Last weekend I had my first (of hopefully many) experience of Latitude Festival in Henham Park, Suffolk. I’ve been excited for this Festival for a long time. Pretty much since I came back from Coachella to be quite frank and I’m glad it didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
While the line up was absolutely amazing this year the thing that impressed me most about Latitude was the amount of sheer effort they put into the Festival and trying to make it different, exciting, creative & impressive on the eye. There’s the huge Latitude sign by the lake, the spray-painted sheep, the neon lights in the woods and on the river, the waterfront stage that onlooks the river, all the messages that hang down from trees in different sized ball-balls, and even the 3D water profection that was extremely impressive and at times creepy to watch!
And not only this, the contrast in all sorts of arts that go on at the festival from music to comedy to cabaret to poetry readings. They do workshops in painting and all sorts of other bits and as I would walk around I’d feel like there was almost too much going on. Surely these tents and arenas would be empty half the time. After all, the Festival didn’t even sell out this year… And yet, every tent you walk past, whether it be Theatre, Literature or some sort of mysterious tent that was refered to by one punter as “highly disturbing but at least it entertained us”, they all seem to be full to the rafters. The crowd there seem really into their arts and music. When I was at Hop Farm recently some of the crowd were pretty dire at times for bands but here everyone seemed much more intent on getting their moneys worth and I don’t think anyone can really complain about value for money at Latitude.
And so enough about the Festival as a whole, how about my personal experience… The vast majority of it was spent watching bands (8-10 each day), hardly any of which disappointed. I was going to make a Top 5 but that seems way too hard and so I’ll try and do a top 10 instead.
First off I’ll start with those who made an impression but didn’t make the Top 10.
First Aid Kit’s set got better as it went on and while I enjoyed it greatly both visually and musically it just seems like they are still not quite clicked for me. As much as I really love some of their songs, others just leave no impression on me whatsoever. That said, the last three songs (which included my favourites Emmylou & The Lions Roar) left me in a really good mood for the day. I feel like had I of seen all of The Horrors set then I would probably have placed them somewhere in the Top 10 as I really enjoyed what I saw of them but having really failed to get into the newest album at all I have found my interest in the band has decreased somewhat in recent times. Elbow, who headlined the other stage also looked like they put on a fantastic show and I almost felt guilty for never really giving them much of a chance. They are a band I’ve always greatly dismissed though I feel like I’ll try work my way through their albums in the coming months and catch them again at a Festival one day. Tune-Yards are just incredibly strange. At times, it just sounds like a load of strange noises that don’t quite work, and then suddenly it twists and turns and it’s amazing. I’d like to go see them live at a gig, they look like they’d show you a good time and really are very unique. Michael Kiwanuka & Laura Marling gave assured sets though nothing really stood out. Had Laura Marling’s set included more of my favourites she would most likely have been up in the top 3 to be honest. Also the fact that I’ve seen her twice in recent months probably didn’t help. SBTRKT look like they’d be a fine live band if you were off your head on drink or drugs while Givers & Metronomy brought a real fun and uptempo feel to a somewhat subdued Friday. Finally before I indulge you with my top ten selection, I caught the end of We Are Augustines and they sounded like their sound had got even better than the last time I saw them. They seem to be developing a real dedicated fanbase judging on the involvement of the fans in their last two songs. It made me want to go see them again and they must definitely be a band to watch out for in the next year or so with an incredible sound like theirs.
And so from the nearly ten to the actual top ten on a weekend where I saw so many live acts it’s really quite hard to work this list out.
10. Alabama Shakes (7.8/10)
This band is all about rock and soul music and while the band are good at what they do, Alabama Shakes is really all about one person, lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard. Her voice has drawn comparisions with the legendary Janis Joplin and their music at times rolls back the years in terms of rock and roll. One of the few bands out there for me currently that really dismisses that silly notion that Rock music is a dying breed. The set itself was really pretty good. There was a bit of a mid-set lull but that can always be an issue for bands with only one album out but they (she) really killed it with the last few tracks. I sadly missed her perform Hold On at the start of the set but being the third time I’ve seen Alabama Shakes live I can’t really complain too much.
