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.
Civil Twilight are an indie rock band from Cape Town, South Africa.
To date this trio have released two albums "Civil Twilight" and "Holy Weather." I first came across their music when their single "Quiet In My Town" featured in an episode of One Tree Hill.
If Paper Route, Vacationer, and Neon Trees are you calling, than Civil Twilight is a band for you.
Their music is a "perfect blend of atmospheric sound and hazy storytelling that
transports you to another place" - which makes them the perfect choice for a chill night of live music.
Although this band has yet to break into the mainstream music scene, do not be deterred. They have done a lot of touring and supported a number of great acts such as Florence and the Machine and Smashing Pumpkins. I would definitely urge you to check this band out.
Tegan and Sara Quin are twin sisters that together make up the indie rock band, Tegan and Sara. Both insanely talented, this canadian duo are well worth checking out. Not only do they have great voices, but they write all their own songs and play both the keyboard and the guitar.
I first came across this pair when their music got featured in a number of Greys Anatomy and One Tree Hill episodes. They have to date released a staggering five albums; "Under Feet Like Ours," "This Business of Art," "If It Was You," "So Jealous," "The Con," "Sainthood," and are soon to be releasing a sixth album "Heartthrob" (January 29, 2013). The first single from the new album is called "Closer" and was released on the 25th September of this year.
Although these two are known for their on stage banter, I have to disagree and say how awkward I felt they were. I was fortunate enough to see Tegan and Sara at Glastonbury Music festival a couple of years ago. I was surprised, considering how relatively unknown they are here in the UK, how many came to watch their set. I really loved them live. Both of the girls have incredibly unique voices which make them instantly recognisable. Singing with great emotion and energy, these girls killed it.
Like mentioned before however the duo did seem really awkward between tracks - frequently just going back to the safe "thank you for coming" line. Despite this however, these girls have done a ton of touring since then, supporting for the likes of Ben Fold, The Pretenders, Death Cab for Cutie, and Ryan Adams. They have just supported the Black Keys during their 2012 US tour, and will be the support acts for the upcoming Killers tour.
A great show. Seriously, check them out.
Tour Dates:
14th May. Madison Square Gardens - NYC
19th May. Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ
8th June. Ritz Manchester - Manchester, UK
9th June. O2 ABC - Glasgow, UK
11th June. Troxy - London, UK
12th June. HMV Institute - Birmingham, UK
(Supporting Fun.)
13th July. Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center - NY,
22nd July. Hudson River Park - NY
23rd July. Hudson River Park - NY
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
Imagine Dragons is an indie rock band from Las Vegas, that is formed of Dan Reynolds (drums, vocals), Ben McKee (bass ,vocals), Wayne Sermon (guitar, vocals), and Dan Platzman (drums, vocals).
Despite forming back in 2008 it wasn't until 2011 when this band got their big break. Their single "It's Time" proved to be the turning boy for the boys success - going platinum and reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Alternative, and Billboard Rock charts.
2012 has been a year of great success for Imagine Dragons. Not only did they tour around the US and sell out every show (bar 2!), they released their highly anticipated debut album "Night Visions" and released a brand new EP "Hear Me."
Branded as "2012's Brightest New Stars," Imagine Dragons' talent, sound and energy are certainly gaining them the notice and respect that they so clearly deserve.
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.
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.
