William Fitzsimmons

 

William Fitzsimmons, a folk singer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is defiantly someone to check out. 

To date,Fitzsimmons has released five albums "When We Are hosts," "Goodnight." "Sparrow and the Crow," "Derivatives" and "Gold in the Shadow," and has had a number of his singles aired on popular shows such as Grey's Anatomy and One Tree Hill. 

Although I have not been fortunate to see William Fitzsimmons live, I am eager to do so one day. William Fitzsimmons is the perfect choice for those days you find yourself pondering and reflecting about life - deep I know, but we've all been there! Fitzsimmons songs are all very honest, for example the album "The Sparrow and the Crow" is about his failed marriage and the process he went through to start life over again. It is this pure emotion and  honesty that make his songs that much more captivating and meaningful to the listener. 

So if you are seeking a chilled evening listening to soul wrenching music from a hugely talented and charismatic guy, this is certainly the gig for you. 

  

Tour dates: 

18th Feb. Bowery Ballroom - NYC 

22nd Feb. Water Street Music Hall - NY

For more information about his European and North America tour check out: http://www.myspace.com/williamfitzsimmons/shows

Goo Goo Dolls live Review

I have to be honest, I loved seeing this band live!

Last week I was fortunate to see the Goo Goo Dolls in New Jersey with a couple of my friends. The venue was pretty small for such a successful band so it was great to be able to stand so close to the stage and see them really perform.

 The band was incredibly energetic and entertaining. I had not realized John Rzeznik (lead vocalist) was so witty and comical. Between songs he had great banter with both the audience and the rest of the band, and always seemed in-tune to what the crowd was doing.

During the two hour set John Rzeznik mostly took the lead on their songs although Robby Takac sang some including the hit, January Friend. Other songs they sang included Broadway, Acoustic, Sweetest Lie and my personal favorite performance of the night, Iris! 

Ryan Star, a singer from Long Island, New York was the support for the Goo Goo Dolls show. To give him his credit, he did a great job of warming the crowd up for the main act. He sang his hit songs 'Right Now," "Last Train Home," "Breathe" and "Start a Fire,"  and was around after the show to sign autographs.

I had a great night overall and would certainly recommend you go and see them live as they really do put on a great show.

Tour dates
Nov 18th. The Stanley- Utica, NY
Dec 31st. Caesars Atlantic City - Atlantic City, NJ

For tickets and more information about tour dates check out: Goo Goo Dolls

Lykke Li Music Gig

 Lykke Li is a Swedish indie singer who first hit the music scene in 2008. Lykke Li incorporates pop, electronic, and indie rock into her songs by using many instruments such as violins, tambourines, trumpets, saxophone, and cellos. 

Lykke Li has recently attracted many indie fans due her to fantastic cover of "knocked up" by Kings of Leon. Lykke Li has two albums to date, her debut album "Youth Novels" and the recently released "Wounded Rhymes." 

If you like bands such as Robyn, Beth Ditto, Ellie Goulding and Bat for Lashes, than you should definitely check out Lykke Li. 

Lykki Li is awesome live. Her great voice, constant engagement with the crowd and continual dancing around the stage leaves the crowd wanting more. If you want an enjoyable night of good music than this is a gig for you.

Tour dates:
30th Oct. O2 ABC - Glasgow, UK
31st Oct. Manchester Academy 2 - Manchester,  UK
1st Nov. Roundhouse - London UK.

for more information on tickets check out: Lykke Li ticket info

Nada Surf

Nada Surf first fit the music scene in 1992 and have a number of great tunes including 'See these bones,' (see below) 'Always love' and 'Brightside.'This indie rock band are hugely popular and are due to release their seventh album 'The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy' later this year.

This band has great reviews for their live shows,and generally always make time at the end to meet fans. They always seem to connect well with their audiences and so if you are looking for an enjoyable night of good music, this is definitely for you!

Tour dates:
 1/24/12. Bowery Ballroom - NYC
02/08/12. KOKO - London, UK

For more information regarding their European Tour dates check out: Nada Surf Tour Dates

I am back!

Although I had originally decided to end my blog in August I have decided to resume it once again so keep posted for more news about upcoming gigs.

Alex Clare Music Gig and review

 

I am currently interning in London and was treated to an unexpected acoustic performance by Alex Clare. The company every so often hold 'The Tea Room Sessions' where artists and bands come in to perform. A previous performer has been Clare Maguire.

Alex Clare is a singer/songwriter from London who recently released his debut album "The Lateness of the Hour."

I can honestly say I had never heard of Alex Clare, but after watching him sing acoustically for half an hour I was left wanting more. My favorite song which he performed was Humming Bird - although the album version sounds pretty different from what I heard live, it still a great song.

Alex Clare's voice, although raspy is very soulful - which combined produces a truly captivating and beautiful sound. On returning home, I looked Alex Clare up on YouTube and came across a great cover by Prince's When Doves Cry - I urge you to check it out.

I was pleasantly surprised by Alex Clares talent and so I would urge you to see him live if you can. 

 

Tour dates: 

24th Aug.The Old Blue Last - London. (Sold out!) 

22nd Sept. Barfly Camden - London. 

For more information regarding tickets check out: http://www.ents24.com/web/artist/157653/Alex_Clare.html

Paper Route Review

Certainly high volume and high performing, but sadly not a gig I would go to again.

Paper Route are an indie rock band from Nashville, Tennessee who first formed together in 2004.They released their debut album "Absence" in 2009, and are currently working on a second album.

Songs to check out by them are "Second Chances," "Carousel," "Dance on our Grave (my personal fav!) and "Last Time."

Paper Route have certainly been busy over the years - touring with the likes of Paramore, Owl City and Passion Pit. Despite the touring however, Paper Route have yet to make it mainstream hence the fact tickets to see live were only six pounds.

One thing is for sure however, this was the latest gig I have ever been to - they didn't come on stage until 12.30am.

Although J.T. Daly has strong vocals and is a very energetic performer, the crowd didn't seem to warm to them too much. Despite Daly's constant attempt to interact with the crowd nothing seemed to work. I found the set list for their gig to be quite disappointing too - instead of playing their more well known singles, they seemed to play songs that had greater electro and rock elements to them. Reasons for this may have been due to the fact the venue was at a night club and it was a Friday night (big night out for Londoners!) - however it was still disappointing.

So overall I would say if pumped up electro rock is your thing than this is a gig for you. For me sadly I was left feeling disappointed and so will not be going to see them live again.