9. The Antlers (8.1/10)
The set was a little too trapped at one pace for my liking but this band really are one of my favourites these days. I wanted them to lift the tempo with Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Apart or just go crazy on Sylvia but despite the lack of those they still played some classics amongst the new stuff. I’d best get listening to the new EP. Personal highlights were the set closer Putting The Dog To Sleep and the fantastic live song Two.
8. Bon Iver (8.2/10)
His set was very similar to Coachella and when I saw him at the Hammersmith Apollo. I was glad to see some songs from For Emma and while the performance as an art piece is second to none it can get a bit same-y and dare I say it, boring when he’s not really changing up his setlists at all. Bon Iver, the self titled second album as a masterpiece and a stand off album is unbelievable. It deserves every plaudit it gets in that respect but what is loses from it’s predecessor was the down right in your face passion in Justin’s voice and just a hint of subtleness. I mean sure, it’s hard to right such a sad album and even to play it live when you’re not in that place anymore but yeah, I guess it’s depressing to sit here and think that there will never be an album like For Emma, Forever Ago made again. There will never be an album as raw and life-changing as that one from Bon Iver, and possibly from anyone. If I hadn’t of seen him before, this would be number one for sure, but having seen that exact setlist three times now it just feels a little worn out. If someone offered me tickets to see him live I’d take them in a heartbeat and a part of me is actually really excited to be going to see him in November in Glasgow. I’ll really appreciate seeing him in an actual venue again rather than at Festivals. I’m hoping that can re-ignite the flame, so to speak.
7. King Charles (8.4/10)
Surprised me as one really to watch in the upcoming year. Seems to have great mainstream appeal and put on a fine live show. The fans (myself included) were loving it and seemed to be pulling out great hit after great hit. His crazy and moustache-y appearance seems to send a lot of young girls into raptures, but his music equally is making the same waves on the rest of us.
6. Ben Howard (8.5/10)
One of the best live acts about right now I think. When he has another album or two out he’s going to be everywhere and be world famous surely. So much talent and he’s got a good band behind him too. Black Flies was a highlight for me especially seeing Elena Tonra (of Daughter) accompany him on stage. The Fear always sounds brilliant and was a fitting ending to a sub-headlining slot fully deserved. Had I of been able to enjoy all of his set up close he probably would have been in the Top 3 but I couldn’t really take in the first 3-4 songs as much as I’d wanted to watching them from really far back.
5. Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (8.6/10)
The new songs sounded much better in this set than they had initially for me on record. This band is definitely one of my favourite live bands and their debut album was fantastic. Alex and Jade work so well off each other and Alex is absolutely mad. Looking like Jesus, jumping in the crowd on multiple occasions and performing in there to the adoring fans, walking up and down the barrier, giving the microphone to others to take over his role and sing (and surprisingly well). The set seems all about the fans at the front rather than the whole Festival itself but to those who love Ed Sharpe and “get it” they always put on a show that will be remembered for quite some time.
4. Glen Hansard (8.9/10)
Glen is just the most brilliant singer live. So much passion in his voice and it was a joy to finally get to see him live. I get the feeling that when I get to see him perform a full set at Union Chapel it will go down as one of my finest gigs that I’ve been to. One to rival the Gaslights, Bon Ivers & Arcade Fires… I look back on this and wonder why it wasn’t number one. I think perhaps it’s due to the fact that I feel Glen does it best when it’s just him, a guitar and he is singing his heart out and despite the pleasant surprise of numerous members of Bon Iver joining him on stage it took a little bit away from the pure emotion that Glen tends to portray. However it was a great set and he really showed that there is lots to offer after The Swell Season & The Frames.
