If it's new music and awesome gigs you're after, you've come to the right place. You can stop the search and whip your diaries out cos we've got some dates right here that you need to make a note of. NOW.
There are loads of gigs from our Emerging Icons taking place across the country every week, but we've picked out just five that we reckon you simply cannot miss. Basically, no matter what happens, you're obliged- as new music lovers- get your arse down to the following shows. To let the artists know that you plan on attending, follow the links below to visit their listings and click on 'YES', you're going to be there. They'll be glad to know that they have your support and you can get that nice Superfan glow going on.
So, without further ado, let us introduce you to the five Emerging Icons with the shows you just cannot miss..
Wednesday 1st May
Acoustic singer-songwriter Lucy Kitt makes sure that May starts off as a great month for live music as she performs for the Driftwood Sessions at The Elgin in Ladbroke Grove this evening. Despite her South-East England upbringing, her creative soul most definitely lies across the pond; with LA's Laurel Canyon bearing great influence on her warmly mellow sound. The folky edge that dominates the character of her music brings to mind the work of artists such as Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, as well as incorporating an earthier country vibe. It's no wonder that she's already building a significant fanbase over in the US. This is definitely one you'll want to watch live while if you have the chance.
My Everest at The Boileroom: Guildford, Surrey
If there's one thing you can rely on Guildford's Boileroom for it's to create an atmosphere that makes you want to have a good time, jump around and get very sweaty. Ska rockers New Riot are a band looking to make the most of such a place of beery wonder, and they're bringing Emerging Icons My Everest along for the ride as well. The all-girl quartet are doing awesome things for the cause of female alt bands, blending rich pop melodies and a polished vocal performance with the crunchier edge and a punky vibe. Fans of You Me At Six and Paramore should probably check to see if they're free to go along to the show tonight...
Thursday 2nd May
David Sinclair and his blues rocking band join New Yorker Willie Nile on his date with London's prestigious 100 Club. A venue that has seen a mind-blowing number of world-renowned artists perform on its stage over the decades, London's legendary live music lair will provide an intimate and authentic setting for the classic sounds of the sixties and seventies that flavour DS3's tunes. David's nimble abilities as a wordsmith are of repute in more ways than one- with this creative project supplementing his day job as a music journo at The Times. Come see what he's capable of when he gets in the spotlight himself...
Friday 3rd May
Katalina Kicks are celebrating the release of their new single 'Forever Young' the only way they know how... with an epic night of pure, unadulterated indie rock n' roll. Tonight, The Barfly hosts a fine array of live acts upstairs and some blinding guest DJs downstairs as Jubilee's Club Night struts into town. With the party buzzing til 3am, Katalina Kicks' appearance will set the tone of this rather sexy riff-filled soiree. Their dynamic garage rock will make that dancefloor explode for sure- a perfect soundtrack to sink a can or two at this cheeky all-nighter. Beefy, hard-hitting and packing quite a punch, this is one of the bands everyone will be talking about in Camden tonight.
Saturday 4th May
Mesmerising Brummie five-piece The Mourning Suns are taking to the stage at The Flapper tonight alongside Sunrise Over Europe. Their powerfully poetic and skilfully creative alt sound is something that needs to be experienced live; combining touches of sixties psychedelic folk, occasional nods to jazz instrumentals and Kate Bush-style harmonies. As this show follows soon after an appearance in Kerrang's Unsigned Lounge, there's plenty to suggest that this is an act with the ability to continue impressing fans and critics alike. We're definitely sold, so do make a note of getting to their show if you can.
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 our homepage where you can find listings from Eastend Promises, XIIIth Floor, Gentlemen Duke and loads more!
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