I was impressed with their performance.

The Feeling are an English pop band from London. To date, The Feeling have released three albums "Twelve Stops and Home," "Join With Us," and "Together We Were Made," and are currently working on material for a fourth album.

Although this band has been on the music scene for quite some time now, they have been pretty much off the radar. Having not released any new material since the release of "Set My World on Fire" on February 6th 2011, a fourth album is in high demand from fans!

When I saw them live, all those years ago I had a great night. Starting the show with a compilation of youtube videos made by bands, the audience were buzzing. After an hour and a half of bopping and singing along to their hit singles (including Sewn, Rose, and Fill My Little World) I and all the rest of the crowd were sad to see it end.

I would note however,  as mentioned earlier, this band has very little in terms of new material and so if you are looking for new and exciting this is probably a gig you should skip.

Tour dates: 
16th April. Varieties Music Hall - Leeds
17th April. O2 Academy - Birmingham
20th April. Manchester Academy - Manchester
21st April. Oran Mor - Glasgow
26th April. O2 Shepherds Bush Empire - London

For further information regarding tour dates and tickets check out: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/The-Feeling-tickets/artist/1035979

Happy New Year

I apologise for the lack of posts recently - going away over the festive period meant updates had to be temporarily stopped.

If 2012 is anything to go by, 2013 promises to be a great year for live music.

Happy New Year!!