Airborne Toxic Event Review

A seriously great band live.

On Friday 6th May I was fortunate enough to get hold of a ticket to see the Airborne Toxic Event live in NYC.

For more general info about this band click on the link.

I have to start by saying - I have never been to a gig quite like it. The band played at the Town Hall in NYC, and the layout was just like a theater. The band performed on the stage and the crowd were all seated in stalls - I was seated up on the balcony. Not only was everyone seated, alcohol was banned and the use of flash light photography and video was prohibited. With all these factors it definitely made it the most respectable gig I have attended (by far!).

The format of the gig was very good. There was no support band, just Airborne Toxic Event doing their thing. The gig was separated into two halves, with a fifteen minute interval between each part. For the first half the band performed their songs acoustically, and for the second half they played their more popular songs while rocking out on their electric guitars. 

Airborne Toxic Event definitely had the crowd going wild after their amazing performances of "Sometime Around Midnight" and "Changing." Although all the members of Airborne Toxic were great, the lead singer Mikel Jolllet certainly stood out. He had great charisma and at one point even ran into the crowd while singing.

Despite the crowd being seated, by the end the majority were standing and singing along. The finale was fantastic - a strong performance of innocence left the entire audience wanting to hear more.

If you get the chance to see them, do it!

Tour Dates:
12th May. Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates, check out: http://www.theairbornetoxicevent.com/shows

Mikel Jollet

Anna Bulbrook

Freelance Whales

Freelance Whales are an indie rock band from Queens, New York. 

This five man band are certainly not short of talent. Between them they can play an array of different instruments including bass, electric and acoustic guitars, mandolins, glockenspiels, and banjos.

Similar artists to Freelance Whales include Passion Pit and Ra Ra Riot. 

After self-releasing their debut album "Weathervanes," and performing relentlessly around NYC at various locations (like subway platforms!), the Freelance Whales got their big break. In addition to getting signed, a number of their singles got played in popular US shows including One Tree Hill and Grey's Anatomy. 

Freelance Whales have recently announced their second album "Diluvia" will be released on October 9th of this year. 

Tour dates:
1st November. Webster Hall - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and their N. America tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/2377046-freelance-whales/calendar?page=1

Colbie Caillat

I saw Colbie Caillat not too long ago and sadly I was a little disappointed.

Colbie Caillat is a singer-songwriter from California who first hit the music scene in 2007. She has two albums 'Coco' and 'Breakthrough' and is due to release her third on the 12th July. Her hit singles include "Bubbly," "The Little Things," and "I Never Told You."

One of my friends is a HUGE Colbie Caillat fan and so they persuaded me to go with the them to see her live in NYC. Although she is a great singer and has a number of great tracks, I felt her gig was missing something. 

Despite their being packed crowd, I felt the gig lacked any real atmosphere and excitement. She didn't do  much in terms of work the crowd - rather she just sang her songs and smiled a lot. Compared to gigs that I have been to, like Mumford & Sons and Imogen Heap, I would have to say Colbie Caillat would not be on my list of artists/ bands to see again.

Overall I would give this gig  low rating- your not missing out on anything by not going...sorry!

Tour dates:
30th May. Paramont Theater - NY
2nd June. Rumsey Playfield - NYC

For more information regarding tickets and her North & South America tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/258548-colbie-caillat/calendar?page=1

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The Kooks

I love, love, love The Kooks!

I saw this band live last year and had a great time. The Kooks are an indie pop band from Brighton, UK and first hit the music scene in 2004. The Kooks have to date released three albums "Inside In/ Inside Out," "Konk" and "Junk of the Heart."

Popular songs by The Kooks include She Moves In Her Own Way, Shine On, Oo La, Seaside, Do Ya Wanna and Naive.

I saw this band in Hyde Park London where they were one of the main acts (other acts included The Killers) to perform at the Hard Rock Calling. Due to them playing in a Park the atmosphere was unreal. Luke Pritchard (lead singer) is not only a great singer with a sexy voice, but a great energetic performer who has the ability to get the entire crowd singing and dancing to all their songs. With their collection of feel good songs, it comes to know surprise that The Kooks have attracted a large fan base over the years. With this in mind I would therefore suggest you buy tickets to see this awesome British band soon as tickets will sell fast.

