One’s to watch in 2010: The Re-Cap

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Rob

About this time last year, like every other music blog out there, I posted a list of artists I thought would have a good year in 2010.  Well, what better time than now to follow-up and see how they did in the surreal world they call the music industry.

Some had stellar years, others practically disappeared… so here, the ones to watch in review

Andreya Triana – I knew she wouldn’t become a household name, and I think she would never have expected to.  I still think 2010 was a pretty good year for Ms. Triana, in which she spent a large part touring with Bonobo.  She released her debut album, Lost Where I Belong, rather quietly in August.

 

 

 

Big Sean – “…I wish that I could take you off tour, put you in the studio so you focus more on my sh*t”, Big Sean muses to Kayne West on his Say What’s Real freestyle.  In reality, the only thing Kanye did when he came off tour was head in to the studio to focus on his own sh*t.  From all the promise and potential Big Sean has all he has managed to muster in 2010 was a couple of mixtapes and features; nothing earth-shattering.  Think he really needs to put the effort in during 2011.

 

 

Bluey Robinson – Bluey was particularly hard working in 2010.  Two spots at Wireless Festival and supporting Tinie Tempah on his UK tour were amongst the highlights (still maintaining in a stellar live show).  Bluey does still seem to be waiting for the game changing break.  Finger’s crossed it’ll come during 2011, and as I’ve mentioned before, once he has that… he may just take over the world, one song at a time.

 

 

 

Eliza Doolittle – Don’t really need to say much about how great 2011 was for Ms. Doolittle; her debut album went Platinum and reached No. 3 in the UK album charts.  Her single Pack Up got serious rotation and peaked at No. 5 (going Gold).  She’s currently trying to crack America (guess we’ll be seeing her back in London Town soon then J)

 

 

 

Marina & the Diamonds – Marina had a somewhat mixed year.  It started great; she seemed to be everywhere and on every TV show imaginable.  She even managed to pick up the Best UK & Irish Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards.  Then it all went a little quiet.  In 2010, none of her singles cracked the Top 10 (indeed her most recent release Shampain peak at 141).  Her debut, The Family Jewels, was well received by critics and went Gold.

 

 

Mike Posner – Mike Posner was seemingly going to do absolutely nothing in the UK during 2010… then towards the end of another British excuse for a summer, a remix of Cooler Than Me appeared on the radio.  Before long the song seemed to be staple on music TV and it charted at No. 5.  Yeah, I think the single version is massively inferior to the original… but hey, what do I know!

 

 

Rox – Rox, one of my favourite new artists in 2009, had a great 2010, however not so great in the UK.  Despite getting a lot of support from the UK music press (NME included) she struggled to connect with the public and radio playlists.  Her lead single “My Baby Left Me” reached 91 in the UK charts and her debut album, Memoirs, could only muster No. 97.  However, the world is a big place and Rox scored massive success in continental Europe; Memoirs reached No. 2 in France and No. 11 in Italy.  You go girl!

 

So that’s my re-cap on last year… 2011 soon to follow!

Soulside Funk

 

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Gig News: Rox… and Ed Sheeran on June 17th

Posted on May 31, 2010 by Rob

Any regular to this blog will know what two of my favourite artists at the moment are Rox and Ed Sheeran.  So imagine my surprise and horror when I find out they are both playing important gigs on the same night in different parts of London Town!!!!  This is a serious clash!

Rox, is playing her quasi-album release show at Scala, Kings Cross.  She has recently been touring in the run up to releasing her debut album, Memoirs, due June 7th.  Her shows are always full of great energy and fantastic music and if the release of the album 10 days prior goes well there should be a fairly magical vibe in the place.  I remember Mini Viva putting on the show of their lives a week after they hit no. 8 in the charts and I am sure the Rox show will be just as special if it all goes well the week before.  Tickets are £9 (+fees) which is a bargain for Rox in my opinion.

The Ed Sheeran gig is also big news because it will be marking a rather significant first.  Ed has been going from strength to strength recently, his time in America and recording with Sway (amongst others) really cementing this.

Not too long ago Ed found some musicians to start a band (his show is usually one man and a loop machine) and June 17th will be his first show with band accompaniment – so very special indeed.  It will be taking place at The Rhythm Factory, Shoreditch and tickets are a fiver (more details found on flyer here).

Which ever show you choose you will be guaranteed a fantastic evening of music… now to make the choice, anyone got a 50p piece I can toss?

Next time, they should really talk to each other or play the same show!!!

Soulside Funk

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Gig Review and Pictures: Rox @ The Jazz Café (08.02.10)

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Rob

I wasn’t going to write anything more about Rox because I don’t think there’s anything left to say and I’ve probably given her too many column inches without even as much love as free gig ticket!

What I find interesting about her is the bigger she gets the more humility has started to seep into her ice-cool frame, admitting on Tuesday night she was star-struck when meeting Krystle Warren (who was on the same bill).

The more I see her the more she reminds me of a young Lauryn Hill, so much so that I half expect her to stiffen her upper lip, throw up a gang sign and start dropping a rhyme or two.  Rox, if you or any of your people are reading this… please don’t (start rapping that is).