3. Lana Del Rey (9/10)
She lit up a cigerette inside the signposted NON smoking tent, and then proceeded to sing a whole song with cigerette in hand, not taking a single pull from it (at least to my knowledge…). Only Lana Del Rey eh? She may come across as fake, she may at times come across as a copycat of previous generations but she’s an enigma. And a very interesting one at that. Not only that of course but she’s also released one of the best albums of 2012 and can actually sing live! Lana put on another great display after impressing me at Hackney Weekend. Apart from the disappointment of her not being in a red dress I loved every second of her 45 minute set. She may appeared out of pretty much nowhere like DJ Pied Piper but, yes we do really like it, and Lana is here to stay.
2. Of Monsters And Men (9.1/10)
If this band don’t take over the world then I don’t know what’s wrong with music. They’ve already got their big break hitting number 6 in the US charts. They are selling out show after show in the UK, the band buzz excites the hipsters and the lyrics are accessible for the mainstream, and choruses that are big enough to fill arenas and headline sets all over the place. Add to that a brilliant live show in general and you’ve got yourself Icelandic superstars in the making. They opened with my favourite song Dirty Paws and while that left me feeling slightly little under-whelmed the rest of their 6 song set just blew me away. They would have been my highlight of the Festival if Dirty Paws had of matched up. King & Lionheart sounded epic and when Little Talks came on the place went crazy. My favourite of the set was the final track Six Weeks. Believe the hype, the new Arcade Fire have surely arrived.
1. M83 (9.5/10)
I think M83 have to be my number one. I just had a ton of fun listening to them perform. I was pretty drunk at the time (which was rare for me last weekend!) but they do make amazing live music. I do think back and wonder if I only really enjoyed it because I hadn’t really heard any dance music in a while and had been listening to way too much depressing slow stuff throughout the weekend! Though I’m pretty sure that wasn’t the case. Reunion sounded so epic I just had a massive smile on my face the whole way through. As did the amazing Wait. I can’t even remember half the stuff Anthony and co played but obviously the whole place went wild for Midnight City. I can’t wait to see them at Brixton later this year. I’m just planning to make sure I’m in a very drunken and rowdy mood for it! My favourite Festival set of the weekend and I’m sure the gig will be right up there in the gig of the year stakes.
And so overall I had a really fantastic weekend. I’d definitely recommend Latitude to anyone. They really pull out a great line up each year of up and coming bands from a mix of genres and not only that, they also offer all sorts of other arts for all you creative types. The Festival itself looks amazing and despite the crappy weather we endured throughout the weekend I still felt really sad to be leaving on the Monday. I would suggest avoiding train journeys to/from the Festival though. One very overly packed and busy train every two hours from Halesworth when you’re extremely tired and just want to get home isn’t quite what you hope for. Anyway, I’ve rambled for long enough now so I’ll leave it at that.
OH AND IF YOU WENT TO LATITUDE SEND ME YOUR THOUGHTS AND FAVOURITES FROM THE WEEKEND!?
I’ve been wanting to do one of these lists for a while now. I’ll pick 20 bands/artists that will be on everyone’s lips come this time next year. Or something like that we hope…
These will be in no particular order…
1. DRY THE RIVER
One of my most anticipated album releases of the year. Comes out at the start of March and this band is destined for huge, huge things. They’ve been compared to Mumford & Sons on numerous occasions and though I doubt they’ll have the same impact they do bare some similarities and are perhaps just as talented. A rockier version would be a bit more accurate I suppose though if you’ve only ever listened to the first minute or two of their songs you probably wouldn’t know that. They tend to build tracks brilliantly, creating captivating but hushed intros and deafening, breathtaking outros. None more so on the song Lion’s Den - a song the band seem to frequently close with - which is really quite something to see live! I’ve seen them 4 times this year and each time I’ve been blown away at just how good this band is. 2011 was a big year for the Londoners (and Norwegian frontman!?), but the BBC Sound of 2012 nominees will surely shoot to stardom in this coming 12 months. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see the album on many a Best of 2012 list as they really are that good.
