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!!