Ever been to a music gig? Want to go again? Want to know who is worth seeing?
Music gigs and festivals is a blog dedicated to telling you where and when the coolest bands are playing in NY and the UK. In addition to this I will also be sharing reviews about gigs and festivals I have attended which are definitely worth checking out.
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.
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/
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