2. TRIBES
This Camden band have got a fantastic sound. Their album is also out this year, though in January so expect to hear a lot about them very soon indeed; if you haven’t already. In Coming of Age they have an anthem that you could quite easily see 70,000 people singing their hearts to and the rest of the tracks I’ve heard so far don’t disappoint either. Himalaya in particular is one that I’m really looking forward to when the album drops. This week it’s come out that the guitarist is getting a bit kinky with Scarlett Johansson which will surely no doubt only do the band good in terms of coverage and press. When I saw them at Electric Ballroom this year it was probably one of the liveliest gigs of the year and they seem to have a big fanbase growing very quickly indeed. I suggest you jump on while it’s “cool” ladies & gents!
3. KEATON HENSON
If this guy could get over his fear of playing live then surely he’d be huge right? I mean to my knowledge he’s only ever played live once or twice and he’s still got a pretty good following. You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are was in my top 5 tracks of 2011. An absolutely beautiful song from a seemingly troubled but ultimately very talented man. Got some great coverage from Radio 1 late in the year and with his album Deer getting a wider release - it sold out it’s limited release very quick I believe - he could become a cult hero amongst the indie crowd, very much in the mould of when Justin Vernon had cabin fever.
4. CLOUD CONTROL
I have a feeling that this wonderful Australian band have an album coming out this year though I’m not certain. Either way, after supporting The Drums on their recent tour as well as having their own headline tour late this year they are sure to become a part of every person’s party playlist soon. Their tracks are just as infectious as indie darling’s Two Door Cinema Club but with a rocky and more exciting edge. Already won a few awards in Aussie land and will do very well on the Festival scene this year if they play UK ones.
5. BEN HOWARD
I’m quite pleased that 4 of the first 5 mentioned are UK acts. The majority of my top 40 albums of 2011 were American, so hopefully 2012 can prove better in the eyes of Josh for the Brits. Ben Howard has already had a great 2011 but I’m pretty sure he’ll go mainstream this year. The man has an absolutely golden voice, a seemingly great personality - I mean I haven’t personally spoken to him! - and just makes fantastic music. One of my favourite live acts of the year and albums. It’s almost a little disheartening to see the attention Ed Sheeran (I have nothing against Ed) gets when there’s someone as talented as Ben looming in the background. However with a headline tour to come, the Festival season ahead, and that great thing called word of mouth, whether it’s 2012 or not I’m pretty sure Ben Howard will soon be a superstar.
6. THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM
Okay, so they’re an established band and why would they have a big 2012? Three albums in and they still haven’t really had a big hit record… Well boys & girls, their my favourite band and I can put in whomever I want. And let’s not forget 2012 is going to be a big year for Bruce Springsteen with Hyde Park & Isle of Wight on the way. Who knows, maybe Brian Fallon might jump on stage with him again! And let’s also not forget that TGA’s first three albums were all released independently. 2012 will be the first album release with a major record label. Perhaps it could be the spark for something big. After all, this band deserve it as much as anyone. Yes, I’m wearing my biased hat right now, but all my points are valid, and if you haven’t listened to The Gaslight Anthem now then you should. And if you haven’t listened to The Gaslight Anthem come the end of 2012, then frankly your opinions are invalid.
7. THE CHEVIN
I saw this band support The Airborne Toxic Event at Shepherd’s Bush recently having never heard of them and thought they sounded like something special. I went home, looked them up and saw they had a total of 800 fans! I started to doubt my judgement until I saw that they were not only the one and only support for TATE but also for The Pigeon Detectives. Not only that, they were opening for White Lies at Wembley Arena. All in the space of two months! I’m pretty sure I won’t be the only one to see anything in this band who really do have a great sound. The lead singer’s voice is fantastic, especially live and while I haven’t seen much of their stuff yet, if they get a few singles and an album out then 2012 could see them blow up out of absolutely nowhere! I suppose you could call them my wildcard pick!
