Tip-offs and musical treats are the name of the game with our Top Five Emerging Icons Live... so brace yourselves, new music fans- cos there's some belting live shows coming your way.
We've got some top quality pop, cheeky indie and even a bit of atmospheric chill for you to feast your ears upon; with all of the artists getting the big fat seal of approval from us over here. There's nowt better than seeing fresh new artists in their natural habitat- and with awesome little gigging venues providing a platform for live performance up and down the country there really is no excuse for you to support your local music scene.
Have a read of our previews for the coming week. When you see something you like the sound of, click on the links to visit each artist's profile and their individual gig listings. Once you're there, you can hit 'YES'- that you plan on attending their show. They'll know they have your support and you can have a reminder whacked onto your personal gig calendar.
So, are we ready? Listen up, cos these are the shows that you really don't want to miss...
Tuesday 11th June
Having been compared to the likes of those perky pop types in Maroon 5 and The Script, Times Red make upbeat melodic tunes that are just made for summertime hangouts with your best mates. While we would probably most like to see this trio singing their hearts out at our next BBQ, we'll happily settle for checking them out at The Garage for now. Lead single 'Not Listening' is due for release on 24th June- and it could very well be the 'Payphone' of 2013. We can't wait to see how the charts take to it. After their appearance on The X Factor last year they're sure to have a legion of ready-made fans- but the reality show cynics should prepare to be very pleasantly surprised by the song-writing prowess of these three. Go along and see just what we mean...
Wednesday 12th June
Those tuning in to check out the exclusive Emerging Icons slot on Absolute Radio yesterday will have already heard exactly why we can highly recommend a live date with Edinburgh's The Machine Room. Their upcoming single 'Sweden' was the stand-out fave on Sarah Champion's shortlist- and what a tune it is. The 'mildly electro-fied dreamers' of Fierce Panda/Label Fandango's newest recruits have plenty to offer the discerning music lover's ear- mainly on account of being bloody stunning. Gentle synths complement the sweetly floating melodies- but this aint all whimsy and sighing. In their own stylish way, The Machine Room produce the most delicate bangers you ever thought could rock a dancefloor. This show with Scanners will be a belter so get down to Birthdays if you can.
Friday 14th June
Ahead of their appearance on the Emerging Icons stage at Beach Break Live, our pals across the water are set to kick their festival season off with a performance at their local Isle of Wight weekender. With an arsenal of new tunes at their disposal, superfans can look forward to a showcasing of new album 'Island' before it's even hit the goddamn shops. If that tasty prospect weren't enough to get you along, we're happy to vouch for the quality of Goodbye Stereo's live set. There's likely to be a bit of cheeky banter, plenty of sexy dancing and an invitation to work up a sweat. That wasn't meant to sound quite so seedy... but you get the idea. They may provide one of your favourite performances of the whole festival.
Saturday 15th June
Acoustic singer-songwriter Samuel James Routledge is on a journey all across the country with his Mixed Tape tour- and with tunes as sweet as his you'd be most wise to try and get to a show if you can. Starting out with our mates at The Bedford on 5th June, his journey takes him via his hometown of Manchester, Sheffield and Bristol before finishing up at The Finsbury. While we're obv ALL about new and original material- we have to confess that we're rather smitten with his cover of Rihanna's 'Diamonds' which you can find over on his Emerging Icons profile. This guy just seems to be able to weave frickin magic with just his voice and a guitar- and that ain't easy to do. With fellas like Ben Howard taking over the musical world right now, we reckon there's definitely room for Samuel James Routledge to thrive.
Saturday 15th June
Glorious 'atmospheric chill' is always appreciated when it's done well, and Henry Green is a bloomin' marvel with a guitar in his hands. With the delicacy of his hauntingly gorgeous tunes, he calls to mind the likes of Bon Iver- so he's likely to go down a storm with the crowds at Sherston Fest. Utilising a vulnerable vocal á la Keaton Henson alongside dreamy, understated instrumentals, the effect is utterly stunning- proper showstopper material in front of a music-loving crowd. His is the sound of twilight, the most quiet and still moments expressed through music... and suffice to say, it's really rather beautiful. We reckon that this is an act that should be on the agenda to anyone attending this cracking little weekender- perhaps offering a much-needed breather from the boozing at this 'cider and music' festival...
If you can't make it down to any of these shows, don't panic! There are plenty more just waiting to be discovered. All you have to do is click on the GIGS tab at the top of the Emerging Icons homepage where you can find listings from loads more amazing artists!