Emerging Icons is your #1 place to find the freshest artists and effing awesome gigs. Each week we like to round up a fine selection of shows for your delectation and hope to inspire you to go out and support your local new music scene.
There's nowt quite like seeing a new band live. With so many ace venues around the country, you have countless chances to get out and see the next-big-things and hot-new-sounds before most other people know about em! Check out our previews for next week's top tips and follow the links to visit each artist's Emerging Icons profile. Once you're there you can hit the star at the top of their page to become their official SuperFan, click on the music note next to your favourite tracks to add them to your personal playlist... and of course, let them know you're attending their show.
So who's grabbed our attention this week? Let's find out as we reveal our Top Five Emerging Icons live...
Tuesday 18th June
Helen & those sultry Sirens of hers are heading to The Bedford for a cracking warm-up gig ahead of their performance on our stage at Beach Break Live on 21st June. Sexy, strong and full of belting alt pop melodies, it's like discovering Florence + The Machine for the first time all over again. They've got something incredibly striking about their sound- exuding glamour, drama, tribal elements and beautiful poetry all at once. It's sumptuous and stunning- and will spring to life before your very eyes should you make it down to this show. You're in for a treat so we strongly advise you do...
Tuesday 18th June
Now- here's a voice you won't be forgetting in a while. Having spent most of her early years surrounded by music, it was almost inevitable that ABI was going to become a musician. Having started writing songs from the age of 13, her talent has developed into something very impressive- taking the best elements of rock, pop and soul and mashing them into something unmistakeably hers. This intimate showcasing at Notting Hill Arts Club will provide the perfect introduction to any new fan. If you like a vocal performance with the ability to blow your freakin' mind, you definitely need to witness this lady doing her thing. Don't miss out...
Friday 21st June
It may come as no surprise that we can highly recommend the amazing array of talent being showcased at The Newquay Arms during Beach Break Live this year- and that's cos IT'S OUR FLIPPIN' STAGE! After weeks of deliberation from you loyal SuperFans out there, our final line-up is fully confirmed and raring to go. It's a veritable pick n mix of sound; taking you from the rock n' roll of Auction For The Promise Club and Dirty Fair, the indie loving vibes of Goodbye Stereo and Dance A La Plage, country folk hijinks of Gentlemen Duke, nu-soul of Alice Amelia, pop melodies of Raphaella, gypsy jazz of Annaca... we would go on but we'd be here all day. Check out our full line up here and if you're coming down to Cornwall. FYI, it's time to get excited.
Saturday 22nd June
The Strangers were one of the most popular acts to have starred in our Webstivals in the last few weeks; their intelligent fusing of rap, hip hop and indie rock forging a unique sound perfect for any new music fan's personal playlist. While they may not have been able to join us at our stage in Newquay; they are still set to rock one of their biggest shows to date as they provide live music for The Clash Of The Titans Fight Night at Troxy. Danny Williams takes on Dominic Negus and this London mob are set to get the party kicked off in style. Knowing just how good their tunes are, there's even a chance they may steal the boxing anthem crown from Survivor's 'Eye Of The Tiger' we reckon...
Saturday 22nd June
While we're obviously pretty preoccupied with the awesomeness that is Beach Break Live's line-up this year- let's not forget that there's going to be plenty more weekenders to head to now that festival season is here. Oxford-dwellers should definitely give Witney's Battstock a go as local alt rock trio The Scholars are on this year's bill. The former Absolute Radio shortlistees have been on a steadily upward progression- scoring numerous BBC radio appearances and heading out on tour with the likes of Chapel Club and Two Door Cinema Club amongst others. Taking influence from indie rockers like The Boxer Rebellion and dark 80s brooders like New Order you can expect nothing short of epic when this lot take to the stage.
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 loads more amazing artists!