8. THE MACCABEES
Another well known band in the list but this year is going to be huge for them. Definitely coming back with a bang and I wouldn’t be surprised if they headlined a festival or two this summer. Such a well loved band who continue to grow in sound and from what I heard the other night the third album won’t let anyone down. Not going to go into great deal about them as you’ve probably heard of The Maccabees and my eyes are starting to strain at all these words but if you haven’t heard PELICAN yet then GO AND LISTEN TO IT.
9. MICHAEL KIWANUKA
A pretty obvious one. But I guess in a world where Adele rules all right now, Michael could be the successor. He’s already been voted into the BBC Sound of 2012 and wait for it… won! A pretty good start to 2012 if ever there could be. He supported Adele on her tour so no doubt will have won over some of her fans. The so called fans of the “new-boring” or whatever that nonsense is that Emily keeps going on to me about! Michael is a soul musician and his voice is his asset. It’s absolutely fantastic and Kiwanuka has obviously been influenced by some great artists. His album drops on the 23rd of March and expect it to chart very well. I think he’ll go down very well in America too later on.
10. LANA DEL REY
If you haven’t heard of her where have you been in the last 6 months? Obviously not using the internet anyway. Her albums out in a few weeks too.
11. AZEALIA BANKS
NME made it cool to hate her by putting her at number 1 of their ridiculous cool list. But how can you hate a girl who repeats the word “cunt” over and over again on the catchiest beat of 2011?
12. SPECTOR
First saw Spector at Get Loaded In The Park in June. I had no expectations and only stumbled upon them because it was bucketing down with rain and there happened to be music on inside of this tent. For the next 20 minutes I was very impressed with both the lead singers stage presence and the band’s sound in general. It seems as though since then the band has gone from strength to strength. Championed by the BBC somewhat - from Introducing stage at Reading to Sound of 2012 nominees - but for good reason, this band are definitely one to watch this coming year.
13. BAND OF SKULLS
With a new album on the way and a support slot for The Black Keys this is set to be a big year for Band Of Skulls. My music reviewing friend knows them and used to tell me I should check them out but I always ignored his calls. 2012 should be the year everyone stands up to take notice of their fantastic sound. He also told me that they used to be called something else and it was only when they changed their name to Band Of Skulls that they started to gain recognition.
14. SELAH SUE
Already making major moves about Europe this Belgian singer is surely going to break the UK at some point. I think 2012 could be the year. What with the internet and YouTube these days you never know when someone is going to get their big break! I have no idea if she has an album coming out this year but I’m a huge fan having been introduced to her pretty recently and will stick my neck out and say that by the end of 2012 she’ll be pretty well known around these parts!
15. ALABAMA SHAKES
A big black woman with an absolutely incredible booming voice fronting a band full of guitars. What’s not to like? I mean I personally can’t wait to see this band live next month! They are currently touring the US and playing some shows with DRY THE RIVER (see number 1). If you haven’t listened to them then YouTube yourself silly and prepare to be blown away.
15 will do me just fine though some notable mentions should go to the following:
(Source: theperksofbeingahallflower)
I’ve been wanting to do one of these lists for a while now. I’ll pick 20 bands/artists that will be on everyone’s lips come this time next year. Or something like that we hope…
These will be in no particular order and I’ll be adding some throughout the week…
1. DRY THE RIVER
One of my most anticipated album releases of the year. Comes out at the start of March and this band is destined for huge, huge things. They’ve been compared to Mumford & Sons on numerous occasions and though I doubt they’ll have the same impact they do bare some similarities and are perhaps just as talented. A rockier version would be a bit more accurate I suppose though if you’ve only ever listened to the first minute or two of their songs you probably wouldn’t know that. They tend to build tracks brilliantly, creating captivating but hushed intros and deafening, breathtaking outros. None more so on the song Lion’s Den - a song the band seem to frequently close with - which is really quite something to see live! I’ve seen them 4 times this year and each time I’ve been blown away at just how good this band is. 2011 was a big year for the Londoners (and Norwegian frontman!?), but the BBC Sound of 2012 nominees will surely shoot to stardom in this coming 12 months. And I wouldn’t be surprised to see the album on many a Best of 2012 list as they really are that good.