I hadn’t planned to reach The Tabernacle on March 18th… however if there is still no sign of an album or new songs on the Myspace I just might have to.

Soulside Funk

Rox @ Jazz Cafe 04Rox @ Jazz Cafe 02Rox @ Jazz Cafe 05 Rox @ Jazz Cafe 06 Rox @ Jazz Cafe 01

Formatting

for an encore try…



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Gig Review & Pictures: Rox @ Dingwalls (26.01.10)

Posted on January 30, 2010 by Rob

On Tuesday night Rox pulled on a new dress and fired off another great performance, yet again showing why her and her band are slowly gathering quite a lot of heat.

My Baby Left Me and No Going Back started the set in the right way with their mid-tempo bop along soul.

New songs such as I Don’t Believe You were great, that one a funky mid-tempo tunes with heavy Ska overtones.  Sad Eyes was a subtle yet urgent record; Rox’s Love’s A Losing Game, who knows?

Rox is at her best though when belting out reggae jams.  OK, so I felt like a bit of a dickhead when she played ‘Dreams’ and I was probably the only person in the whole place who didn’t recognise it (considering there was probably only about 10 black people their (incl. her band) that was a poor show on my part!) – still she smacked it and I was pretending to know it by end.  Her own reggae offering, Rox Steady, is still infectious and one of her best records.

Breakfast In Bed is still one of the stand-outs as it sums her up the best, fusing the reggae and mid-tempo soul effortlessly with some homely song-writing.

Rox has gotten better with each show I’ve seen and I cannot wait for the album to be released (and it’ll mean I can cut down on the shows).  Truth be told I’m a little nervous because I want it to be fantastic.   Well my fingers, toes and everything else is crossed that her and the band have an awesome 2010.

Seeing this girl live is essential… if you haven’t already what are you waiting for?

Soulside Funk

Formatting

Rox at Dingwalls, LondonRox at Dingwalls, LondonRox at Dingwalls, LondonRox at Dingwalls, LondonRox at Dingwalls, LondonRox at Dingwalls, LondonRox at Dingwalls, LondonRox at Dingwalls, LondonRox at Dingwalls, LondonRox at Dingwalls, London

Formatting

for an encore try…

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My Thoughts… Ones to look for in 2010

Posted on December 28, 2009 by Rob

If you are a regular to this site, (most of) the names on the list should be fairly familiar.  These are few people who I think should have massive years in 2010.

Andreya TrianaAndreya Triana

Lost Where I Belong is such a f***ing awesome record that I have a feeling, for me, Andreya Triana will be one of the artists to really make 2010.  She may not sell truck loads of records and she may not get the radio play she deserves, however everyone who looks up Ms. Triana in 2010 will be musically blessed (no pressure on the album then! lol).

Big SeanBig Sean

Signed to Kanye West’s Good Music Big Sean is set to have a massive 2010 (even though he really should have blown in 2009) and he will be the years Kid Cudi or Drake.  He too is part of the uber-cool wave of US rappers that weren’t raised in the ghetto so have new things (well kinda new…) to talk about.

Bluey RobinsonBluey Robinson

If… and this is a big if… If Bluey Robinson gets airplay from Radio 1 on a primetime show he will spread like wildfire.  And probably take over the world!  If not, he will probably remain one the UK Urban scenes best kept secrets.  If you like R&B add him to your must see live list because the shows are fun (even if just to people watch) and the music comes alive.

Eliza DoolittleEliza Doolittle

One little trend I see coming next year is a resurgence of the folk sound, it being re-imagined with indie/pop overtones.  Of all the people delivering this kind of music, Eliza Doolittle is the pick of the bunch. She recently released the imaginatively titled, Eliza Doolittle EP, and it showcases her quirky song-writing and swing-along, honest beats.  Oh, and it looks like she likes the colour yellow… a win on all levels.

I Haunt WizardsI Haunt Wizards

If this band blow in 2010 it will be a victory of myspace.  They have a ridiculous online following for their electro-disco pop and have been quietly causing quite a scene in 2009.  They should have a great a 2010, especially giggin’ wise and if one of  their records gets picked up by a big DJ I predict massive things (btw – their recent remix to Arcade Eden’s Black Light was pretty darn good).

MArinaMarina & the Diamonds

A long term favourite of ours is set to have a massive year.  She has quietly been amassing a significant following as 2009 progressed and managed to impress more than a few people on the recent NME Radar Tour.  She is due an album in 2010 so expect Ms. Marina’s hard-edged quirky indie pop to become plastered in your face sometime soon.

Mike PosnerMike Posner

Mr. Posner graced 2009 with two of the best mixtapes of the year on the scene.  If ya not familiar with him, think a singing Asher Roth. He brings to the table tales about college and girls that are devilishly funny.  Album is out at some point in 2010 and with it this dude should blow.

MphoMpho

Another favourite from this website was set to have a massive 2010, however uncertainties about the release date of her album (which is being continually pushed back) have cast a grey cloud over what should be a fantastic year.  Despite the Remi Nicole-esque lead single the rest of her music is fantastic. Lively, passionate and cheeky.  Of all the people listed here I want her doubly to succeed because she seems like a lovely person too!

