The temperature may have dropped for the Paralympics, but the mood certainly hasn't. The whole Emerging Icons team are absolutely delighted to be back amid the buzz of London 2012, with a whole new audience set to experience some fantastic music courtesy of our incredible artists.
Getting the day off to a belting start was London based singer-songwriter Robyn Sherwell, who won people over instantly with her ridiculously sweet nature... until maybe the point where she introduced one of her tracks with the not-so-sweet sentiment of 'I wrote this when I was really annoyed... you'll probably be able to tell'. She may have the choir-trained voice of an angel and the stylish girly folksy look going on, but everything about her performance tells you that there's a lot more to this lady than meets the eye. With her voice projecting effortlessly across the park, there were many spectators that were happy to have discovered Robyn on their day out in the Olympic Park.
Proving what a talented artist she is, Robyn was more than happy to just sit down and deliver an impromptu unplugged rendition of her song 'Heart' for us. Have a peep and see for yourself.
Liz Lawrence and her Hackney-based band followed with a simple folk-indie style trio of vocals, acoustic guitars and a cajon. Despite a minimal array of instrumentation, they delivered a truly compelling performance. With harmonised vocals from all members alongside tender strumming, the trio released a sound that was deep and textured with emotion. Soft percussive rattles complimented Liz's delicate, soothing voice, concocting an original tone with folk influences, such as Laura Marling and Feist. Her live performance had the audience entranced, clapping alongside her easy listening and soothing tempos. Her songs brought warmth to the cold and windy day, upbeat and sentimental sounds soaring around the stage. Hers is an act that provides a sensitive, uplifting development to a genre constantly exacerbated with mundane, monotonic musings. Having supported acts like Ben Howard and Michael Kiwanuka, Liz is well on her way to being an established icon of her style.
Looking gorgeous and summery in turquoise silk harem pants she bought in The Lanes, Brighton's Alice Amelia grabbed her Olympic Park opportunity with both hands. Using the platform to spread her message of harmony, love and anti-materialism, the hippy chick vibe goes beyond just her look. But don't underestimate this young lady. She's very firmly grounded in the world of music she'd created, and whether it's by hitting you hard with her incredibly powerful voice, or by surprising you with her skill on the piano, Alice's heart is completely with her songwriting. Taking influences from classic soul and jazz singers as well as contemporary pop, there's something of an Adele effect going on... but this is by no means a copycat act. She's one of a kind and you'll be glad to be acquainted with her.
Our stage is set to host bands of many different shapes, sizes, genres and styles... but sometimes all you need is a guy and a guitar. He's usually backed by his band but on this occasion, Tom Tyler took this more stripped back approach and it worked a treat, really showcasing the simple beauty of good, honest songwriting. It was the picture of perfection- summery melodies and a relaxed atmosphere created by Tom's affable charm. Should Mr Cowell decide to invest in a show called The Likeability Factor, this guy's going to KO all of his competition with a sonic boom of loveliness. Fingers crossed that Simon reads this. All in all it was a splendid addition to the day- and it didn't hurt chucking a curveball in the shape of a Jessie J cover. If you don't like 'Domino' you are surely not of this world.
We couldn't have hoped for a better start off the blocks than this, and tomorrow's line up is going to knock people's socks off. We can't wait.