2. TRIBES
This Camden band have got a fantastic sound. Their album is also out this year, though in January so expect to hear a lot about them very soon indeed; if you haven’t already. In Coming of Age they have an anthem that you could quite easily see 70,000 people singing their hearts to and the rest of the tracks I’ve heard so far don’t disappoint either. Himalaya in particular is one that I’m really looking forward to when the album drops. This week it’s come out that the guitarist is getting a bit kinky with Scarlett Johansson which will surely no doubt only do the band good in terms of coverage and press. When I saw them at Electric Ballroom this year it was probably one of the liveliest gigs of the year and they seem to have a big fanbase growing very quickly indeed. I suggest you jump on while it’s “cool” ladies & gents!
3. KEATON HENSON
If this guy could get over his fear of playing live then surely he’d be huge right? I mean to my knowledge he’s only ever played live once or twice and he’s still got a pretty good following. You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are was in my top 5 tracks of 2011. An absolutely beautiful song from a seemingly troubled but ultimately very talented man. Got some great coverage from Radio 1 late in the year and with his album Deer getting a wider release - it sold out it’s limited release very quick I believe - he could become a cult hero amongst the indie crowd, very much in the mould of when Justin Vernon had cabin fever.
4. CLOUD CONTROL
I have a feeling that this wonderful Australian band have an album coming out this year though I’m not certain. Either way, after supporting The Drums on their recent tour as well as having their own headline tour late this year they are sure to become a part of every person’s party playlist soon. Their tracks are just as infectious as indie darling’s Two Door Cinema Club but with a rocky and more exciting edge. Already won a few awards in Aussie land and will do very well on the Festival scene this year if they play UK ones.
5. BEN HOWARD
I’m quite pleased that 4 of the first 5 mentioned are UK acts. The majority of my top 40 albums of 2011 were American, so hopefully 2012 can prove better in the eyes of Josh for the Brits. Ben Howard has already had a great 2011 but I’m pretty sure he’ll go mainstream this year. The man has an absolutely golden voice, a seemingly great personality - I mean I haven’t personally spoken to him! - and just makes fantastic music. One of my favourite live acts of the year and albums. It’s almost a little disheartening to see the attention Ed Sheeran (I have nothing against Ed) gets when there’s someone as talented as Ben looming in the background. However with a headline tour to come, the Festival season ahead, and that great thing called word of mouth, whether it’s 2012 or not I’m pretty sure Ben Howard will soon be a superstar.
6. THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM
Okay, so they’re an established band and why would they have a big 2012? Three albums in and they still haven’t really had a big hit record… Well boys & girls, their my favourite band and I can put in whomever I want. And let’s not forget 2012 is going to be a big year for Bruce Springsteen with Hyde Park & Isle of Wight on the way. Who knows, maybe Brian Fallon might jump on stage with him again! And let’s also not forget that TGA’s first three albums were all released independently. 2012 will be the first album release with a major record label. Perhaps it could be the spark for something big. After all, this band deserve it as much as anyone. Yes, I’m wearing my biased hat right now, but all my points are valid, and if you haven’t listened to The Gaslight Anthem now then you should. And if you haven’t listened to The Gaslight Anthem come the end of 2012, then frankly your opinions are invalid.
7. THE CHEVIN
I saw this band support The Airborne Toxic Event at Shepherd’s Bush recently having never heard of them and thought they sounded like something special. I went home, looked them up and saw they had a total of 800 fans! I started to doubt my judgement until I saw that they were not only the one and only support for TATE but also for The Pigeon Detectives. Not only that, they were opening for White Lies at Wembley Arena. All in the space of two months! I’m pretty sure I won’t be the only one to see anything in this band who really do have a great sound. The lead singer’s voice is fantastic, especially live and while I haven’t seen much of their stuff yet, if they get a few singles and an album out then 2012 could see them blow up out of absolutely nowhere! I suppose you could call them my wildcard pick!