RoxRox

Rox should be blowing up right about…  … now!!!  Seriously, this girl has gone from strength to strength as 2009 has progressed.  She is now a regular on BBC radio (even getting chummy with Dermott).  Her music is fantastic, and her live show even better.  This is UK Neo-Soul music that can easily compete and surpass the US competition.  Fingers crossed the album will demonstrate that in the way her live shows already do.

Soulside Funk

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Gig Alert: Marina & The Diamonds, Rox & Stricken City @ Dingwalls (26.01.2010)

Posted on December 16, 2009 by Rob

I could lie and say this was the Soulside Funk ones to watch concert because both Marina & the Diamonds, and Rox have long been featured on this website and are both in my list for 2010 (just editing it now – thought I’d post this first though).

This gig should be immense because it features three of my favourite discoveries from 2009 (Stricken City’s Tak-O-Tak is madness, even if I cannot understand a word the girl says!).  We have to thank MTV for this gig, and tickets are £10 (+ change).  It’s at Dingwalls in Camden and on January 26th. Tickets are only available from SeatWave.

WARNING!!!!  SeatWave automatically add Ticket Protection to your order (which adds another £1.05 on top of the already exorbitant fees – not much, however its the principal).  I didn’t notice so got stung… don’t say I didn’t warn ya!

So it looks like 2010 definitely is starting with real potential and dream gigs seem to be falling out of the sky.  Hmmm… wouldn’t it be nice if Mamas Gun, Beverley Knight, Zarif, Mpho, The Ting Tings, The Roots, Speech Debelle, Eliza Doolittle and Mike Posner all played LoveBox this summer… on the same day – oh a BlackStar reunion would be nice too???? ps. I had to cut that list very short

Soulside Funk

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Gig Review and Pictures: Rox @ Shepherds Bush Empire 11.10.09

Posted on October 14, 2009 by Rob

Rox Banner Temp

OK, so the headline billing at the Shepherds Bush Empire on Sunday night was actually Daniel Merriweather, however I was only there for one reason, and that was for a little soul singer from East London…

My previous experience of Rox was cut short because the last train was looming so I had to sprint after a few songs at Hoxton Bar & Grill.  My first impressions were impressive; vibrant tunes with a strong diverse voice full of bite and pizzazz, yet able to rein it in when necessary.

(My) Expectations were high as she graced the just a little after 8pm, and about 2 mins in, after a booming start, I was able to relax as I realised I was going to enjoy this.

The songs were as good as the first time I heard them.  Stands out were Rox Steady, a wholesome reggae number (available for free download from her website… do it now!) and the final song which I’m calling Breakfast in Bed (although it’s probably called Out of my Head).  Tell Me Truth was a really nice bouncy number too.

The show was fun, even getting the crowd to dance a long with her to the aforementioned Rox Steady.

Keep a close eye on this one because although she may not become a household (UK soul acts never really do) there is the potential for one hell of an album… and some smoking gigs to come.  I look forward to them

Soulside Funk

Rox Shepherds Bush Empire 01Rox Shepherds Bush Empire 02Rox Shepherds Bush Empire 03Rox Shepherds Bush Empire 04Rox Shepherds Bush Empire 05Rox Shepherds Bush Empire 06Rox Shepherds Bush Empire 08Rox Shepherds Bush Empire 09Rox Shepherds Bush Empire 07

Ps. Just found out she is supporting Raphael Saadiq on Monday night (at the Bush Empire again), now that should be just a little bit tasty

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Waxin’ Lyrical on… Rox

Posted on August 2, 2009 by Rob

Rox Banner

It seems that UK soul may be going through a bit of resurgence – Zarif (who I still need to Wax Lyrical about…), Mamas Gun, and from Ireland we have Laura Izibor… it’s a good time to be a lover of UK soul and now we can add Rox to the list of treats!

I’ll be honest; I stumbled across Rox by accident.  I had just finished interviewing Bright Light, Bright Light and decided to hang around to see who else was playing on the night.  Just as I was contemplating leaving to catch the last train, Rox took the stage and I had to stay because who cares about a last train when each song gets better and better…

What I love about Rox is the sound is so raw and unpolished; rough around the edges to made each song sound that more relevant, that more vital.  Her voice is like wet velvet – trapped somewhere between Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill; raw enough to make you care, yet sweet enough to make you listen!

Rox is definitely one to keep an eye on.  To be honest, her myspace page doesn’t do her justice, you have to see her live to really get the Rox experience.  When you do you’ll understand my excitement.  UK Soul is back baby!!!!

Soulside Funk

Rox 002Rox 001Rox 003Rox 004Rox 006Rox 005

Links

Rox Myspace – http://www.myspace.com/roxmusik

Disclaimer: I am not saying she is as good or better than Nina Simone, or Lauryn Hill, just that her voice is somewhere inbetween the two distinct sounds for a unique sound of her own.  Thought i’d add that before some superfan starts sending me death threats!! (“,)

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