Tour dates:
27th May. Northern Lights - Clifton, NY
29th May. Rumsey Playfield - Central Park, NYC
20th May. Rumsey Playfield - Central Park, NYC
7th September. Wembley Arena - London, UK (supporting Noel Gallagher)

For more information regarding tickets and their North America and Europe tour dates check out; http://www.songkick.com/artists/349047-kooks/calendar?page=1

The Drums Music Review

One of my fiends offered me a spare ticket which she had to The Drums in NYC- of course I couldn't say no; so I would just like to say a huge thank you for giving me a ticket to their sold out show.

The Drums support was Mathew Dear and all I will say is: Dreadful!!

Despite the awful support act, The Drums were able to save the night with their great performance. The Drums are a four piece indie rock band from Brooklyn, NY. In June 2010, The Drums released their debut album "The Drums" which includes the songs Lets go Surfing, Forever and Ever Amen, Down By The Water, and Best Friend. Their long awaited second album is due to be released in June of this year.

I had never been to last nights venue (the Knitting Factory) but I really liked it. I enjoy intimate gigs, although the venue was a bit of a mission to get to, it was a great place to see the band up close. The main room is small, with a bar on one side and a merchandise table on the other side. What I like most about small venues is the small amount of  hustle and bustle you have to go through to get a good view of the stage.

Surprisingly last nights crowd was very diverse, there were young children, older people, rockers, businessmen, people on their own, couples and families. Despite the various ages and styles of the crowd, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and danced and sang along to the music.  

To say The Drums are enthusiastic/energetic performers would be an understatement. The lead singer, Johnathon Pierce certainly gets taken over by the music as he waves his arms and dances flamboyantly around the stage. The Drums look every inch a true indie band with their vintage sweaters and shirts, denim jackets and skinny jeans, so combine this with their great song and you have the perfect mix for a great show.

Tour dates:
22nd April. Webster Hall - NYC
3rd June. Dot To Dot Festival 2012 - Nottingham, UK
8-10th June. Rockness 2012 - Inverness, UK

For more information about tickets and other tour dates visit: http://www.songkick.com/artists/162568-drums/calendar

Lead singer, Johnathon Pierce

The Drums live @Knitting Factory

Ellie Goulding Music Gig (American tour dates)

I wrote the following post about Ellie Goulding
http://musicgigsnfestivals.blogspot.com/2011/04/ellie-goulding-music-gig.html

Well between the 11th Oct - 16th Oct Ellie Goulding will be playing in North America/ Canada. For ticket information check out: tour dates and tickets


Tour dates:
11th Oct. Santos Party House - NYC
14th Oct. Sound Academy - Toronto, Canada
16th Oct. West Hollywood, CA

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Sia Music Gig

I am a big fan!

Sia is an Australian, dance-pop singer and songwriter. To date Sia has released five albums: "Healing is Difficult," "Colour The Small One," "Lady Croissant," "Some People Have Real Problems," and "We Are Born."

Artists similar to Sia include Marina and the Diamonds, Imogen Heap and Kate Havnevik.

Sia has received many great reviews for her live shows and performances. Sia has both a great voice and a great personality which always come through in her shows. During her gigs, Sia comes across very talkative and funny and can always work the crowd. In addition to the singing and joke telling, Sia regularly gives shout outs to her fans. One thing that should be noted is Sia's gigs have an impressive amount of detail and effort put into them. Recently Sia's sets have included a stage entirely blanketed in striped textiles which I feels sums up the type of performer that she is.   

Songs which are personal favorites of mine include "Breathe me," "Soon We'll Be Found," and "Little Black Sandals." For an enjoyable evening of good music and entertainment I really suggest you go out and buy tickets.

Tour Dates
26th July. Webster Hall - NYC
27th July. Webster Hall - NYC
For more information about other tour dates and tickets check out: http://www.myspace.com/siamusic