8. THE MACCABEES
Another well known band in the list but this year is going to be huge for them. Definitely coming back with a bang and I wouldn’t be surprised if they headlined a festival or two this summer. Such a well loved band who continue to grow in sound and from what I heard the other night the third album won’t let anyone down. Not going to go into great deal about them as you’ve probably heard of The Maccabees and my eyes are starting to strain at all these words but if you haven’t heard PELICAN yet then GO AND LISTEN TO IT.
9. MICHAEL KIWANUKA
A pretty obvious one. But I guess in a world where Adele rules all right now, Michael could be the successor. He’s already been voted into the BBC Sound of 2012 and wait for it… won! A pretty good start to 2012 if ever there could be. He supported Adele on her tour so no doubt will have won over some of her fans. The so called fans of the “new-boring” or whatever that nonsense is that Emily keeps going on to me about! Michael is a soul musician and his voice is his asset. It’s absolutely fantastic and Kiwanuka has obviously been influenced by some great artists. His album drops on the 23rd of March and expect it to chart very well. I think he’ll go down very well in America too later on.
10. LANA DEL REY
If you haven’t heard of her where have you been in the last 6 months? Obviously not using the internet anyway. Her albums out in a few weeks too.
11. AZEALIA BANKS
NME made it cool to hate her by putting her at number 1 of their ridiculous cool list. But how can you hate a girl who repeats the word “cunt” over and over again on the catchiest beat of 2011?
12. SPECTOR
First saw Spector at Get Loaded In The Park in June. I had no expectations and only stumbled upon them because it was bucketing down with rain and there happened to be music on inside of this tent. For the next 20 minutes I was very impressed with both the lead singers stage presence and the band’s sound in general. It seems as though since then the band has gone from strength to strength. Championed by the BBC somewhat - from Introducing stage at Reading to Sound of 2012 nominees - but for good reason, this band are definitely one to watch this coming year.
13. BAND OF SKULLS
With a new album on the way and a support slot for The Black Keys this is set to be a big year for Band Of Skulls. My music reviewing friend knows them and used to tell me I should check them out but I always ignored his calls. 2012 should be the year everyone stands up to take notice of their fantastic sound. He also told me that they used to be called something else and it was only when they changed their name to Band Of Skulls that they started to gain recognition.
14. SELAH SUE
Already making major moves about Europe this Belgian singer is surely going to break the UK at some point. I think 2012 could be the year. What with the internet and YouTube these days you never know when someone is going to get their big break! I have no idea if she has an album coming out this year but I’m a huge fan having been introduced to her pretty recently and will stick my neck out and say that by the end of 2012 she’ll be pretty well known around these parts!
15. ALABAMA SHAKES
A big black woman with an absolutely incredible booming voice fronting a band full of guitars. What’s not to like? I mean I personally can’t wait to see this band live next month! They are currently touring the US and playing some shows with DRY THE RIVER (see number 1). If you haven’t listened to them then YouTube yourself silly and prepare to be blown away.
15 will do me just fine though some notable mentions should go to the following:
I always look forward to these silly lists and hope in anticipation that a few of my favourites make it in there. This years list is quite a mixed bunch in terms of genres.
Now there’s a few artists I’m not overly familar with. I have never listened to Dot Rotten, Friends, Jamie N Commons (apparently I saw him live once but I don’t remember him), Ren Harvieu or Stooshe so I’ll won’t comment on their inclusions. Not least until I listen to them anyway.
