Marina and the Diamonds

This Welsh indie pop singer/ songwriter is certainly one to watch out for! Marina and the Diamonds was first noticed after coming second in the BBC Sound poll list in 2010. Her stage name, Marina and the Diamonds, comes from the lead singers full name, Marina Diamandis, and the Greek translation of her last name. When asked, Marina replies, "I'm Marina. You are the diamonds."

In 2010, Marina and the Diamonds released her debut album "The Family Jewels" which went to number five in the UK album charts. Her second album "Electra Heart," which includes the singles "Rdioactive" and "Jealousy," was released in April this year and went straight to No.1 in the UK charts.

Despite Marina's deep vocals, it seems her unique fashion sense gets her more noticed. When asked, Marina describes her style to be a mix of "vintage, cheerleader and cartoon."

Since hitting the music scene, Marina has been touring around and promoting her album. She has had many successful performances including the Isle of Wight Festival, Glastonbury Festival and Leeds Festival. After the success of their "Family Jewels Tour," Marina and the Diamonds are certainly a band you should check out.

Tour Dates
29th May. Rumsey Playfield, Central Park - NYC


For more information regarding tickets and tour dates (N.American ) check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/709564-marina-and-the-diamonds/calendar?page=4

Kate Nash Music Gig

I have seen many great bands perform over the years. For every gig that I go to I go through the same feelings of excitement and anticipation beforehand. I love to see how each gig varies by the type of crowd it attracts, who is supporting, how good the band is live, and whether they can work a crowd or not.

I have experienced many gigs, from moshing to the Fratellis, standing in an intimate gig watching The National, to standing in a crowd of 100,000 to watch Faithless. Despite all these great experiences however there are the occasional disappointments, one being when I saw Kate Nash live at Glastonbury.

I really liked Kate Nash's debut album "Made of Bricks" as it included many great songs like Birds and Foundations. After the release of this album, Kate Nash continued to release a number of great tracks and personal favorites like Merry Happy and Mouthwash. However after the tour of her first album, it was reported that Kate Nash had a "proper breakdown." Since her return at the end of 2009, Kate Nash seems to have not only changed her appearance, but the style of her songs. I am not really keen on her new songs or her second album "My Best Friend is You."

When I saw Kate Nash live she mostly sang songs from her second album which was the first disappointment for me. Next, I disliked how Kate Nash constantly swore and repeatedly told the crowd to wake up, and at one point even told us to not be so "F****** shy" - not the best way I feel to work the crowd!! In addition to this, I found her performance very uncomfortable to watch as she seemed to shout her songs, rather than sing them.

Overall I would have to say give this gig a miss!

Nash is currently touring around the UK. To see her tour dates visit: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/94689/Kate_Nash.html