Joseph Arthur

Joseph Arthur is an American singer/songwriter from Ohio. This hugely popular artist is known for his "poetic lyrics with a layered sonic palette."

I first came across Joseph Arthur when his song Honey and the Moon was featured in an episode of The OC many years ago. As an artist who is known for his constant touring, Joseph Arthur has written an impressive collection of singles. To date he has released 11 EPs and nine studio albums, the most recent being the double album "Redemption City." One of his singles - In the Sun - has been remixed by Justin Timberlake, and covered by Michael Stipe and Chris Martin.

Joseph has a raw yet soothing voice that compliments his poetic lyrics perfectly. Not one to strum his guitar and sing about the heartbreak of love, Joseph Arthur creates music that covers everything. In addition to this, Joseph Arthur is not afraid to mix it up - experimenting soft melodies, with alternative beats/ electronics.

In terms of live reviews, Joseph Arthur rarely receives criticism. An exceptional artist who rarely sings a wrong note, Joseph Arthur always seems to leave his crowds feeling deeply satisfied.

Similar artists to Joseph Arthur include: Joe Purdy, Pete Yorn, Alexi Murdoch and Matthew Ryan.

Tour Dates:
13th June. The Bowery Ballroom - NYC
For more information regarding tickets, check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3U7aL3DHD_s

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

Beth Orton

One word: Folktronica. No one mixes electronics with folk like this woman. 

Beth Orton is a british singer/songwriter from Norfolk. Although it wasn't until 1996 that Orton got noticed, she has been around since 1993. To date Beth has released six albums: Superpinkymandy, Trailer Park, Central Reservation, Daybreaker, Comfort of Strangers, and the recently released Sugaring Season.  

Beth songs are frequently played on hit american shows such as Greys Anatomy, Charmed, Dawson Creek, and Vanilla Sky. If music by Martha Wainwright, Cat Power and Natalie Merchant are your thing, than you should check out Beth Orton. 

As well as her folk/eletcontric songs, Beth Orton is instantly recognisable by her vocals. Her gravely/ husky vocals not only work on the more emotive, slow songs, but also on the meow upbeat dance orientated sounds. 

Her performances are pretty stripped: Beth doing her thing, with only the accompaniment of one of two guitarists behind her. This simple format however works perfectly for the type of music she writes. She has great rapport with her crowds and often leaves them pretty awe-inspired. 

Tour dates: 

6th April. The Junction - Cambridge
8th April. Newcastle Volvo Tyne Theatre - Newcastle Upon Tyne
9th April. The Liquid Room - Edinburgh
10th April. Leeds Irish Centre - Leeds
12th April. The Kazimier - Liverpool
13th April. O2 Academy - Oxford
15th April. St George's Bristol - Bristol
16th April. Wedgewood Rooms - Southsea
17th April. Royal Festival Hall - London

For more information regarding tour dates and live shows check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/308960-beth-orton/calendar?page=1

Stereophonics

A great band.

I am confident you have heard of this band but just in case; Stereophonics are an alternative rock band from Wales that have been around for years! To date they have released eight studio albums and recorded many hit singles, including "Dakota," "Have a Nice Day," and "Devil."

First hitting the music scene in 1997, it comes as no surprise that Stereophonics are a well practiced live band! Described as "classic rock delivered with whiskey vocals," lead singer Kelly Jones is a hugely talented guy. Over the years the boys have performed on a number of great stages (the BRIT Awards), and in front of huge crowds (V Festival, Glastonbury, Hyde Park and T in the Park).

I saw Stereophonics live last year, and you can check out my review by following the link: http://musicgigsnfestivals.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/bt-london-live-opening-ceremony.html

Tour Dates:
26th March. Empress Ballroom - Blackpool
27th March. Usher Hall - Edinburgh
17th Aug. V festival
8th Nov. The Hydro - Glasgow
9th Nov. AECC - Aberdeen
14th Nov. Manchester Arena - Manchester
15th Nov. Leeds Arena - Leeds
16th Nov. Metro Radio Arena - Newcastle Upon Tyne
18th Nov. Capital FM Arena - Nottingham
19th Nov. LG Arena - Birmingham
21st Nov. The Brighton Centre - Brighton
22nd Nov. Bournemouth International Centre - Bournemouth
24th Nov. Motorpoint Arena Cardiff - Cardiff
25th Nov. Motorpoint Arena Cardiff - Cardiff
26th Nov. Motorpoint Arena Cardiff - Cardiff
28th Nov. The O2 - London

For more details regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Stereophonics-tickets/artist/795944#artist_table_focus

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Serious raw talent.

Ben Haggerty is an american rapper from Seattle who goes by the name Macklemore. Collaborating with producer Ryan Lewis, Macklemore has built up quite the following.

His last single "Thrift Shop" was a huge hit, topping both the UK and US singles charts, and receiving more than 180milion hits on youtube.

As a solo artist Macklemore has released a mixtape, three EPs and an album "The Language of My World." Together Macklemore and Ryan Lewis have released the hugely popular album "The Heist."

Macklemore has battled with a number of demons throughout his life, the most prominent being drugs. In 2008 Macklemore cleaned up, and it was during this time that he began his collaboration with Ryan Lewis. These difficulties with drugs and addiction are apparent in Macklemores and Ryan Lewis music. His songs are raw and extremely honest, a perfect example being "Starting Over" which is about his relapse in 2011.

Im a huge fan of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis work and would strongly urge you to check them out if you have not done so already.

Tour dates: 
28th April. Gordon Field House, Rochester Institute of Technology - NY
18th May. Plaza Green at iPlay America - NJ
19th May. Plaza Green at iPlay America - NJ
27th May. O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
11th July. Indian Lookout Country Club Ga - NY

For more information regarding tickets and tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/3015056-macklemore-and-ryan-lewis/calendar?page=1

Tegan and Sara Review

I am a huge fan of these two!

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

For more tickets and tour date information, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/192555-tegan-and-sara/calendar?page=1

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