Of the 10 other artists it’s not too bad a list. I’m not sure there’s a huge standout act this year such as Florence (didn’t actually win)/Adele in past years. Though if there is one it will surely be NME’s new favourite rapper and apparent coolest person in the world Azealia Banks who looks to take over the world Nicki Minaj style in 2012. In the crude but fantastically catchy grower “212” she has a ready made “take over the world” track so that’s a good start. Not sure the rest of her music is quite up to that standard yet but I can understand the hype and I’m interested to see how the next few months work out for her.
My favourite act on the list would be London band Dry The River. A band I’ve been following very closely in 2011 having seen them live on a number of occasions. I can’t praise this band highly enough. It took me a little while to warm to them but having seen their headline show at Scala just a few months ago I’m pretty sure this band are going to be a huge success, not just in 2012 but over the coming years at Festivals and such. You may remember a little folk band named Mumford & Sons setting the world on fire over the last few years, while I don’t think Dry The River will quite have the same success their London counterparts did but they definitely throw up some similarities in terms of their music, their talent and the direction they are headed. I also like the fact that the lead singer is Norwegian and one of the band members was homeless at one point. Don’t ask me why I like those facts or felt they were important enough to tell you but some pointless trivia never hurt anyone. Their album is set for release early 2012 (around the same time as Mumford’s funnily enough) and if tracks like No Rest, New Ceremony & Lion’s Den are included I’m sure it will be one to remember.
A$AP Rocky comes into the BBC Sound of 2012 riding the wave of a $3 million record deal so you’d expect a big year for Harlem born - like Azealia Banks -rapper. Dubstep makes an appareance in the likes of Flux Pavillion and Grammy nominated Skillex… Now I know there are rules and regulations like no top 20 UK hits and such for these Sound of 2012 lists but surely if you’ve been nominated for a Grammy or FIVE you can’t qualify?! OFWGKTA had a huge 2011 sweeping the blogging nation by storm and now in Frank Ocean have a new star on the horizon. Though, is this man not already a star. Yes, he may not be taking over our screens just yet. But any man who’s collaborated on not one, but two tracks from the Kanye West/Jay-Z “Watch The Throne” album is surely already pretty big time!
Lianne Le Havas and Michael Kiwanuka have both appeared on this season’s Jools Holland and are included. Both are black singer songwriters with promising futures, lots of soul and huge amounts of talent. Kiwanuka has already opened for the likes of Laura Marling & Adele and the-Otis-Redding-influenced singer is one artist I’m really looking out for in 2012. Talking of support acts, Lianna Le Havas impressed so much on Jools that she snagged a support slot on Bon Iver’s US Tour! Not bad at all…
The final acts picking up spots in the Top 15 would be Swedish duo Niki & The Dove who’s electro-pop offerings have found favour with NME and Radio 1 and fantastic new band Spector. I actually found out about Spector on a bit of an off chance. They were playing a set at Get Loaded In The Park in June this year having not heard of them I wasn’t planning on going to see the band. However with the rain pouring down my friend and I fled to the nearest tent with music to go smoke and get some rain cover. I looked at my programme and saw the band coming on stage at this moment were Spector and to be quite frank I was expecting very little. But I extremely and very pleasantly surprised by how good they sounded. Led by Fred McPherson, another artist to get a bit of the NME Cool treatment - he also appeared in the top 10, like Azealia - the band are set to support Florence & The Machine in the new year. 2012 is set to be a big year for them as with all 15 acts on the list…
Michael Kiwanuka - I’ll Get Along
And here’s the man himself in action. This song is addictive. I need to increase my vocabulary cos I seem to describe everything as beautiful lately.
His voice though, it’s soulful, sunny and makes me groove in my chair.
(via mindlessboogie)
This month ahead is looking pretty rosy for music. Okay, so I’m not going Glasto which I’m pretty bummed about but I’ll get to watch it all on tele and go to some fabulous concerts around those dates.
Hopefully I’ll find one or two little gigs to go to in between all that too! But it looks like an exciting month ahead for me! Be jealous guys, unless you are going to Glastonbury in which case I’m the jealous one.
