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